Best non-similar pair of tube mics

I like the idea of getting a Neumann styled mic and an AKG styled mic. I think going in that direction will serve you the best. For Neumann I would look at U47, M49, and U67 styled mics. They all really have their own sound, but they all have warmth with an enhanced midrange. The U47 is bigger than life, with a kind of built in compression and openness. The M49 has that bigger than life quality, but is less compressed with a more even and less woofy low end, and a slightly less open top end.  The U67 is flat out neutral and sounds good on everything.  The M269 is a bit more open. It could be what you’re looking for, but once you start looking at the AKG style mics you’ll have that openness on one of them. ADK’s 67 is based on the M269. Just know that before you pick it up. The U67 is much darker on the top end and is more universal in it’s application.  I would look at the RMS269 before I look at the ADK if you want to go in that direction. It has a bigger midrange than the ADK and sounds richer.

With AKG you have two classics to look at; C12 and ELA M251 styled mics. The C12 is very open with less midrange push than the Neumann mics. It’s a very specific sound, but for a forward focused vocal it can sound really special. The 251 has a bigger sound to it. It’s seems like a cross between the C12 sound and the U47. 

If I were looking at just two I’d look at the U67 and 251. I think they will have a nice contrast and work together when needed. The other combination which seems to be really popular is the U47 and C12. They are sort of two complete ends of the spectrum.

I like what I’ve heard from ADK’s 251. I haven’t heard the Lawson. I always love what I hear from the Bock, but that may be out of your budget. The Upton sounds a touch darker on top than others, which could be a good thing or a bad thing. For the 12 I might look at just having Barabric build one with Tim’s Capsule. I haven’t heard to many clips of the ADK, so I can’t comment. 

The WA47 is really good for the money, but I’d still look at the FleA 47 or the Heiserman H47T if I were looking at the 47. As for the U67, Stam makes a good 67, but you can’t get it in any kind of timely manner. The WA67 sounds ok, but I’d probably upgrade the capsule if I went that direction. Unfortunately, no one seems to be making a good, readily available U67 clone. The reissue is great once you roll a few tubes in it, but it ain’t affordable.

Quick note; I own a FleA 49, custom U67, and I’ve been itching for a Bock 251 for a while.

Just my thoughts. 

One thing to think about - If you intend to use these mics as overheads, a piano micing pair, or anything remotely similar, you'll need a pair of the same mic, if not an actual matched pair.

For that kind of application you could set up two different mics in mid-side.

With a matched pair of tube LDCs you could probably pull off Glyn Johns' recorder man method as well as with two SS LDCs. Just add a 57 or better sdd for snare and an outside kick drum... doesn't have to be a Heiserman 47FEt or a Heiserman type 19.

Looks like VK L.A. is allowing demo-ing again...
Chris

Thats a good idea. I do regularly book time in big studios but I’m not sure there is a studio in Portland that would have all those mics. Jackpot probably has a few and Dead Aunt Thelmas have some nice Mics but most places around have u87’s and maybe some u47 type mic with a few extras. But unfortunately it’s not like LA or Nashville or NY...then again the prices for a full day of studio time are rediculously low too.