Topic: Neumann km184 > MP-2 vs. AKG 393 > MP-2

[aberg]

So, I've currently got the AKG 393 > MP-2 rig, and I haven't really tested it out *that* much, but there's that set of km184's for sale in the yard sale. I'm tempted...

what's everyone's opinion on the km184's versus akg bluelines? and into an mp-2?

Just wondering if I should fork out the extra $300-400 needed for the neumann's.......

[souper]

So, I've currently got the AKG 393 > MP-2 rig, and I haven't really tested it out *that* much, but there's that set of km184's for sale in the yard sale. I'm tempted...

what's everyone's opinion on the km184's versus akg bluelines? and into an mp-2?

Just wondering if I should fork out the extra $300-400 needed for the neumann's.......

I would say that the 184s will sound better, in general, than the 390 series mics.  I cannot comment on the use of the mp2 with them however.

[aberg]

Cuz the other option is to hang onto the 393s and then hold out for some akg 480s down the road...

[souper]

Cuz the other option is to hang onto the 393s and then hold out for some akg 480s down the road...

You could do the same change (if desired) if you had the 184s, and be closer to actual cost of 480s when /if you decide to sell the 184s.

[aberg]

Cuz the other option is to hang onto the 393s and then hold out for some akg 480s down the road...

You could do the same change (if desired) if you had the 184s, and be closer to actual cost of 480s when /if you decide to sell the 184s.

True... the only thing really holding me back here is that I have only taped 3 shows with the 393s... I don't feel I've given them enough of a test.

[souper]

I can understand that feeling.  What are you looking to "test?"  Sure they sound nice, but didn't the Core Sound omnis sound nice in your initial recordings before the upgrade (hypothetical/rhetorical)?

The 184s will sound a bit different than the 390s as well.  You would also be giving up the option of mulitple caps. Something to think about, but if I had the means, I would likely try to get the Neumanns.

[Ed.]

if you go with the 184's, i'd highly suggest some silver cables, they really opened up the sound for me.  I don't think I made a bad recording with them once I switched to silver.

[souper]

if you go with the 184's, i'd highly suggest some silver cables, they really opened up the sound for me.  I don't think I made a bad recording with them once I switched to silver.

While not discounting that silver cables may sound better with those microphones, did you really make bad recordings with non-silver cables where silver cables would give you a good recording?

[Ed.]

no, the recordings weren't bad, but when i made the switch, the quality was night and day.  I don't quite know how to describe it, but the sound just opened up, more clarity, just better overall sound.  I never really thought the 184's were bad, but with the silver cables they quickly became my favorite mics...well, until i bought the 140's.

[aberg]

I've already got a set of ToddR silver cables... so I'm set in that respect.

I might try and run both mics at shows... alternate sets or something, just to see what I like best, and then sell the others.

[aberg]

no, the recordings weren't bad, but when i made the switch, the quality was night and day.  I don't quite know how to describe it, but the sound just opened up, more clarity, just better overall sound.  I never really thought the 184's were bad, but with the silver cables they quickly became my favorite mics...well, until i bought the 140's.

And had you had experience with AKG mics before?? I seem to recall you jumped from the luxes to Audix and then Neumann's?

[souper]

no, the recordings weren't bad, but when i made the switch, the quality was night and day.  I don't quite know how to describe it, but the sound just opened up, more clarity, just better overall sound.  I never really thought the 184's were bad, but with the silver cables they quickly became my favorite mics...well, until i bought the 140's.

Thanks for the feedback.

[Ed.]

no experience with akg's, so i'm not much help in that regard.  i wanted to get blue lines, but got the audix's instead, and then when I sold those, I got the 184's (when my plan was to get 480's).

So yeah, I'm probably not the best person to be helping with your choice between the two.  I just wanted to comment on the cables.

good luck withe the choice tho.

[aberg]

Thanks, I think I'll just run both for a while off and on if I can scrounge the cash.

[BC]

IMHO

184's all the way.