Shure SM81s - two-dimensional with not a lot of off-axis response. Can be very good used as a single mic for applications like hi hat and getting an acoustic gtr to the front of a mix. Nothing to write home about when used in stereo pairs. In defense of these mics: since they don't pick up much off-axis they can be more forgiving in a less-than-stellar sounding room. But ultimately, I'd recommend tweaking the acoustics in the room until the sound is better. But to each his own.
Josephson C42s - excellent mics modeled after KM84's. Very colored, warm, buttery and detailed. Nice spacial imagery when used in pairs. If you're doing rock these can be a cool choice. If you're recording acoustic-based music such as jazz, bluegrass, and folk - you might wanna go with a cleaner less-colored mic.
AKG C451s - a very bright mic that was in standard use in studios when everyone was recording to tape when it was important to get a lot of high-end in the recording due to the generation loss from master 2" tape to final vinyl. Not a good all-purpose choice at this point.
Some others you might consider:
Peluso CEMC6's - Clean, detailed. Very good spacial imagery. One of the best pairs of mics for general use under $1000/pair, and the best mic in that price range for acoustic instruments. Optional capsules available. When ordering you can request other capsules be put on at the factory at no charge - for instance, if you preferred to get an omni pair first rather than the standard cardioid caps.
ADK TL's - these are multi-pattern transformerless and transparent/clean LDC's and are excellent on piano, drum OH's and other stereo-miking applications. Excellent detail and stereo imagery. We used a pair on
a Kawai grand piano on
this CD and TL's were also used on Ray Charles piano for his last CD, "Genius Loves Company".
Avenson STO-2's - if you're a real purist and have some good, clean mic pres and an excellent-sounding space these omni Earthworks knock-offs are an excellent deal.
