Peluso CEMC6 vs. SP C4 vs. Oktava MK012

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Aceboympk

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Anyone have experience comparing these? The SP and Oktava are priced very close to one another at around $300 for a matched pair. The Peluso's are around $500 for a matched pair. I'm planning on using one pair for recording Acoustic Guitar. One mic at the 12th fret, and another near the saddle. I write/play mostly softer acoustic guitar like early John Mayer so detail without coloration is important. Guitars are Martin D-41 (strumming and picking), D-42 (strumming and leads), OM-28JM (strumming and picking), and a vintage Gibson C&W (strumming and picking).

I'll be recording in a 15x 24 room into a Presonus Firepod. We'll probably be playing guitar separately, though we may play together too.

I've read very good things about all three, particularly the Peluso's, then the Oktava's and then the SP's. However, I've read about quality problems with the Oktava and some folks don't really like SP because they're made in China (it doesn't bother me where something is made as long as it sounds good and there aren't quality issues that I'll have to be sending the mic back and forth for).

I would really like to buy a pair of the Peluso mics, but at $500 for the pair I'd be over my budget and I heard the Oktava's are the best value (though they mentioned the MC and not the MK, but I can't find a new pair of MC's). However, if the Peluso's really blow away the Oktava's and the SP's, then its worth waiting to buy the Peluso's for the extra $200.

Other mics:
1) so far just a AT2020 that I'm getting for free with the Firepod (probably use this as a room mic).
2) I'm primarily considering the AT4040, Shure SM7B, and MXL 960 Tube for male vox (though I'm also watching about 6 other mics on ebay).

Thanks,
Mark

PS I think I'm getting better posting my questions with the information most people ask for. If not, please let me know. I've been reading posts all over the net (hear, gearslutz, and a lot of other forums!) for about 2 months now trying to educate myself. And DAMN, there's a lot of information. But, I think I'm getting closer. Thanks again for your help.
 
Yo Aceboy! I can't tell you anything about the Peluso's, but if transparency is what you seek, I think you'll prefer the C-4's. The Oktavas are loved by many, including myself, *for* their often flattering color. For that reason, they are occasionally used as vocal mics, unlike most small diaphragm condensers. They are great rock overheads and sound good on cheap acoustics.
The C-4's are much more "just the facts, Ma'am", and will sound good on higher end acoustics, especially in a good room. Although I'm now using a pair of KM184's for that, after I got my C-4's, I didn't use the Oktavas on acoustic much.-Richie
 
You may want to consider the Crown CM-700 http://www.crownaudio.com as a choice. They sell for $289 @ MF but you can pick up a used pair for around $200 to $250 on ebay. I think there's a pair up right now for auction. I have the KM184's, MXL603's, and the CM-700's. The 700's get the most use. YMMV. Good luck.
 
how would you compare those mics on drum overheads and acoustic guitar?
 
A good pair of Oktava MC012's can be excellent mics. They're a little dark and colored. A good all-purpose mic if you can find a good pair. The SP C4's can work very well on drum OH's. I don't think they're a particularly good mic on acoustic gtr. I think a good working pair of Oktavas are a better overall mic than the C4's. For recording acoustic-stringed instruments the Peluso CECM6's are on a totally different level than the MC012's and the C4's.

The CECM6's are boutique mics, hand-assembled in the US. If you're comparing these mics, then throw the MC012's and C4's in with the MXL 603's and NT5's – all decent budget-level mics, with a proper pair of MC012's leading the pack. I wouldn't put the CEMC6's in that category of mics at all. The Peluso CEMC's would be more at the level of Josephson C42's - which are upper tier mid-level or lower tier high-end – depending on which way you look at it. The Peluso's are a bit more than the budget mics, but not by much. And for applications such as acoustic guitar you're not going to find a better factory-matched pair of clean, detailed SDC mics until you break the $2000/pair barrier. Yeah, they're that good.
 
I am digging the hell out of the AT4041 mics on acoustic and overhead lately. Those Oktavas are still a favorite on acoustic guitar too.

War
 
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