SDC-Any current thoughts???

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homestudioguy

homestudioguy

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I'm looking to possibly spend about up to $275 on small condensor a la sE Electronics SE3 on the high end or possibly as low as $120 for the Cascade M37 or ? in between.
Any current thoughts?
BG/HSG
 
My experince says spend the cash to get the better one...or even better - save till you get the one you really want but can't afford yet....

What are you recording with it anyway?

Jacob
 
SE has a good reputation, but I'm not familiar with that particular mic. If it were me, I'd get a Shure SM81 (or two).
 
What am I recording?

It would most likely be an accoustic gtr related mic or perhaps somewhat of a jack of all trades if possible.
I have an SE2200-A LDC and a Studio Projects C3 LDC and believe I should have a decent SDC.
I just sold 2 AKG C1000S mics and believe I should have an SDC mic in my slowly growing cabinet.
Thanks!
BG
 
scrubs said:
SE has a good reputation, but I'm not familiar with that particular mic. If it were me, I'd get a Shure SM81 (or two).
Click to expand...

I'm with SCRUBS here. I've had a pair of SM-81's for several years, and I've never regretted owning them.
 
It might be nice to get a stereo pair if you're going to do drum overheads or acoustic guitars. I don't have them, but I've used the Octava MK-012, and they were great and come highly recommended. I personally have the old AKG 451, and they're very good, but they might be out of that price range.
 
Current thoughts? Well, you know, I was just looking through Newsweek, which had a story about Naomi Watts, and another one about Jessica Simpson, and I was just thinking. . . .








OH, you mean thoughts about SDC's! Sorry, man. :o

Well, anyway, I would concur that the SM81 is a fine mic. However, a couple of other mics that you might consider for your stated application would be the Shure KSM109 and the Peluso CEMC6.

The Peluso is reportedly high enough in quality that it can hang with the best of the best. PLUS, you can add other capsules, later. (A lollipop capsule is supposed to be on the way in the near future. OH YEAH!)

The Shure KSM109 is not quite as flat as the famously flat SM81. It's got a slight boost in the high end. While not quite as "honest" as the flatter SM81, I believe that this yeilds a sound that is much more likely to be useful as a multipurpose mic in a recording studio. (Notice that when Neumann redesigned the KM84, they designed the modern KM 184 to have a little more high end than the earlier KM84, which was warmer and more neutral.) By the way, I have heard that Shure maintains such strict quality control on these condensers that, to my knowledge, they are not sold in "matched sets." However, if you buy any two KSM109's, they will be "matched" so closely that you can use them like a "matched pair." Which means that you could buy one now, and buy one later, and still end up with a matched set. Lots of luck accomplishing THAT with any of the cheap Chinese mic capsules!

Anyway, these are a couple of SDC's that you should at least consider in your mic shopping. Lots of luck with your search! :)

Bassman
 
I have a pair of KSM141s and a pair of SM81s. I expect based on that experience, the KSM109 is nice. Not sure about the matching part, I don't find mine are too closely matched, but it's mainly a difference in level rather than frequency response. I've never hesistated to use them in stereo pairs.
 
Price Range?

The SM-81 is going for about $350 which is about $100 more than I may have to spend.
I'll check on the pelusos and the shures.
B
 
Another possibility

Check out item number 7370592250 on eBay. A pair of Crown cardioid mics. Current bid is $280 for both. These are VERY nice. Sound great on lots of stuff. Back when I was working in a professional studio, these are what we often chose (over the SM81's) for some guitars.

Brad
 
homestudioguy said:
The SM-81 is going for about $350 which is about $100 more than I may have to spend.
I'll check on the pelusos and the shures.
B
Click to expand...

Buy used and/or haggle with the folks at your local music shop. You might get a better deal.
 
Bassman Brad, I just wanted to point something out in your first post in this thread. Neuamnn did make the KM184's brighter than the KM84's. Thats also why every single person I know that has used km84's doesn't really like the km184's. Thats also why used KM84's sell for almost as much as a used pair of KM184's. I have to say, I don't like the km184's very much. I am sure a lot of that is due to the fact that I greatly prefer the km84 and may not be giving the km184 a fair shake:D
 
I've got a pair of 184's and I lve 'em on Oh's and acoustics. Never tried an 84 though, think I better not!
 
Bassman Brad said:
Check out item number 7370592250 on eBay. A pair of Crown cardioid mics. Current bid is $280 for both. These are VERY nice. Sound great on lots of stuff. Back when I was working in a professional studio, these are what we often chose (over the SM81's) for some guitars.

Brad
Click to expand...

Another plug for the CM700's. I use my pair all the time on acoustic guitar. Follow the auction Brad posted the item # on. You won't be unhappy if those mics end up in your mic locker. Good luck!
 
Big Kenny said:
I've got a pair of 184's and I lve 'em on Oh's and acoustics. Never tried an 84 though, think I better not!
Click to expand...

I use both the KM84s, and KM184s for live sound applications, since they are easier to replace. I don't have a problem with either one and can get lovely sounds from both of them.
 
homestudioguy said:
I'm looking to possibly spend about up to $275 on small condensor a la sE Electronics SE3 on the high end or possibly as low as $120 for the Cascade M37 or ? in between.
Any current thoughts?
BG/HSG
Click to expand...

For your budget, ATM33a (cardiod)

For a little more $: SM81s.

And a little more $: KM184s.
 
For around $300 you can get a Peluso CEMC6. Word is that they are great.

I have a pair on the way.
 
$275 for a pair or for one? If it's for a pair, get a pair of used Studio Projects C4's. Really good for the money.

If it's for one, I recommend saving a bit more and getting a Shure SM81. Those are great SDC's and you will always keep them around.

EDIT: There's a pair for sale in the "For Sale" board. $280 shipped.

I really like mine. You can hear them on overheads on the sound clips in my signature (lo-fi).
 
Tanks!

Thanks for the input.
I'll keep my eye on this thread for any other words of wisdom.
B
 
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