Topic: so what mic is this?

[Chanher]

I'm at the early stages of shopping for new mics, in the $300-400 range and I saw lots of AKG 391 recomendations.  So what is this?

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/sid=031229155720024009200035838756/g=live/search/detail/base_pid/271238/

[Simp-Dawg]

according to the description:

Intended for overhead miking in pro environments, this extremely compact microphone allows for a low profile on the drum kit without compromising audio quality. 20Hz - 20kHz frequency range. Cardioid polar pattern.

it's a drum mic.

[Chanher]

I feel dumb

[zhianosatch]

no worries.

[Simp-Dawg]

no worries.

yup

[sexymexi]

doesn't look bad, i thought about gettin some.  but my 391's have done me well..  go for them if you want, and you should be able to find some in your price range..

[chuckcage]

I was about to say "just because it's meant for use as a drum overhead, that doesn't mean it's not a good recording mic."  Truthfully, the far-and-away most common use for the MK-012 is a cheap drum overhead.  I use my C1000s as drum overheads.

...Then I looked at the frequency response graph.  Ouch!  This is gonna be a very colored mic, no?  That big "presence boost" from 3k to 16k and -12dB "20hz" response explains why they recommend it for percussion and saxophone.  I wonder about acoustic guitar or piano, though.

Chuck