Topic: Affordable AKG Sound

[rockymtnryan]

So if I'm trying to find a pair of mics that would give me AKG 481/483 type sound, but for an affordable price.........any ideas?


I've been looking at Peluso cemc6 and Busman bsc1 stereo sets since they are so affordable, but thought someone might have another option that is sonically more swimilar to the AKG 480 sound which is my favorite.

Thanks for any help.

[darby]

if you want AKG sound then buy AKGs  ... perhaps some 390s?

[OFOTD]

perhaps some 390s?

+1

[rockymtnryan]

My budget constraints led me to believe that AKG's are out of my price range.  I would like to keep a pair of mics to $600 or less.

[OFOTD]

My budget constraints led me to believe that AKG's are out of my price range.  I would like to keep a pair of mics to $600 or less.

AKG 390's.   You should be able to find a set of 390 bodies, a set of caps or two and actives for $600 or less. 

Don't let those other brands fool you.  The 390's are without doubt the most underrated mics in that price range on this site.  Not sure why the Peluso's, Busman's and others get the fluff when the 390's always deliver.

Start in the Yard Sale with and ISO.  I am sure several people are holding sets of them.

[rockymtnryan]

I know this is probably a dumb question but....Can you use the caps and actives going into a preamp, or do you also need the bodies as well?  I'm not really familiar with "actives".

[OFOTD]

Can you use the caps and actives going into a preamp, or do you also need the bodies as well?

No, you need the bodies in the equation.   Basically the active cables are extension cables that connect between the bodies and the capsules.   They are a nice feature of the 390's but are not required.  You can just as easily run caps > bodies.

Use the search function here on ts.com and search for posts on the 390 series.   

[rockymtnryan]

Can you use the caps and actives going into a preamp, or do you also need the bodies as well?

No, you need the bodies in the equation.   Basically the active cables are extension cables that connect between the bodies and the capsules.   They are a nice feature of the 390's but are not required.  You can just as easily run caps > bodies.

Use the search function here on ts.com and search for posts on the 390 series.

Thats what I thought.  So with the actives you can have the low profile that is needed for most FOB taping.  I posted a ISO, and did a search.  It doesn't seem like those have been available for years, with most FS a few years ago.  Also checked Gearslutz.

Man I would kill to have that setup for $600 or less.  Thanks for your insight.

[page]

I posted a ISO, and did a search.  It doesn't seem like those have been available for years, with most FS a few years ago.  Also checked Gearslutz.

Man I would kill to have that setup for $600 or less.  Thanks for your insight.

I saw a set of bodies move last fall (maybe, don't see anyone picked them up unless they were sold on ebay). You might have to wait a bit or troll ebay (always recomended). If I were in your position, I wouldn't be afraid of getting singles and puting together a set. Hunting for obscure gear or gear at great prices takes a patience.

[rastasean]

I posted a ISO, and did a search.  It doesn't seem like those have been available for years, with most FS a few years ago.  Also checked Gearslutz.

Man I would kill to have that setup for $600 or less.  Thanks for your insight.

I saw a set of bodies move last fall (maybe, don't see anyone picked them up unless they were sold on ebay). You might have to wait a bit or troll ebay (always recomended). If I were in your position, I wouldn't be afraid of getting singles and puting together a set. Hunting for obscure gear or gear at great prices takes a patience.

well said. if you really want the 390s, you'll get them but it will take time and perseverance. I know there is a set of 480s for sale in YS for a little more than you've got but contact the seller and work something out.

[tgakidis]

http://www.studiocare.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=263_265&products_id=64442

Used AKG 391 for 175 pounds (150 without VAT).  A pair would be less then 600 US dollars.  I have dealt with the company in the past and they have great customer service.

[JasonSobel]

my first pair of mics was a set of AKG 391's.  I paid $450 for the pair, so they can definitely be had in your price range.
Additionally, I would keep your eyes open for a pair of used AKG 460's.  I think the 460's sound better than the 300's, and I think I've seen used pairs (with one set of caps) go for right around $600 (or maybe less?).

[Shawn]

if you want the akg sound and have $600 you should easily be able to get a pair of akg 460s. I've bought and sold several pairs between $550 and $650 depending on condition

[stevetoney]

^ Yup.  As I scrolled down reading this thread that's what I was thinking too.  The 460's plus a pair of CK61's.  Then you have the basis for a great rig...add a pair of CK63 hypers and CK62 omni's later.  You could also keep an eye out for the AK46 cables which pop up occasionally (aren't there some in the YS right now?) for a killer active rig.  The sound of the 460's with those actives is really strong.

[ero3030]

take your time and keep your eyes open.  i sold a MINT set of 460/61's for 675$ 2 months ago.  u will find something, dont be in a hurry like Tonedeaf    ed