MC-012 and Sm81

[omtayslick]

Could someone who's used both give me their impressions of the similarities and differences between these two? And also, are they in the same league quality-wise?

The reason for the question, if it helps is: I am looking for a second acoustic guitar mic to go with my Sm81. While I like the 81, (it is a fine mic) I want to pair it up with something that will "round off" the high end. The other possibility I'm considering is a Crown CM700. Many people describe it as "like an Sm81 with a smoother top end." Could this also be said of the Octava, or is it a completely different thing?

 

[DJL]

Could someone who's used both give me their impressions of the similarities and differences between these two? And also, are they in the same league quality-wise?

The reason for the question, if it helps is: I am looking for a second acoustic guitar mic to go with my Sm81. While I like the 81, (it is a fine mic) I want to pair it up with something that will "round off" the high end. The other possibility I'm considering is a Crown CM700. Many people describe it as "like an Sm81 with a smoother top end." Could this also be said of the Octava, or is it a completely different thing?

IMO, the SM81 is flatter and smoother than the MC-012... also IMO, the Marshall MXL603S is a tad brighter than the MC-012 and may be a better choice to team up with your SM81 for your acoustic guitar.

 

[chessrock]

To be honest, I really can't think of any budget cardiod small-diaphragm condensers with what I would call a flat response; particularly in the top end.

Too bad none of these 797 (or other Chinese) guys aren't reverse-engineering any of the Earthworks models.

 

[CoolCat]

omtayslick?.. anyone sm81 inputs?

So you mention you already have the sm81, how do you like it?
Have you used it on vocals too?

What is a good Vocal & Acoustic micrphone ~$300???
What is a good chain (compressor vendor, eq etc....)

I have been a budget dude with a sm57, Yamaha 8track Mixer/ Minidisk with a 3630 in the strip.
Recording Male vocal and Acoustic.

I can afford one mic.


I have tried the CAD(the square one) and another AT large Dia mic...3035?...both were sold because they just didn't add enough to justify the money...and were difficult to control the sensitivity of the mic.
(rumble was the ac in the attic).

Anyway, Guitar Center semi-pro-studio guy said, "get the sm81 it's an industry standard acoustic...great,great,great mic...versatile, well built....use it on everything..vocals tooo...better than the 57...cheaper than a Sony37 Ribbon...can withstand kids yelling in it and a drop or two..unlike the large dia's..best mic in his studio, he bought three of them and has numerous other mic's but said for a one-trick pony..sm81..."

He was great, seriously, actually spent time looking thru the mics uninterrupted. GC is very busy since Mars is gone...you know, at least here in Dallas.

I paid $285..sm81lc with free pop filter...great dude at GC....

anyway, plugged it in and it doesn't sound much different than my sm57???!!!

I'm starting to think it's something else...room, pre-amp???
I starting to think I could make Neuman sound crappy!!!!