Here is a solution I came up with that you may or may not have seen:
http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=51489.0I know that Sax>modSBM combo well. I have run the AKG 480s, Gefell M200/210, Neumann KM140, Nakamichi CM-300 numerous times thru this set up and Schoeps MK4Vs once at an all night gig . I really loved that AKG > Sax > modSBM. But like all good tapers, you move on....now I am ditching the SX-M2....in favor of the SX-M2/LS since running Schoeps doesn't allow you to keep extra gear around.
My thoughts running this stuff (and it probably is not worth more than a hill of beans):
Nakamichi CM-300 > Sax > modSBM, ran this for two years. About a nice a set upf the Naks except that the low end was a bit muddy which has alot to do with the mics. There was a lack of detail, transient response and high end handling of the Naks was what you'd expect for $300 a pair mics, but tonally really quite plesant overall. Nevertheless, I ran this at more shows than I can remember and it served me very well.
Gefell M200/210 > Sax > modSBM....LoSammy lent me his mics a bunch of times, I really like this set up, in fact, i like it better than running with thru the V3 (which makes the Gefells much more analytical sounding). Nice details in the mids and high end without too much high end over-extension like some Schoeps recordings I have heard. The Gefell low end is something I didn't like so much, it just lacked the 'grab you by your chest' power of other mics that I have heard.
Neumann AK40 > LC3KA > KM100 > Sax > modSBM...had this for about three months. Nice set up...warm and sweet sounding mids and a very natural sounding high end....the low end was too bloated for my tastes. I wanted to run this with the T+mod but never got the chance.
AKG 481/3 > Sax > modSBM....I liked this alot, the main reason was it sounded good no matter the venue I was taping...it magically rejected the nasty room acoustics. The highs were a tiny bit analytical but still pleasing, the mids were also a wee bit analytical but again, nothing too overbearing (sometimes that AKG bite was present), the low end was always round and punchy....very characteristic of the mic. With the T+mod as the pre, it was too much....overextended high end, quelled low end. Put the Sax in front, it made it more tame in the high end....really detailed, lacking a bit of the fullness in the low end.
The Schoeps > Lemosax > modSBM is really nice, man. I ran the levels a wee bit lower than I would have liked but that classic Schoeps sound and clairty was evident. I really dig the low end on these mics, nothing bloated about them at all. I find the high end extension with Schoeps pleasing, maybe b/c I am getting older and my high end hearing is starting to get shot....i need that extra bit of 'umph' to make up for it. Maybe the room I was in was exceptional...I know this, I pulled some of my best stuff at this show. My only complaint is that the dORTF set up seems to really narrow the stereo image.
I am in the process of cleaning house right now. I bot the T+mod about three months ago and I wanna sell it. I think the modSBM is a superior piece of gear and am completely perplexed at why people are ditching it. I would love to keep the Sax but I have a Lemosax....I may live to regret this!