Naiant microphones for overheads

[kurtoxic]

What would you recomend for a pair of stereo drum overheads, the MSH-1 or
MSH-2. Im recording drums in a fairly small room (14 x 18) and i suspect that i wont find any other mics of the same quality for the same price. I really can't go wrong, i just cant decide on what one. Can someone tell me which way to go!? Thanks

 

[scrubs]

I haven't heard from anyone who has used the MSH-2, yet, as they are fairly new. The MSH-1 are great, however. You might want to e-mail Jon, directly, and ask his opinion.

 

[dgatwood]

As much as I like the Naiant mics, if I were buying mics primarily for overheads, I'd probably scrape up the extra money to get a couple of used Oktava MK-012 mics. You can usually find them used for about $70-80 each (about as much per Oktava as for a pair of MSH-2 mics). IMHO, the Oktavas make excellent overheads.

That said, choosing between the Oktavas, I'd go with the MSH-2. I think that the larger diaphragm should make it slightly more directional. I have a pair on order. I'll tell you what I think when I have them.

 

[kessel]

I ordered a pair of MSH-2s about a week ago. I plan on posting an mp3 of them used as drum overheads as soon as I get them.

 

[tarnationsauce2]

Arent those MSH1 mics Omni's? If so I would stay with directional mics in a small room.

 

[dgatwood]

Arent those MSH1 mics Omni's? If so I would stay with directional mics in a small room.

As are the MSH-2. There's no such thing as perfect omnidirectionality, though. The body of the mic creates something of a null, at least in certain frequency ranges.

That said, you're right about directionality being a good thing if you don't have a high ceiling (and really, even if you do). That's probably why I like the MK-012 so much for overheads. Using a pair gives really excellent stereo separation and back rejection.

 

[heroics321]

It looks like the MSH1-K is a cardioid.

 

[scrubs]

It looks like the MSH1-K is a cardioid.

True, but it is not really suited to overheads. The frequency response is very midrange heavy, with relatively weak highs and lows. I haven't tried them as OH, but I suspect they would sound terrible.

 

[leddy]

As much as I like the Naiant mics, if I were buying mics primarily for overheads, I'd probably scrape up the extra money to get a couple of used Oktava MK-012 mics. You can usually find them used for about $70-80 each (about as much per Oktava as for a pair of MSH-2 mics). IMHO, the Oktavas make excellent overheads.

That said, choosing between the Oktavas, I'd go with the MSH-2. I think that the larger diaphragm should make it slightly more directional. I have a pair on order. I'll tell you what I think when I have them.

I own Oktavas (including Soundroom matched omni caps) and MSH-1's.

I'm not ready to make a final claim - I'm still using them in different situations, but I am leaning towards the MSH-1's.

The Oktavas seem to smear things a little more - might be flattering to an individual intrument - but for overheads I like accuracy. Those 5mm diaphragms sound good to me. I have Earthworks mics too, and the MSH-1's sound almost as good. Still evaluating; I'll chime in more later on.

 

[musical5]

The MS1 mics are my first choice on OH. Also, I own a pair of MK012's. Enough said.

 

[mrhotapples]

I would shy away from an omnidirectional mics unless you treat your room or have a good one (as statated) with high cielings to begin with. Too much unwanted reflection which will cloud your recordings. Not good for overheads.

 

[Dogman]

If you're interested, this is 2 MSH-1's as overheads, and an E609 for the kick. Room is 12X12, no treatment.
Drum Only

Don't laugh to much at the drummer....he's only been at it a month or so....

 

[treymonfauntre]

As much as I like the Naiant mics, if I were buying mics primarily for overheads, I'd probably scrape up the extra money to get a couple of used Oktava MK-012 mics. You can usually find them used for about $70-80 each (about as much per Oktava as for a pair of MSH-2 mics). IMHO, the Oktavas make excellent overheads.

That said, choosing between the Oktavas, I'd go with the MSH-2. I think that the larger diaphragm should make it slightly more directional. I have a pair on order. I'll tell you what I think when I have them.

i think $70-80 is a gross understatement

 

[dgatwood]

i think $70-80 is a gross understatement

For a used MK-012, that's pretty typical. I paid $85 for one about three months ago, IIRC, and about that for my first one about two years ago. I didn't say you could get them new for that price, but if you're paying a lot more than that for a used one, you're getting gouged.