Topic: AKG 391's or 460's?

[NOLAfishwater]

I am running a pair of factory matched Rode NT5's and am thinking about upgrading to AKG or Sen. mics. I can't afford a new pair and was looking at a pair of secondhand AKG 391's or AKG 460's. They seem to be around the same price. Do they even make caps that fit the 460's anymore? Thanks for the input.

[rokpunk]

yes, the capsules made for the 480 series works for the 460's. they won't, however, work on the 390's.
i have never personally liked the sound of the 391's, but i love the sound of the 460's. your mileage may vary.

[anodyne33]

I'm not a fan of the 460s, but I love the 390s. They both definitely have their strong points though. And I'm sure somebody will chime in and tell you that the 460s with the lateral switch can be modded by Jim Williams and how they drool all over those tapes.

[rokpunk]

I'm not a fan of the 460s, but I love the 390s. They both definitely have their strong points though. And I'm sure somebody will chime in and tell you that the 460s with the lateral switch can be modded by Jim Williams and how they drool all over those tapes.

then there is always me who had a pair of his 460's modded by Mr. Williams and was less than impressed and sold them off to buy some more stock 460's.

[bl6216@yahoo.com]

I would have to say the AKG 460's. I like the sound with mod or with out. TS on here made some sweet tapes with them.

-Brian

[grider]

go with the 460's, warmer and a bit less detiailed than 480's, but a much more refined sound especially with highs and lows, and I have owned 390's in the past and own both 460's and 480's at present

[d5]

With the JW mod, the bass will be extended and the high end will be cleaned up. They will lose a little of that "akg" sound and become somewhat more transparent and that may be why some people don't like the mod. One slight issue with the mod is that the bass is extended low enough that using a good really wind screen (like the shure's) is a "must" when running 'em outdoors.

[Nick Graham]

I'm in the minority I know, but I actually prefer the sound of the stock 460s over both the modded version AND 480s.

[rokpunk]

I'm in the minority I know, but I actually prefer the sound of the stock 460s over both the modded version AND 480s.

welcome to the club. call me crazy, but the stock 460 is my choice...and i have tried both 480's and JW mod 460's.

[sygdwm]

I'm in the minority I know, but I actually prefer the sound of the stock 460s over both the modded version AND 480s.

welcome to the club. call me crazy, but the stock 460 is my choice...and i have tried both 480's and JW mod 460's.

thirded. i previously owned 480's, now 460's. i pondered getting them modded, but after extensive listening, i like the transfomers way better, esp. w/ the m148.

[stirinthesauce]

long live the transformer!   

[rokpunk]

long live the transformer!   

when a piece of gear is made right the first time, there is no need to eff with it.

[stirinthesauce]

long live the transformer!   

when a piece of gear is made right the first time, there is no need to eff with it.

agreed!

[jeromejello]

I'm in the minority I know, but I actually prefer the sound of the stock 460s over both the modded version AND 480s.

long live the transformer!  

QFT

[jkbyram]

I'm in the minority I know, but I actually prefer the sound of the stock 460s over both the modded version AND 480s.

welcome to the club. call me crazy, but the stock 460 is my choice...and i have tried both 480's and JW mod 460's.

thirded. i previously owned 480's, now 460's. i pondered getting them modded, but after extensive listening, i like the transfomers way better, esp. w/ the m148.

agreed, i got lucky and the first used affordable mics i found were some 460 bodies. i ordered some new caps and have not even thought about changing since. i have no plans in the immediate future of changing to anything else(not counting pre's). i love my 460's. get my mule recording from mobile alabama last month and you will see why.

[Ryan Sims]

Can you still buy 460 bodies new?  I can't seem to find them.  I dig the sound of these a lot and I want badly to upgrade.

[jkbyram]

no, they come up every now and then in the yard sale though.

[anodyne33]

long live the transformer!   

I guess this isn't the right thread to suggest KM84i's. 

[grider]

460's can often be found on ebay, look there often and you will find a single or pair for auction

[tonyvt]

I had both in the early 90's would go with the 460's unless you need actives and then go with the Blue Lines (391'S).

[NOLAfishwater]

Thanks for all the replies and good information. I love this site.

[GDfan]

yes thanks for all the replies, I searched through this forum for info and I decided on the 391's I got a really good price on some new ones. I am hesitant to buy used stuff, even if I know the products and the person selling it are good, I like having the receipt and warranty(makes me sleep better at night ).

[willndmb]

They seem to be around the same price.

the 461s will run you a few hundred more then the 391s
391 can usually be found used for around 400 while the 460 bodies alone are around 400
so depending on hpw much you really want to spend that might play into it

i have never owned 46xs so i can't comment but i did own 391/3 and loved them till i got my 481/3