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Post by smashlord on Jul 26, 2023 10:33:13 GMT -6
Hey all, I am curious to hear what everyone is digging these days for a pair of multi-polar, workhorse LDCs. I am looking for a new pair or perhaps 3 that can handle a variety of sources, with their primary application being stereo acoustic guitar and drum overheads. I've always used older C414s... EBs, both silver and black, and ULS and like them alot, but would prefer something new/newer production to avoid the potential pitfalls of upkeeping 30-40 year old mics. I have used the new varieties... I don't mind the XLS but the XLII's top end is just not for me. The digital switching also concerns me for reliability years down the road. I have been considering a pair of U87ai...I am in Europe quite often and they can be had for a relatively reasonable price over there new, but have never used one and know there are many mixed opinions. I have only ever used original U87s, which I like, but also always had available U67s, U47s, and an M49, so I never really used them enough to form an opinion beyond "not as good as the other guys" (luxury problems, I know). Other mics I have experience with that I might rule out: KSM44s- Nice midrange, nice on guitars, toms, some male vocals, but hate them on overheads. TLM 107s- nice, but kinda hyped and sizzly on the top, also....more digital switching  Thanks! |
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Post by the other mark williams on Jul 26, 2023 11:00:53 GMT -6
We’re at a moment in time where there are a number of potential candidates.
Nevertheless, for all-rounders, I’m still in the U87-ish camp, and my choice at the moment is the Serrano 87. Several other excellent U87 clones out there, like Stam and BeesNeez and whichever one Chad from Signal Arts is doing (can’t remember the name of his other mic company?).
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Post by ab101 on Jul 26, 2023 11:27:43 GMT -6
The Gefell UM70s were great all around LDCs. I am wondering if the transformerless version would still qualify. Likely it does.
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Post by drumsound on Jul 26, 2023 11:35:58 GMT -6
If you want to spend less money, sE T2 or AT 4050 are still hella useful.
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Post by drbill on Jul 26, 2023 11:36:49 GMT -6
Neumann U87 and/or Gefell UM70. Both are top notch. Preferably older ones, but the newer ones are good too.
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Post by svart on Jul 26, 2023 11:52:05 GMT -6
Gefell M930 or U87.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jul 26, 2023 11:56:47 GMT -6
Austria Audio OC818 is the cheapest top quality thing. You like the C414 so go to your favorite independent retailer and get a pair! I can’t recommend anything else if you like the C414.
U87ai apparently has the fet amp again so buy a current production pair if you want the Neumann sound!
One U87ai is 3 oc818 in the USA so the choice is obvious here!
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Post by mcirish on Jul 26, 2023 12:33:34 GMT -6
AT4050 work on a number of things. OH and piano, acoustic. Sometimes kick or bass. The occasional vocalist as well. Not really stellar at any but competent at all.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 26, 2023 12:36:13 GMT -6
For instruments you can't beat a U67 IMO, although I do sometimes switch between a U89 and an ISK 2B. Vocals? Well that's personal really, I either reach for an M88 or some sort of C800 clone.. I do want buy a high end 251 style mic at some point though.
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Post by chessparov on Jul 26, 2023 12:51:26 GMT -6
Hey all, I am curious to hear what everyone is digging these days for a pair of multi-polar, workhorse LDCs. I am looking for a new pair or perhaps 3 that can handle a variety of sources, with their primary application being stereo acoustic guitar and drum overheads. I've always used older C414s... EBs, both silver and black, and ULS and like them alot, but would prefer something new/newer production to avoid the potential pitfalls of upkeeping 30-40 year old mics. I have used the new varieties... I don't mind the XLS but the XLII's top end is just not for me. The digital switching also concerns me for reliability years down the road. I have been considering a pair of U87ai...I am in Europe quite often and they can be had for a relatively reasonable price over there new, but have never used one and know there are many mixed opinions. I have only ever used original U87s, which I like, but also always had available U67s, U47s, and an M49, so I never really used them enough to form an opinion beyond "not as good as the other guys" (luxury problems, I know). Other mics I have experience with that I might rule out: KSM44s- Nice midrange, nice on guitars, toms, some male vocals, but hate them on overheads. TLM 107s- nice, but kinda hyped and sizzly on the top, also....more digital switching Thanks! Check out (Josh) Seawell's Beesneez BC12A YouTube Video. On all instruments/vocals.  Chris |
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Post by drbill on Jul 26, 2023 15:40:07 GMT -6
One U87ai is 3 oc818 in the USA so the choice is obvious here! Unless you don't like 414's. Which I particularly don't. I'd rather have one good/great mic.  |
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Post by christopher on Jul 26, 2023 18:21:26 GMT -6
For all purpose LDC, a pair of Neumann 87ai = $7,400 on sweetwater! Serrano is almost the same flat, with EQ it’s better imo
Beware there are knockoffs for $40 from China, so if you see good deals in Europe, it’s probably fake.
That’s just robbery. When I first started doing this a vintage vf14 47 was only $3k and clones had to sacrifice in all kinds of ways to make a tube *something* for $1k before a dealer 100% markup. Now it’s factory direct from the custom builders, w/decades experience, and they are free to go as heavy into pricey parts as they want since the real stuff is $30k
There’s no reason to reward the greed. Which it is. It’s not like there are less studios than 30 years ago. Use the savings to get some nice outboard and reward the custom builders.
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Post by Vincent R. on Jul 26, 2023 18:34:18 GMT -6
Take a look at the Lauten Atlantis. It’s essentially 3 mics in one. They can be picked up used for $1000-$1500. It’s a really nice mic and deserves a look. A pair of those would cover a lot of bases.
I’ve been really enjoying the ADK T-FET series. I have the Cremona 251T and the Frankfurt 49T. I really want to try their Hamburg 67T too. They are richly harmonic and can be had for $400-500 a piece on sale.
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ericn
Temp
Balance Engineer
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Post by ericn on Jul 26, 2023 19:32:22 GMT -6
So many good choices, lots of great reasonable priced clones these days, but my first choice is still Gefell UMT70 it just doesn’t disappoint. Now since I have jumped down the M7 rabbit hole and have moved from listening to Sinead O’ Conner (RIP) to Peter Gabriel and you didn’t mention price I’ll admit I am very interested in the Beesneez BM49, or a real 49 !
Since you like 414’s give Josh’s demo of the BC12a a good listen, that is a sweet cousin of the 414! Also both the Australian Audio and Lewitt LDC are far better 414 influenced mics than the current AKG. I’m not exactly sure who is using Tim Campbell’s Ck12 but if you like the AKG lineage, hard to top.
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moze
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Post by moze on Jul 26, 2023 19:32:31 GMT -6
TLM-170
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Post by phdamage on Jul 26, 2023 21:46:24 GMT -6
I'd try the Beesneez U67! Loving my pair on drum overheads and guitar cabs. Can't think of anything I wouldn't try them on. Okay, maybe snare batter or somewhere it might get hit, but that's literally all I can think of. That Beesneez C12A looks pretty damn cool, also.
If price is an issue, the Serrano 87 is awesome, but it is a little bulky for some uses.
I had a family of AT4050s for a while, but they started to sound awfully thin in the low end to my ear, so I got rid of them all.
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Post by notneeson on Jul 26, 2023 22:10:16 GMT -6
I can get a ton of great sounds with my Serrano 87. It has overtaken my Michael Joly v250s as my workhorse. I don’t have a pair but I’m not doing drums at my place.
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Post by paulcheeba on Jul 26, 2023 22:21:50 GMT -6
I would recommend Austrian Audio also as they are the staff from AKG.
Soyuz are excellent too.
Yes and the Beesneez c12a clone.
There are so many but I think those would suit your taste.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jul 26, 2023 23:29:46 GMT -6
Still love my m930ts I bought ten years ago. Also have an m88 and that's all the mics I've got. I'm mostly mastering or doing foh (not with my gear) so for the occasional overdub, either of those two mics can cover anything for me.
The m930ts sounds unbelievable on toms and kick out btw. My favorite tom mic ever. Also outstanding on aco gtr.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jul 26, 2023 23:35:48 GMT -6
One U87ai is 3 oc818 in the USA so the choice is obvious here! Unless you don't like 414's. Which I particularly don't. I'd rather have one good/great mic. Agree on 414buls but ever try the old silver 414eb? A studio in Santa Fe I did a session at once had a pair and I loved them. Great on drum OH. |
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kelk
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Post by kelk on Jul 27, 2023 3:00:51 GMT -6
I love my Heiserman type-19 on pretty much most things.
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Post by Blackdawg on Jul 27, 2023 3:15:15 GMT -6
TLM-170 is about as versatile as they come.
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Post by paulcheeba on Jul 27, 2023 3:21:38 GMT -6
Unless you don't like 414's. Which I particularly don't. I'd rather have one good/great mic. Agree on 414buls but ever try the old silver 414eb? A studio in Santa Fe I did a session at once had a pair and I loved them. Great on drum OH. I just bought 3 of them with brass capsules. They sound superb. |
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Post by suicity on Jul 27, 2023 4:05:20 GMT -6
I love my Heiserman type-19 on pretty much most things. Oh, if only it wasn't for the blue LED. |
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Post by antipodesjosh on Jul 27, 2023 4:38:29 GMT -6
I use the Austrian Audio OC818/OC18 as a pair, and have a Beesneez 87.
If we’re talking versatility, the Austrian Audio mics can take crazy SPL on a guitar cab, and they handle cymbal bashers surprisingly well for LDCs. I like them on piano too. They’re also light enough to be useful in live sound situations. If I had more of these, I’d definitely use them.
For acoustic and vocals I find them a little too transparent, which is why I bought the Beesneez 87. The midrange has an instantly familiar colour, like you’ve heard on a thousand records. I’ve been debating getting a second one, or saving up for the Bu67.
My only other LDC is the Vanguard v13, which I can also recommend if you want a tube option. Great on acoustic, and it can be magic on the right voice. Look up Josh Turner guitar on YouTube, he has lots of male and female vocals cut with the v13.
If I was going to fly somewhere for a session and could only take one mic? Probably the OC818.
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