Topic: Something similar to Schoeps MK4V without having to go to the darkside?

[carlbeck]

I've always loved the MK4V tapes I've heard & wonder what else is out there with a similar sound signature? It seems I tend to prefer that little boost they offer in the high end so without having to go back to the dark side & sell all my AKG gear what are my other choices??

[bombdiggity]

"Similar" would be an illusion at best I'm afraid. 

One way : 

There are some other mics with a bit of a bump up there but despite what the plots and charts and all that say those can't capture the tone. 

[perks]

Mk5's 

[carlbeck]

You guys are KILLING me! 

[flipp]

Some think the Milab VM44 sounds more like some Schoeps caps than other mics. I'm not sure if the Milabs are the links or the full-sized bodies but look around for shows with both sources and compare for yourself.

[page]

Some think the Milab VM44 sounds more like some Schoeps caps than other mics. I'm not sure if the Milabs are the links or the full-sized bodies but look around for shows with both sources and compare for yourself.

This is my best guess. The milab's are brighter than the front-ended mk caps, but they might compare to the V line. The Milab 44s come in both full bodies and links, and they are the same caps, just a different connection as I understand it.

[weroflu]

I don't know how much km184's sound like schoeps, but they do have the hf lift, and in the mid or far field they are very good.

MBHO would be something to look at too with transformerless bodies.

Beyer mc930??

schoeps circuit modded oktava's?

[bombdiggity]

Some think the Milab VM44 sounds more like some Schoeps caps than other mics. I'm not sure if the Milabs are the links or the full-sized bodies but look around for shows with both sources and compare for yourself.

Listen carefully to the Milab's if you consider them.  I don't like the high end and the overall tone becomes wearying (they sound overly bright rather than natural to me).  They may have been after a similar effect but IMO missed. 

A friend had them and we recorded a number of the same things at a fest (at the same distance but not quite the same placement).  There was a substantial difference in tone and listenability. 

[Gutbucket]

I was also thinking KM184 might be a possibly.  MBHO came to mind but I don't know that line and sound very well. Some MBHO recordings I have heard have the HF lift but seem less smooth up there to me, sort of like the diggity's take on the VM44, perhaps more so.  Sort of the same deal with AKGs sometimes to my ear.

The MC930 doesn't have that 'diffuse field curve' type HF lift and top-end extension to my ear, but might be more Schoeps-like at the bottom end than KM184.

There is a more pronounced yet smooth HF lift I like with the MG M94 cardioids I have (unless used too close when it's a bit much, although its smooth enough that I find it easily EQ-able), but the response shelves down a bit much at the bottom end.  I don't have other modern MG cardioids to compare (only their supercards which are flatter), but my impression is they are less HF-lifted than the M94 and perhaps more akin to MK4 than MK4V.

[carlbeck]

The 184 suggestion is one I've thought of but haven't really heard. I priced out the Milab 's & surprised to see how much they go for on Full Compass, close to the cost of the 4V caps. I also liked the sennheiser 8050`s, with remote cables can I mount it in an active bar?

[tim in jersey]

[page]

The 184 suggestion is one I've thought of but haven't really heard. I priced out the Milab 's & surprised to see how much they go for on Full Compass, close to the cost of the 4V caps. I also liked the sennheiser 8050`s, with remote cables can I mount it in an active bar?

Yeah, the Senns can be mounted if you get custom cables and don't use their XLR adaptors (may require a special bar). Otherwise it's jury-rigging something that uses the two clips it has.

The beyers do have the bottom end, but you'd have to EQ them up top. I like the coloration better, but you sacrifice some other things. Nice mics, but I don't think they are the answer to this question. The Milabs are closer to the AKGs which you already run.

The Nuemanns have a coloration that I find I either love, or hate, there isn't a middle ground and it's genre dependent.

[johnw]

The Milabs might be close. Never heard the 8050s. Honestly the mk4V is pretty close to the ideal cap both in sound and physical layout IMHO. If you want one, then that's what you should get. Don't settle.

Regarding cost - the Milabs used would be cheaper. I think the 8050s would be hard to find used. Both are going to be more expensive new than a used pair of 4Vs.

Milab VM44-link pair is $2400 from Full Compass (maybe cheaper if you call)
Sennheiser 8050 + remote cables is $2440 from B&H

These days if you are patient, you can find a pair for around $1500. Add in another $400-500 for a pair of cables and PFAs and you've got the mic you want for less than the next best thing 

[acidjack]

I've always loved the MK4V tapes I've heard & wonder what else is out there with a similar sound signature? It seems I tend to prefer that little boost they offer in the high end so without having to go back to the dark side & sell all my AKG gear what are my other choices??

Milab VM-44 Links are much less expensive and have an accentuated high end and good clarity. They sound more like MK41 than 4V, but that's as close as you will get.

[stevetoney]

If I wanted the MK4V sound, then I'd go with MK4V or I wouldn't be happy because I'd always be comping my new gear against my 'standard'.  I did that for years and once I finally went to the dark side, it ended my mic upgrade itch.

To my way of thinking, if other mics satisfied you, then you'd probably already have keyed in on their sound as your 'standard' instead of the MK4V.

So I'd suggest applying a HF bump in post as an interim solution while you save for MK4V capsules.  Added bonus...it's free.