Shure KSM-44 or AKG C-414 B-ULS??

[davidguevara80]

I Just Bought Two Microphones A Neumann TLM103 And a Shure KSM 44 I Am Impressed with the Neumann Obviously and Love the Tone of the KSM44 But Just Curiosity I am planning to trade The 44 For a AKG 414B-ULS.Is that a Good Idea??

How Different is The Sound with the TLM103?

Thanks Guys.

 

[Richard Monroe]

I consider the KSM44 and C414B-ULS like a pair of Nike's and a pair of Reebok's. They are mics designed for the same applications, and they both do it very well. I would say- if your application is primarily vocals, keep the KSM44. If your application is primarily for an instrumental/percussion/cab mic, go with the AKG. But- the difference is subtle, and either one will work fine. The AKG is slightly better known, and may, therefore, have a slightly better resale value. That said, I doubt you will ever sell either one. They are both studio workhorses.
If it were me, I'd probably use the Neumann for vocals, and grab the 414 for an acoustic guitar mic. It rocks on acoustic.-Richie

 

[Weasel9992]

I consider the KSM44 and C414B-ULS like a pair of Nike's and a pair of Reebok's. They are mics designed for the same applications, and they both do it very well. I would say- if your application is primarily vocals, keep the KSM44. If your application is primarily for an instrumental/percussion/cab mic, go with the AKG. But- the difference is subtle, and either one will work fine. The AKG is slightly better known, and may, therefore, have a slightly better resale value. That said, I doubt you will ever sell either one. They are both studio workhorses.
If it were me, I'd probably use the Neumann for vocals, and grab the 414 for an acoustic guitar mic. It rocks on acoustic.-Richie

That's a great review of the differences between the two mics...I completely agree. If I were on a desert island with a recording studio and some clients and I could only have one of the two mics though, I'd probably take the KSM44. I think it does everything as well as the C414 but does a better job on vocals.

Frank

 

[darrin_h2000]

Id sell the Neumann...Ive allready chose between the C414 and the KSM44 and picked the 414 purely because of the price and avaiability...I got the 414 for $400...but after using the KSM32...Id recommend the shure.

Id only heard bad things about the neumann...but havent used one.

 

[Richard Monroe]

The TLM103 isn't a bad mic, it just gets negative rep because it's the Neumann that isn't a U87. It's overpriced, too, because it's a Neumann. If you sell it, you lose most of that advantage because it's used. It might not be the mic I would buy new at that price point, but if I already owned it, I'd keep it and use it. It's a pretty good vocal mic.-Richie