NTK or MC012 for Overheads?

[Booda]

I'm wondering if anyone has heard the difference. I am using the Oktava MC012 for my Drum overheads and think they do pretty good. I'm picking up a NTK from a guy who used em for overheads. He has 2 and is giving me a very good deal on 1 of em.

I'm wondering if I should maybe pick up both or would my $$$ be better spent on a Preamp and Comp. (which I soon plan on getting.)

Right now I'm running straight into Aardvark preamps and am getting a NTK primarily for Vocals (warmer sound).

Thanks,
B.

 

[darrin_h2000]

Theres no law against it, you just have to experiment, I belive theres too much emphisis put on matching pairs. While that matters if you are recording a Dead concert, Its less important when it comes to overheads. But drastic differences can be bad.

 

[chessrock]

This is just a guess, so take it for what it's worth: I would imagine the ntk might have a little too much sizzle in the high end that would likely make the cymbal sound bright and grating and drive me nuts as an overhead. Nothing wrong with trying it, though, I suppose.

 

[Mark7]

One thing you have to bear in mind is that LDCs tend to have a less accurate off-axis response than SDCs. That can be a good or a bad thing depending on whether or not it gets you the sound you want. Just my 2p.

 

[Buck62]

Chess's assessment makes sense in theory, but I've recorded drums with a LD condenser as a single overhead with pretty good results. As a matter of fact, I did one drummer with three SM-57's and a single AKG C3000 as an overhead. And we all know how exagerated the upper mids and high end are on the C3000. I think it turned out quite well, though.
By contrast, the NTK (which I also own) is a MUCH smoother mic, so I think it would do fine as a single overhead if used in tandem with some SM-57's AND you have proper mic placement.

Here's one of the songs that's the result of the single C3000 and 3 SM-57's on the drums.
http://www.nowhereradio.com/artists/album.php?aid=1180&alid=-1

It's the first song... Mustang Sally.

 

[participant]

I got a sequential pair of NTK's for expressly that purpose, but haven't recorded drums yet (apt. is too small).

Being that NTK is a valve mic, you should find the transient response to be slower than the Oktavas... but they just might sound great for your particular application.

I have heard TLM103s as overheads... and they produced the best sounding cymbals I've ever heard (a recording by "Recording Engineer", IINM)

 

[Booda]

Thanks for the replys.
I would only use the NTK as overheads if I get 2 for stereo not as a single. But I would maybe use it as a single out in front of the kit when I get more inputs. I defenitly would not mix and match w/ the Oktava MK012 (I put MC above,sorry).

I only thought of it because the place I've been recording at is using LDs and he told me to get a tube Preamp for my Oktavas (at home) and I'd see a huge improvement.

Then when this deal happened w/the NTK and the seller told me he uses them as OHs for the warmth and smoothness. He's giving me such a good deal I thought about getting the 2nd too, but I think my $$$ would be better spent on other gear (like RNP,RNC,ect...)

Even though I'll probably hold off on getting that 2nd NTK and just keep using my Oktavas, More thoughts are still welcome.

Thanks,
B.

 

[Booda]

Buck62, nice job w/ such a small amount to work w/. I'm wondering... Is one of the 57s on the hi hat because its pretty forward and clear? Actually I'm just listening again... Ok, sounds like you did put one on the hihat because the cymbals are back a little un like the Hihat, & you panned it all straight up er...

Do you mind telling me what you did. I'm just lstening to my PC speaks but it sounds good and I think I just heard some Tom that was panned (maybe not). If you didn't have the hihat miced, it must have been a pretty good drummer.

Thanks for the referance. It's given me some new ideas to try out.

B.

 

[tdukex]

If it was me I'd get one NTK and pick up an RNP.

 

[Buck62]

One of the SM-57's was pointed between the snare and hi-hat from the front, about 10 inches away.

One SM-57 between the upper toms, about 8 inches away.

One SM-57 approximately 8 inches from the bass drum's small round hole, pointed straight at it.

Actually, I may have used an SM-57 on the floor tom, too... but it's been so long I can't remember. (I suffer from C.R.S.)

C3000 mounted in the ceiling, approximately 4 ft. above the kit, pointed at a 30 degree angle.

Yes, the drums were panned. The high-hat/snare are slightly to the left. The toms are slightly to the right, and the bass drum is straight up center.
Personally, I don't believe in using "drum mic's" that come as a package.

I've always used SM-57's on the drums and they seem to do a great job.
You've heard the results.