rode nt5s vs akg 451

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Since I already have a good large diaphragm mic (the Rode NT1a) I want a small diaphragm condenser mic to complement it. The options here are:
1) the Rode NT3
2) The AKG C451B, although for the same budget I can get
3) a matched set of rode NT5s
The AKG is undoubtedly better, but it’s also more than twice as expensive.

I want to add more detail and 'wideness' to my Taylor recording and I want to use a small diaphragm condensor in conjenction with my LD condenser Rode NT1a. What would be the benifit of using 2 SD mics?
I was leaning towards the akg 451 from all the things that I've read, but the matched pair of Rode NT5's (which are just as expensive as the akg alone) make more sense.
However, I don't see the benefit of having a matched pair when i can only use 2 at a time. I would think the rode NT1a with a SD condensor mic, would complement each other greater. What do you think?

What would you advize me to do? Thank you very much for helping me!
 
They are pretty different sounding mics. I have much more experience with the c451b than I do with the Rodes, but I have used them both. The 451 is quite nice on acoustic, pretty good for overheads, hit-or-miss on vocals, and can be pretty interesting as a room mic and on dirty cabs. The rodes make decent overheads from what I have experienced.
The top ends of both mics are different, so its a matter of preference. The 451 is a pretty nice mic, and worth the price.
Spam: I have one for sale that I'm selling to aquire some other gear. $215 shipped in US, save yourself some money and buy mine :)
 
Joost Assink said:
However, I don't see the benefit of having a matched pair when i can only use 2 at a time.
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You only need to use 2 at a time to benefit from a matched pair. I'd wait and save up a little more money and get a matched pair of AKG C451's.
 
The Rode NT5's are very nice on overhead use. They have a full sound and the high end has a slight roll off to it. They're not "dark" but you'll hear folks say they're "darker". They'll keep cymbals sounding natural.

War

Warren Dent
www.frontendaudio.com
 
so....

you guys are saying that one akg 451 would be better and saving up for 2 is best?
considering that this is my budget I should go with the akg 451 then? Since i read so much good on the rode nt5s I would've thought that that would've been your advice.
what is 'electret'? and what is the difference/benefits when choosing externally polarized or the other?

one more question; if I use the akg with my LD rode nt1a, will there be a problem of them being unmatched?
 
I find the 451B smoother-sounding on the top-end whereas the NT5s are darker... I love the 451s on overheads, myself...
 
Re: so....

Joost Assink said:
one more question; if I use the akg with my LD rode nt1a, will there be a problem of them being unmatched?
Click to expand...

It will work just fine. Although, if it were me, I'd probably save up another six months or so--sell some blood if needed-- 'till I could afford a matched pair of Josephson C42s for $950. Or you can buy singles for $430 each ($840 for an unmatched pair).

http://www.mercenary.com/josephsonc42mp.html

I haven't heard either the 451b or the C42--just going on reputation.
 
thanks!

do you guys prefer the sound of 2 sD mics on an acoustic or an LD and an SD?

I seem to be going back and forth between the matched pair of Rodes and the AKG. I like the fact that I can have a matched pair and thus an increased pallette with the rodes, but I don't like the high end drop off (though I haven't been able to A/B them with the AKG).

Please keep your opinions coming!
 
There it is, the real puzzle. There are multiple schools of thought on recording acoustic guitar, and they all work on some guitar in some room, with some player. Two SD's, One LD, or one of each seem to me the most popular combos, but one SD can work too. There are dozens of mic configurations that have worked for somebody. You are asking, "what is best"? The answer is- the one that gives you the sound you want with that particular guitar, room, player, song, mix. Any mic worth owning is worth owning a pair. I would buy the AKG, and then I would buy another AKG. I don't like the NT5 on acoustic, but that's in my room, on my guitar, with my material. They might work great for you. I've had my best luck with one AKG C414B-ULS, but that isn't that relevent to your personal needs.-Richie
 
Re: Re: so....

tdukex said:
It will work just fine. Although, if it were me, I'd probably save up another six months or so--sell some blood if needed-- 'till I could afford a matched pair of Josephson C42s for $950. Or you can buy singles for $430 each ($840 for an unmatched pair).

http://www.mercenary.com/josephsonc42mp.html

I haven't heard either the 451b or the C42--just going on reputation.
Click to expand...
I have both and they're both GREAT mics IMO. :)
 
About the akg 451, what does this mean:
"it's an electret mike, not a true condenser (just like C3000B). AKG say it will lose about 3db in sensitivity over 30 years. I _bet_ it's less than that in the real world."

??????????????????????????????
 
As far as I know, the 451 isn't an electret, but a true condenser and a very good one.
 
But for some reason I cant even sell a 451b for half price. Fuck it I'll keep it and buy a match when I can afford it.
 
tubedude said:
But for some reason I cant even sell a 451b for half price. Fuck it I'll keep it and buy a match when I can afford it.
Click to expand...

I'd buy it, but what would I do with just one?
 
Can you get a pair of the old style AKG 451s used? I think that'd be better choice than the new 451 (which I'm not fond of) or the NT5 (sort of on the dark side).
 
Han said:
As far as I know, the 451 isn't an electret, but a true condenser and a very good one.
Click to expand...
Now you know different. AKG hides it very well, which I think is awfully deceitful.

AKG C451B Electret

The Shure SM81 are electret also, which I think really sux considering the price of both models. For a very long time, the electret type has been the hallmark of cheap mics.
 
bgavin said:
Now you know different. AKG hides it very well, which I think is awfully deceitful.

AKG C451B Electret

The Shure SM81 are electret also, which I think really sux considering the price of both models. For a very long time, the electret type has been the hallmark of cheap mics.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the link. :)
 
darn!

well that won't do at all!

I don't want to pay this much cash for a throw-away type mike that only gets worse with age!

what's the alternative in this price range?
 
I've used both the original 451 and the new 451B... I like both, but they do sound different.

The original had a creamy sound characteristic, while the new one has a more forward top, with extended bottom.

I bought the new one based upon my experiences witht he original and I wasn't disappointed by the new one's subtle sonic differences.
 
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