SD Buying Decision (AKG451)

[Scinx]

If you had $1000 would you buy:
a) Matched Pair of C451Bs new for $600.
b) Two C451s with CK1 caps in good condition for $600
c) Buy 2 Jospehson C42s new for $850 or so
d) Just hang out with the MK012s and keep saving for a tropical island

They would be used for overheads, piano, acoustic guitar, and the like. Mostly rock.

Thanks

 

[DJL]

All the above are great mic's... with the 451's and C42's leading the pack... I'm happy with either, and I'm guessing you would be too. Get the Jospehson C42's.

 

[tubedude]

Josephsons, or else a pair of Gefell M300. Those are the big boy players in that league me thinks...

 

[Dot]

For all-purpose mics you could get for under $1K per pair, I'd seriously consider the Goove Tubes GT44 tube mid-condenser. They're between an SDC and a LDC and will give you more versatility than anything you listed. Amazing on OH's, killer on amps, great on many vocals, very good on acoustic guitars. We have a pair here and they get used on every session, often for multiple applications.

If you do mostly rock, the GT44's get my vote.

OTOH, the Josephson C42's are the best pair of cardioid SDC's on the market. Period. End of story.

The 451's gained a lot of popularity during the days of analog recording. They're still used now, but with digital recording - and especially with the new 451B's, they can often be too bright. I dig 'em. I have a pair. But I only use them when I specifically am looking for a bright sound.

Dan Richards
Digital Pro Sound
The Listening Sessions

 

[SmattyG]

The 451's gained a lot of popularity during the days of analog recording. They're still used now, but with digital recording - and especially with the new 451B's, they can often be too bright. I dig 'em. I have a pair. But I only use them when I specifically am looking for a bright sound.

Funny, I have a 451 (just one), and although I have not used a ton of other SD mics, I have always thought it had kind of a darker sound to it... Definitely not bright (at least not on either of my dreadnaught acoustics or on my djembe). I've been running it through an RNP 90% of the time. Does this not make sense?

 

[Richard Monroe]

Smatty, note that the 451 and the 451B are somewhat different mics, The reissue is an electret, the original externally polarized. The word is that the new ones are brighter, and a little quieter.-Richie

 

[Blue Bear Sound]

I've used both the old and the re-issue... I like both, but the older version had a "creamier" top end than the re-issues.

I guess it could translate to the new ones being brighter....

 

[Son of Mixerman]

The older 451's are better too IMO.

I think the C42's would be the best option...better quality and more versatile.



SoMm

 

[Dot]

Oops!

My comments on the Josephson's a few posts up needs to read:

OTOH, the Josephson C42's are the best pair of cardioid SDC's on the market under $1K. Period. End of story.

Dan Richards
Digital Pro Sound
The Listening Sessions

 

[DJL]

Oops!

My comments on the Josephson's a few posts up needs to read:

OTOH, the Josephson C42's are the best pair of cardioid SDC's on the market under $1K. Period. End of story.

Dan Richards
Digital Pro Sound
The Listening Sessions

Hey Dot, in your opinion... what is the best pair of cardioid SDC's on the market in the over $1K price range?

 

[Dot]

Hey Dot, in your opinion... what is the best pair of cardioid SDC's on the market in the over $1K price range?

Microtech Gefell M295
Schoeps CMC 64 MK4
DPA 4011

Best omnis:

Earthworks QTC1
DPA 4006

Dan Richards
Digital Pro Sound
The Listening Sessions

 

[DJL]

Thanks Dot.

 

[acorec]

If you had $1000 would you buy:
a) Matched Pair of C451Bs new for $600.
b) Two C451s with CK1 caps in good condition for $600
c) Buy 2 Jospehson C42s new for $850 or so
d) Just hang out with the MK012s and keep saving for a tropical island

They would be used for overheads, piano, acoustic guitar, and the like. Mostly rock.

Thanks

Stick with the MK-012s. They are hard to beat and would be even harder to beat for rock recordings. There is no subltey to rock drums, guitar or rock piano. The more expensive mics shine with detailed sources. If you want to upgrade, I would try to rent or borrow some mics you want and give them a go in your studio.

 

[SmattyG]

Smatty, note that the 451 and the 451B are somewhat different mics, The reissue is an electret, the original externally polarized. The word is that the new ones are brighter, and a little quieter.-Richie

Well, mine is the new one. The one with the 'b'.... I'm curious now to hear something which would be considered to be not as bright as this one. I guess that I just don't have enough of a reference point to go on. I can't really afford to get a pair of the Josephson's right now. What is a good example of a darker sounding SD condenser? I'd like to get one.

 

[Richard Monroe]

Smatty- Example of darker sounding afforable SD?-Oktava MC012-Richie

 

[SmattyG]

Hmmm, maybe I should get a pair of those... I've heard that you have to test them each one by one to make sure you're getting decent ones, but I know a lot of people seem to like them... Any other similar examples?