Topic: What pair of mics should I look at in the $1000 to $1200 range?

[612]

I know these threads get kind of tired. I also know listening to recordings on the Live Music Archive is the best to chose mics that you like but I honestly have no idea of pricing on higher end mics. Any feedback is greatly appreciated. Thinking AKG, Microtech Gefell, Neumann, MBHO etc. I'll probably stay away from LSD mics from now. TIA!

[page]

Full bodies, you might get a set of used AKGs with one set of caps, a set of beyerdynamic mc930s, or a set of mbhos. The gefells, dpas and the rest are way more then that. B&H and Fullcompass are nice for general daydreaming and pricing.

[su6oxone]

I used Neumann KM184s for almost a year and liked them quite a bit.  They can be had for maybe as low as $800 used ($900 is more likely) in the YS.  Some 140s have sold on YS recently for as low as $1200 if I recall correctly, but without the "active" cables.  Gefells and Milabs might go for more, I would check old YS threads to get an idea of how much they go for used.

[stevetoney]

Agree with everyone elses suggestions, but I'd add that you should buy used instead of new.  You get better value used and this price point is the point at which, IMHO, mics are going from being good to great sounding, so the incremental increase in quality you get when you buy used is worth it over what you give up buying new.  Yeah, you get a warranty with new gear, but I have the philosophy that used gear is broken in which, for electronics, is a good warranty too.  Just make sure you buy from someone that's sold in the YS before because they can be trusted.

Specifically answering your question, here's my list...

$1000 or so
Neumann km184
Neumann km140 (w/o active cables)
AKG-480 with one set of capsules
JWMod AKG-460 with one set of capsules
AKG-460 with two sets of capsules
MBHO-603a active series (with active cables) with one set of capsules
Josephson C42

$700 or so
beyerdynamic MC930
Peluso CEMC Series
AKG-460 with one set of capsules

[tgakidis]

Obviously I would recomend AKGs .  I could hook you up with a set of 460 bodies, omnis and cards w/ active cables in that price range.

[stevetoney]

^^ ...and THAT would be a combo that would be hard to beat for that money.

[JasonSobel]

Specifically answering your question, here's my list...

$1000 or so
Neumann km184
Neumann km140 (w/o active cables)
AKG-480 with one set of capsules
JWMod AKG-460 with one set of capsules
AKG-460 with two sets of capsules
MBHO-603a active series (with active cables) with one set of capsules
Josephson C42

$700 or so
beyerdynamic MC930
Peluso CEMC Series
AKG-460 with one set of capsules

that's a pretty good list.  You could also get a new pair of Beyerdynamic CK930 mics for the ~$1000 range.  Same sweet sound as MC930 full body version, but with the CK930's, you get an "active" cable between the mic capsule and the mic body (really just a remote extension cable, though).

[rowjimmytour]

Specifically answering your question, here's my list...

$1000 or so
Neumann km184
Neumann km140 (w/o active cables)
AKG-480 with one set of capsules
JWMod AKG-460 with one set of capsules
AKG-460 with two sets of capsules
MBHO-603a active series (with active cables) with one set of capsules
Josephson C42

$700 or so
beyerdynamic MC930
Peluso CEMC Series
AKG-460 with one set of capsules

that's a pretty good list.  You could also get a new pair of Beyerdynamic CK930 mics for the ~$1000 range.  Same sweet sound as MC930 full body version, but with the CK930's, you get an "active" cable between the mic capsule and the mic body (really just a remote extension cable, though).

I second this if you want to go new but I also agree the used market gives you a lot a bang for your $$$

[page]

Specifically answering your question, here's my list...

$1000 or so
Neumann km184
Neumann km140 (w/o active cables)
AKG-480 with one set of capsules
JWMod AKG-460 with one set of capsules
AKG-460 with two sets of capsules
MBHO-603a active series (with active cables) with one set of capsules
Josephson C42

$700 or so
beyerdynamic MC930
Peluso CEMC Series
AKG-460 with one set of capsules

that's a pretty good list.  You could also get a new pair of Beyerdynamic CK930 mics for the ~$1000 range.  Same sweet sound as MC930 full body version, but with the CK930's, you get an "active" cable between the mic capsule and the mic body (really just a remote extension cable, though).

I second this if you want to go new but I also agree the used market gives you a lot a bang for your $$$

If you can find the ck930s that low, I'd like to know. I had to haggle some to get $1400 shipped for mine (new). I keep forgetting about the 184s for some reason.

[sparkey]

I second the used suggestion...there is much great gear to be had on this forum, and let some one else take the hit on depreciation.  Full bodies, KM184's sound great.  If you like actives, save your sheckles and go for the 140's.  I don't care for the AKG 460's myself.

I would also suggest holding out until the day after Thanksgiving, as that is when everyone is wanting cash for the holidays and will post their gear.

Josh

Agree with everyone elses suggestions, but I'd add that you should buy used instead of new.  You get better value used and this price point is the point at which, IMHO, mics are going from being good to great sounding, so the incremental increase in quality you get when you buy used is worth it over what you give up buying new.  Yeah, you get a warranty with new gear, but I have the philosophy that used gear is broken in which, for electronics, is a good warranty too.  Just make sure you buy from someone that's sold in the YS before because they can be trusted.

Specifically answering your question, here's my list...

$1000 or so
Neumann km184
Neumann km140 (w/o active cables)
AKG-480 with one set of capsules
JWMod AKG-460 with one set of capsules
AKG-460 with two sets of capsules
MBHO-603a active series (with active cables) with one set of capsules
Josephson C42

$700 or so
beyerdynamic MC930
Peluso CEMC Series
AKG-460 with one set of capsules

[612]

Thanks for the suggestions everyone. Please keep them coming if you'd like. Definitely A LOT to mull over. Thank you! For sure going to look at the used market...

Edit: tgakidis, I'm going to listen to some 460 tapes. 

[JasonSobel]

that's a pretty good list.  You could also get a new pair of Beyerdynamic CK930 mics for the ~$1000 range.  Same sweet sound as MC930 full body version, but with the CK930's, you get an "active" cable between the mic capsule and the mic body (really just a remote extension cable, though).

I second this if you want to go new but I also agree the used market gives you a lot a bang for your $$$

If you can find the ck930s that low, I'd like to know. I had to haggle some to get $1400 shipped for mine (new). I keep forgetting about the 184s for some reason.

back in March, when I spoke with Full Compass and bought my pair, they told me that they typically sell the CK 930 for $560 per mic or $1120 for a pair (see this post: http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=115606.msg1579857#msg1579857).  To be honest, I no idea if prices have gone up since then, as I haven't checked in with Full Compass since March.

[darby]

Obviously I would recomend AKGs .  I could hook you up with a set of 460 bodies, omnis and cards w/ active cables in that price range.

WINNER! 

[Todd R]

As usual, I'll have to throw in my recommendation of the Milab VM44's, which are awesome mics.

You might be able to find them used in this price range, but used will be very, very hard to come by.  Unfortunately, Milabs just had a big price increase.  Still, you can get a pair of the VM44-link which are the active cable version new for about $1500.  The non-active version would be a bit less.

Both TNJazz here as well as rokpunk are dealers for Milabs.  If you check with our local boys and go for the non-active VM44 version, you might be able to pick up a new set for $1200-1300.

I've owned and ran small diameter mics from Neumann (km184 and km140/150), AKG (481/482/483, AKG 461/463, the jklabs box/active version of ck61/ck62/ck63, and blueline 391/392/393), MBHO (603a with omni, card, and hyper caps), and Gefell (m200, m210) and like the Milabs quite noticeably more than all the others save the Gefells.  Gefells and milabs are a tossup to me, I like them both, and both provide a different sonic signature.

And yes, don't forget about listening on the Archive, since different people prefer different mics.

[newplanet7]

Obviously I would recomend AKGs .  I could hook you up with a set of 460 bodies, omnis and cards w/ active cables in that price range.

WINNER!