Overhead Mic search

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Bondo

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OK, I am looking to get a pair of condensors to use as overheads. I have been borrowing AKG C1000's for this job, but they are needed more and more by the guy I borrow them from. I am considering going with them, though it was suggested that I may also go with a Studio Projects B3. I am trying to keep the pair in that 300 dollar range. Mostly doing older style/classic rock and country. The B3 is prolly the more versitile of the two, but I am looking for opinions. I like to be able to only use 4 mics to record drums (I can mic up the whole kit if need by), so it is necissary that I get a solid sound from the toms through the overheads. Opinions, Ideas, Generall criticism or smart comments are all wanted or welcomed. so are any further suggestions.
 
If you really like the C1000s, that is a consideration, although they are generally not well liked on most internet boards.

I would suggest checking out small condensers, such as the Studio Projects C4, MXL 604, etc. The Naiant MSH-1O is a great little omni condenser and is dirt cheap. Small condensers generally have a flatter response, are better "off axis," and will give you a more "true" stereo image of the kit. They're also a heck of a lot easier to place for coincident stereo miking.

For LDC's, you could probably pick up a pair of CAD M179's for around $300. They're fantastic mics for the money and would serve you well.
 
scrubs said:
If you really like the C1000s, that is a consideration, although they are generally not well liked on most internet boards.
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Why is this?? I don't go to many boards and haven't been on any of them long, so I am not sure as to why. I did like them when I was getting to use them by the way.
 
too many 0's in the name. It looks as if theyre padding up the name to compensate for something...
 
Bondo said:
Why is this?? I don't go to many boards and haven't been on any of them long, so I am not sure as to why. I did like them when I was getting to use them by the way.
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I have limited experience with them, but they sounded pretty harsh and grainy, imo. I think the price/performance ratio is also an issue. Unless you need the battery-powered phantom, there are many better mics under $200 each.
 
scrubs said:
I have limited experience with them, but they sounded pretty harsh and grainy, imo. I think the price/performance ratio is also an issue. Unless you need the battery-powered phantom, there are many better mics under $200 each.
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If you need the battery, the SM94 isn't harsh.
 
mshilarious, who builds some of the finest SDCs in the world, is modest and its no act.
 
You should also consider a pair of Oktava MK-012 mics. I find that they're stunning as overheads. They're a little warmer--- a little less bright---than your typical SDC, which makes them really great at balancing out the kit since they effectively reduce the cymbal volume.

My old Nady CM-90 mics worked reasonably well for overheads, but required a ton of help from the tom and kick mics to be usable, so I probably wouldn't recommend them. They're too flat and have too much low end roll-off. They'd probably be decent on acoustic guitar.

I have yet to try my MSH-1A (predecessor to the MSH-1O) for overheads, but they're wonderful little mics from my limited testing, so I wouldn't be surprised if they worked well for overheads as well.
 
scrubs said:
Small condensers generally have a flatter response, are better "off axis," and will give you a more "true" stereo image of the kit. They're also a heck of a lot easier to place for coincident stereo miking.
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Exactly why I prefer small diaphragm condensers for drum overheads. I ran into a problem when I used 414s( not my decision) on my overheads where one or two cymbals seemed to get lost. Ill take sdcs any day.
Bondo said:
I am looking to get a pair of condensors to use as overheads.
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I have several pairs of condensers that I use. The 012s are great for the price. And ,if matched with the right pre,..pretty impressive. If you can swing a few more bucks, try for a pair of C451EBs. About $500 for a pair (used). Either of those should give you better results than the 1000s.
 
i'd suggest the Naiant's myself...

i've got a pair of those and a pair of Oktava MC-012s (not the MK that people rave about) and i always use the Naiants....and will until i spend a lot more on a stereo pair of sdcs
 
Bondo said:
Why is this?? I don't go to many boards and haven't been on any of them long, so I am not sure as to why. I did like them when I was getting to use them by the way.
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because a lot of people are sheep and don't think for themselves. :eek: if you dig em...use em.

the oktava 012s are the best low cost one's i've heard. the C1000 are just as the above poster said, grainy and harsh...they look stupid too! there i said it! they look like a camping flashlight...or a fisherprice toy! :eek: :D

See ya-
Mike
 
I've used the C1000s for overheads and as a stereo pair to record live performances. I've liked them, and for the price, I think they're a decent pair to have in your locker. I guess the question is, you know you like them, so do you want to stay with something similar in that range, or take a step in a different direciton.

Since they were mentioned, I'll add that I really like the C414s as overheads (or for anything else), but I know those are out of your price range.

Noting that I do work for Shure, I would recommend taking a look at the SM81s or PG81s. I've been a fan of the SM81s long before I started working here, and I think they make great overheads. To be honest, I haven't heard the PG81s, but they would fit more into your initial price range.
 
Bondo said:
OK, I am looking to get a pair of condensors to use as overheads. I have been borrowing AKG C1000's for this job, but they are needed more and more by the guy I borrow them from. I am considering going with them, though it was suggested that I may also go with a Studio Projects B3. I am trying to keep the pair in that 300 dollar range. Mostly doing older style/classic rock and country. The B3 is prolly the more versitile of the two, but I am looking for opinions. I like to be able to only use 4 mics to record drums (I can mic up the whole kit if need by), so it is necissary that I get a solid sound from the toms through the overheads. Opinions, Ideas, Generall criticism or smart comments are all wanted or welcomed. so are any further suggestions.
Click to expand...

I would not suggest the B1's or B3's for this application. I bought a set of B1's for overheads and was unhappy with them. I had better luck with Shure Beta 58's and even better luck with Oktava MK012's. I also record your basic country/rock type stuff.

Here is some stuff I did with the Oktavas:
http://www.cduniverse.com/search/xx/music/pid/6815624/a/Your+Final+Ride.htm

www.soundclick.com/drspark

I sometimes wish I had more mics to try more overhead combos, but for now I like the MK012. Next session though, I am going to try out the Beta 58's again.

Hope this helps.

Jim
 
Audio Technica Pro37

Hi,

I bought an Audio Technica Pro37 and a Pro37r for overheads. The r is the earlier model but Audio Technica tech support says they are the same mic. The specs are identical.

I also bought the MSH-1O mics from mshilarious. Both pairs work great on acoustic guitar but I haven't used either yet as overheads.

Still the Pro37s deserve consideration.

Thanks,

Hairy Larry
 
if i was to spend around this much money on overheads...

i'd consider a pair of AT 2020's
 
Behringer... really?!

I guess I'm going to get flamed for what I'm about to write, but here it goes nonetheless. I have used the Behringer ECM 8000 as overheads and they work very well. Harvey Gerst recomended them, and since they're dirt cheap I picked up a pair; and boy was he right. They're extremely linear and with a decent pre they get the job done.
Just my €0.02

Carlos
 
carlosguardia said:
I guess I'm going to get flamed for what I'm about to write, but here it goes nonetheless. I have used the Behringer ECM 8000 as overheads and they work very well. Harvey Gerst recomended them, and since they're dirt cheap I picked up a pair; and boy was he right. They're extremely linear and with a decent pre they get the job done.
Just my €0.02

Carlos
Click to expand...

I don't think many people will slam the ECM8000. They are quite good for the price. I have a pair. However, since I got my Naiant MSH-1's, I'm really considering selling the ECM8000. I really don't need 2 pairs of small omni condensers and, frankly, the MSH's are quieter, less expensive, and sound great.
 
Well, I would like to thank all yall for the advice. I went on and went with the c1000's, cause I got em cheap used, just happened accross them. I do appreciate the oppinions though, and hopefully someone else can find them useful. I will let you know how they went.
 
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