Overhead mics / Sennheiser 421

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sonusman

sonusman

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Of the three mics listed, my preference is the SM 81.

421's are also an excellent mic for Tom's on a drum kit, and for Saxaphone if you are looking for a little brighter sound. Actually, I find them not to be the best kick drum mic overall because of the somewhat hyped high midrange. But, that is not to say that it can't work to your advantage in many situations.

Sorry, don't know the street price on them.

Good luck.

Ed
 
Although this is not listed as one of your choices, have found the AKG C418 to be great overhead mics. You can get two of these mics PLUS an AKG D112 (kick drum) for only $400 at American Music Supply or Musician's Friend. That is well over $200 in savings compared to if they were bough seperatly.

[This message has been edited by Fishmed (edited 04-19-2000).]
 
I'm still looking for overheads for my drums. So far I've narrowed them down to AKG C1000S, Shure SM81 and Crownaudio CM-700. I'm on a budget of about $550 and I'm looking for a controlled and smooth (not harsh) sound on the overheads. Not any big reverby Zeppelin drum sound (the room is quite dry). Anyone have any experience/suggestions with these mics?

Also what would be the other uses of a Sennheiser 421 besides vocals/kickdrum? And how much would it's street price be?

Thanks!
 
Here are some quotes from Musician's Friend unless otherwise noted.
--------------------------------------------
Snare:
Shure SM57 : $80
SHURE BETA 57A : $150

Kick Drum:
AKG D112 : $220

Toms:
SENNHEISER MD421: $300
SENNHEISER E604 : $150
Crown CM-700 : $289 (List @ Sweetwater)

Overheads:
SHURE SM81 : $350
AKG 1000S : $200
AKG C418 : $230

Combo:
AKG D112/C418 DRUM MIC PACKAGE : $400

I will compile a better list of Microphones and post them at a later date.
 
Would you guys still suggest the Oktava MC012 for drum overheads? I was thinking of getting a D112 for the kick drum, an SM57 for snare, and one or 2 SM57s for the toms, and an MC012 for the overhead.
 
The Oktava MC012s were considered #1 out 8 small-diaphragm condenser mics for drum overheads by 4 out of 5 (?) diverse "judges" in a mic shoot-out in the March issue of Electronic Musician Magazine if that means anything to you.

I'd recommend reading it yourself.

The other mics were:
GT AM30
Elation 201
MG M300
MBHO MBC648?
Earthworks Model #?
Hebden Sound Model #?
Plus 1 other I can't think of right now...

With my own experiences, I like the Oktava MC012s for overheads over a lot of mics.
 
Was the other one the Audix SCX?
I've read that article too, very helpful..
 
I really don't remember; I'll have to look when I get home. But for some reason, that doesn't seem right.
 
I've used the SM81's as overheads for the last few things I've done, and I really like them. I've heard lots of people recommend the C1000's too so you're probably OK with either. Actually my favorite drum mic of late is an Octava MK-209 on the side of the snare (instead of the usual 57 on top). It sounds soooo much better to me, you get more of the whole drum and there's way more high frequency detail....
 
I'm not sure, but I think one of the mics was an Audix, but I'm not positive. It was a great article.
 
I have that mic too scraggs ... I'm gonna try that thanks for the tip ... on the side is good so I don't hit it! :)
 
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