New Overheads for my studio

[drummerdude666]

I'm looking for some new overheads for my drums. At the moment i'm using unbelivibly crap - collins mics... range 80Hz to 16KHz.

I'm looking for new overheads. I have a £300 budget on the studio, but the less i spend the better, as then more cash for other stuff. so probs about £150 for a pair. what can you suggest? I've search and not come up with much at this low price. Am i being unrealistic?

thank
eric

 

[Dogbreath]

Ya might try the Shure KSM 109's. Maybe a skosh over budget (180.00 ea) retail, but ya might find a set on ebay.
I've been using them for about a year. I think they sound fine but I'm no pro. See what ya think...
Peace.... and luck to you in your endeavors

Kel

 

[drummerdude666]

thankyou mate. i'll look into them, thankyou for your help. Any other suggestions?

 

[Stefan Elmblad]

The Röde NT4 stereo x/y mic is great at overheads.

 

[drummerdude666]

looks very nice, over budget though. thankyou.

What other option do i have?

 

[Idgeit]

I love my Oktava 012-01's,

only 277 euro.
www.thomann.de
- Idgeit

 

[giraffe]

that's probably the way to go. (mc-012)

 

[Janesaid2me]

take a look at the mxl 603s those make a nice overhead pair and you can get them both with shick mounts for 200 american....i dont know what that comes out to for you.

 

[drummerdude666]

thanks - i read this review and the 603s dont sound brillaint for overheads. http://www.mojopie.com/603.html

Oktava 012-01 - i'll look into them, what do they sound like? ive looked at the spec but how do they sound to you?

are these all the options?

 

[Dot]

We've tested over 65 mics on drum OH's. The Red5 Audio RV8's tested out great – and one of the top OH LDC mics under $1K. Neutral, smooth, airy sound. http://www.red5audio.com/acatalog/Condensor_Mics.html
They run £99 each in the UK.

 

[Janesaid2me]

Ehhh thats just one guys opinion....all depends on how you place the mikes...and like he said using dark cymbals they worked well....if your only using this mic for drum overheads and have bright cymbals then maybe id be wary...but if your want a multipurpose use it....i think the 603s are a great choice. just my opinion especially for the price

 

[leddy]

I find the Oktavas to offer less harshness and less sibilence than other low priced mics.

 

[jpfour23]

You really owe it to yourself to check out the Studio Projects B1's.. $99ea. These were tested by pros (www.thelisteningsessions.com) using some of the best gear in the industry and still were favored over some $1000 mics.

LD condensers are a better choice for overheads anyway unless you're getting Royer R121's or something. The mid-range SD condensers just don't have what it takes... (according to some of the pros at TLS)

jp

 

[Rickson Gracie]

how do the GT44s compare to the 603s for drum overheads??

 

[chessrock]

how do the GT44s compare to the 603s for drum overheads??

Much, much much darker. More naturally compressed-sounding and smoother on transients (cymbal crashes, etc,) and bright cymbals.

 

[drummerdude666]

Thanks again. I really appreicate your help.

The 603s look nice but i'm looking for mics that will be used always on OHs.

Dot - Thanks for the link, have you ever heard the Red5 Audio RV8's as overheads?

leddy - do you have and drum recordings i could hear with the Oktavas? they sound like really nice mics. thanks for your help.

jpfour23 - The Studio Projects B1's look sweet-They're not noted as being used for overheads though???

And what are the GT44s? lol.

Dogbreath - Do you have recordings with the Shure KSM 109's. Also what does anyone else think of this mic?

 

[DJL]

You really owe it to yourself to check out the Studio Projects B1's.. $99ea. These were tested by pros (www.thelisteningsessions.com) using some of the best gear in the industry and still were favored over some $1000 mics.

LD condensers are a better choice for overheads anyway unless you're getting Royer R121's or something. The mid-range SD condensers just don't have what it takes... (according to some of the pros at TLS)

jp

LDC mics are not always a better choice for drum overheads... I like LDC's too, but many times I've prefered SDC's over LDC's for overheads.
--------------------------------------------------------------

drummerdude666, in your price range you really should at least audition some Oktavas MC-012's... they kick butt.

 

[Surf's Up]

Don't want to take things off on a tangent, but......

Dudes

I've been hunting around Germany/Austria and finding AKG 451 (with CK1)from the 70's, for only a little out of this price range, I'm NOT a drummer, but these where always used in the better venues for live use...........
I'd really appreciate views on 451's especially old ones , as I'm on the verge of buying some.

Any opinions?

 

[Surf's Up]

Ps

I use a 60's Premier Kit with a dry Ride symbol and High hats, I don't use crash cymbals.

Primarily want to record it with classic three Mic Configuration

 

[DJL]

Dudes

I've been hunting around Germany/Austria and finding AKG 451 (with CK1)from the 70's, for only a little out of this price range, I'm NOT a drummer, but these where always used in the better venues for live use...........
I'd really appreciate views on 451's especially old ones , as I'm on the verge of buying some.

Any opinions?

The AKG C451's are good mics... they use to be my favorite O.H. mics... but they are a little on the bright side... good mics tho.