Topic: AKG goes to china

[RebelRebel]

Source: http://www.akg-acoustics.com/products/powerslave,mynodeid,157,id,940,pid,940,_language,ENUS.html

Here it is, the Perception 100. The first AKG mic built in China. List is $299. Street is $99.

1" LDC, Cardioid.

There's also a Perception 200. Looks the same, but with pad and hipass built in.

 "Designed in Vienna. Built in China."

Makes me appreciate Gefell and Schoeps all the more. Hand Made, no outsourcing..

I love 414s, c12s, 422, c33,426, and well..thats about it for me. I dont like any of their SDCs or dynamics, just the old relaibles.

[F.O.Bean]

gee, thanks for the dis

so what? they outsourced a cheap 100 dollar mic? its not like they sold the company to sennhesier

you need to hear some 480>v2/v3>modsbm1 tapes and i bet your mind would get swayed

[RebelRebel]

gee, thanks for the dis

so what? they outsourced a cheap 100 dollar mic? its not like they sold the company to sennhesier

you need to hear some 480>v2/v3>modsbm1 tapes and i bet your mind would get swayed

It is just a sad trend, Bean.Cheap chinese stuff. (remember Oktava?) It wasnt a dis on you or your recordings, their SDCs just arent my cup of tea. I love my 426b though.

And yes, ive heard some fine recordings with those 48XX.

[F.O.Bean]

gee, thanks for the dis

so what? they outsourced a cheap 100 dollar mic? its not like they sold the company to sennhesier

you need to hear some 480>v2/v3>modsbm1 tapes and i bet your mind would get swayed

It is just a sad trend, Bean.Cheap chinese stuff. (remember Oktava?) It wasnt a dis on you or your recordings, their SDCs just arent my cup of tea. I love my 426b though.

And yes, ive heard some fine recordings with those 48XX.

i was just razin ya, everyones ears are different, hopefully this isnt a permanent traned and just a cheapie mic thing

[wbrisette]

you need to hear some 480>v2/v3>modsbm1 tapes and i bet your mind would get swayed

I've heard the 480's. They are great under the right situations, but for a lot of what I do, they are not the mic for me. I want a non-colored, flat mic. That's not the AKG 480 line.  Again, that's not to say it doesn't have it's place, but obviously it's better suited for certain things (just not for what I'm doing or wanting). Likewise sometimes flat mics aren't the answer either.

Wayne

[F.O.Bean]

you need to hear some 480>v2/v3>modsbm1 tapes and i bet your mind would get swayed

I've heard the 480's. They are great under the right situations, but for a lot of what I do, they are not the mic for me. I want a non-colored, flat mic. That's not the AKG 480 line.  Again, that's not to say it doesn't have it's place, but obviously it's better suited for certain things (just not for what I'm doing or wanting). Likewise sometimes flat mics aren't the answer either.

Wayne

you dont think the 480's are flat? i think theyre one of the LEAST colored mics in the big guns we use

[RebelRebel]

you need to hear some 480>v2/v3>modsbm1 tapes and i bet your mind would get swayed

I've heard the 480's. They are great under the right situations, but for a lot of what I do, they are not the mic for me. I want a non-colored, flat mic. That's not the AKG 480 line.  Again, that's not to say it doesn't have it's place, but obviously it's better suited for certain things (just not for what I'm doing or wanting). Likewise sometimes flat mics aren't the answer either.

Wayne

you dont think the 480's are flat? i think theyre one of the LEAST colored mics in the big guns we use

JNorman says they are pretty transparent(if I recall correctly), but I dont hear that .. Thats why I dont use them for classical work. They have that low end enhancement that I dont care for, and the highs arent as clear as say Schoeps, some Gefells, etc..

[F.O.Bean]

you need to hear some 480>v2/v3>modsbm1 tapes and i bet your mind would get swayed

I've heard the 480's. They are great under the right situations, but for a lot of what I do, they are not the mic for me. I want a non-colored, flat mic. That's not the AKG 480 line.  Again, that's not to say it doesn't have it's place, but obviously it's better suited for certain things (just not for what I'm doing or wanting). Likewise sometimes flat mics aren't the answer either.

Wayne

you dont think the 480's are flat? i think theyre one of the LEAST colored mics in the big guns we use

JNorman says they are pretty transparent(if I recall correctly), but I dont hear that .. Thats why I dont use them for classical work. They have that low end enhancement that I dont care for, and the highs arent as clear as say Schoeps, some Gefells, etc..

we def hear things differently bud i think schoeps/neumanns/MG's have more low-end than the 480's and the 480's have a silky high-end

[RebelRebel]

you need to hear some 480>v2/v3>modsbm1 tapes and i bet your mind would get swayed

I've heard the 480's. They are great under the right situations, but for a lot of what I do, they are not the mic for me. I want a non-colored, flat mic. That's not the AKG 480 line.  Again, that's not to say it doesn't have it's place, but obviously it's better suited for certain things (just not for what I'm doing or wanting). Likewise sometimes flat mics aren't the answer either.

Wayne

you dont think the 480's are flat? i think theyre one of the LEAST colored mics in the big guns we use

JNorman says they are pretty transparent(if I recall correctly), but I dont hear that .. Thats why I dont use them for classical work. They have that low end enhancement that I dont care for, and the highs arent as clear as say Schoeps, some Gefells, etc..

we def hear things differently bud i think schoeps/neumanns/MG's have more low-end than the 480's and the 480's have a silky high-end

Yeah, one thing ive learned is that opinions on gear dont matter much. So many different ears.

[F.O.Bean]

you need to hear some 480>v2/v3>modsbm1 tapes and i bet your mind would get swayed

I've heard the 480's. They are great under the right situations, but for a lot of what I do, they are not the mic for me. I want a non-colored, flat mic. That's not the AKG 480 line.  Again, that's not to say it doesn't have it's place, but obviously it's better suited for certain things (just not for what I'm doing or wanting). Likewise sometimes flat mics aren't the answer either.

Wayne

you dont think the 480's are flat? i think theyre one of the LEAST colored mics in the big guns we use

JNorman says they are pretty transparent(if I recall correctly), but I dont hear that .. Thats why I dont use them for classical work. They have that low end enhancement that I dont care for, and the highs arent as clear as say Schoeps, some Gefells, etc..

we def hear things differently bud i think schoeps/neumanns/MG's have more low-end than the 480's and the 480's have a silky high-end

Yeah, one thing ive learned is that opinions on gear dont matter much. So many different ears.

true that its really a matter of what pre/ad is behind the mics if they are all HQ

[RebelRebel]

Amen Bean.

One really famous Engineer I know brags about MXL mics, and oktavas.50% of it is how it is situated, and how well the operator knows his job.

you need to hear some 480>v2/v3>modsbm1 tapes and i bet your mind would get swayed

I've heard the 480's. They are great under the right situations, but for a lot of what I do, they are not the mic for me. I want a non-colored, flat mic. That's not the AKG 480 line.  Again, that's not to say it doesn't have it's place, but obviously it's better suited for certain things (just not for what I'm doing or wanting). Likewise sometimes flat mics aren't the answer either.

Wayne

you dont think the 480's are flat? i think theyre one of the LEAST colored mics in the big guns we use

JNorman says they are pretty transparent(if I recall correctly), but I dont hear that .. Thats why I dont use them for classical work. They have that low end enhancement that I dont care for, and the highs arent as clear as say Schoeps, some Gefells, etc..

we def hear things differently bud i think schoeps/neumanns/MG's have more low-end than the 480's and the 480's have a silky high-end

Yeah, one thing ive learned is that opinions on gear dont matter much. So many different ears.

true that its really a matter of what pre/ad is behind the mics if they are all HQ

[terrapinj]

i don't see this as that big of a surprise. while AKG makes and has made some very high end mics it seems that a large bit of their products have no need to be hand made or need to be subject to those type of QC standards. i hope this isn't a sign of things to come for all their products, but from a business standpoint something like this was likely inevitable, particularly for consumer grade products.

furthermore i don't think that a product being manufactured in china is necessarily a terrible thing or a sure sign of poor quality. All of the Studio Projects mics (as far as I know) are made in China and people here are very happy with them as a whole.

[poorlyconditioned]

i don't see this as that big of a surprise. while AKG makes and has made some very high end mics it seems that a large bit of their products have no need to be hand made or need to be subject to those type of QC standards. i hope this isn't a sign of things to come for all their products, but from a business standpoint something like this was likely inevitable, particularly for consumer grade products.

furthermore i don't think that a product being manufactured in china is necessarily a terrible thing or a sure sign of poor quality. All of the Studio Projects mics (as far as I know) are made in China and people here are very happy with them as a whole.

I would trust this mic *a lot* more than MXL, etc.  The reason is AKG (and other major manufacturers, like Audio Technica, etc), have large volumes, and a reputation.  So you expect that they will demand quality in manufacture, and they will verify the stuff before they sell it.  Of course, find out what quality level it is, but as far as consistency goes, I would trust it.

  Richard

[RebelRebel]

i don't see this as that big of a surprise. while AKG makes and has made some very high end mics it seems that a large bit of their products have no need to be hand made or need to be subject to those type of QC standards. i hope this isn't a sign of things to come for all their products, but from a business standpoint something like this was likely inevitable, particularly for consumer grade products.

furthermore i don't think that a product being manufactured in china is necessarily a terrible thing or a sure sign of poor quality. All of the Studio Projects mics (as far as I know) are made in China and people here are very happy with them as a whole.

I dont see it as a surprise either. doesnt mean I like or fully accept it.
to me---MASS production, outsourcing, etc....dont bode well for quality control...nor do they get me excited about things to come.

Like I said, it just makes me appreciate the hand mades all the more.  Look at the C24 and 414EB..

 that mic probably will probably sound like every other "new chinese mic" on the market.

oh well, ive got my 426. im content with that.

[OFOTD]

You know years ago everyone swore that Americans made the best cars and the world was going to hell and a handbasket once the Germans and Japanese came on to the scene.  "Nothing like an American car" , "They're using cheaper parts and cheaper labor"   Whatever!

Big deal so AKG is farming production of their entry level mass produced stuff to China.  So what.  Welcome to the new world economy.  If it allows some new blood to enter the taping world because the price is right then so be it.  Taping does not start for most people at $1000 for a pair of mics.  Also remember that we are low on the food chain for manufacturers like AKG, MG and the like.  Musicians and studios put food on their table first. 

Secondly I could give two shits about what the microphone engineers think about their favorite mic anyways.  Those guys are usually the ones listening to test tones anyways and are not in 108 degree heat set up at a festival in Austin next to me so opinions/schminions. 

AKG has always done me right.  Good people and great service.  That doesn't suddenly change when a product is assembled in China.

[RebelRebel]

 Some of yall are wound way too tight. They are only microphones for goodness sake.  Varying opinions are good things! Even if the opinion doesnt paralell your own. Though I am sure AKG would be touched by the  loyalty. (or not)

Ted Some of the best sounding mics I have ever heard for under $1,000 come from China. Better get used to it. Half of the electronics made now are comming from China. China is the new Japan and the quality is just as good as Germany for some products.

Chris Church

Point me to em. Im all ears! were all the mics and cables burned in before you heard them??and were the preamps all class A??if not, dont want to hear it. 

[Wiggler]

You know years ago everyone swore that Americans made the best cars and the world was going to hell and a handbasket once the Germans and Japanese came on to the scene.  "Nothing like an American car" , "They're using cheaper parts and cheaper labor"   Whatever!

Carl Benz of Mercedes Benz built his first production car the Benz velo in 1894.
BMW started building cars in 1928 and Porsche in 1948.
Arguably some of the finest cars ever made.
 
Daimler Chrysler is fully German owned.
GM posted a first quarter loss of 323 million in 2006 and it's bonds have a junk rating.
Ford posted a first quarter loss of 1.19 Billion and also has a junk bond rating.
I'll take a German car over American made any day of the week.

The Japanese surpassed the American automakers in worldwide auto sales a long time ago.
Last year the Japanese even topped the US automakers for the first time in the United States market for sales.
It's only a matter of time before Toyota surpasses GM as the largest automaker.

[spyder9]

Ted Some of the best sounding mics I have ever heard for under $1,000 come from China. Better get used to it. Half of the electronics made now are comming from China. China is the new Japan and the quality is just as good as Germany for some products.

Chris Church

Chris,

Your best post ever.  I think 50% of everything I own was "Made in China".  And I didn't plan it it that way   

[spyder9]

Some of yall are wound way too tight. They are only microphones for goodness sake.  Varying opinions are good things! Even if the opinion doesnt paralell your own. Though I am sure AKG would be touched by the  loyalty. (or not)

Ted Some of the best sounding mics I have ever heard for under $1,000 come from China. Better get used to it. Half of the electronics made now are comming from China. China is the new Japan and the quality is just as good as Germany for some products.

Chris Church

Point me to em. Im all ears! were all the mics and cables burned in before you heard them??and were the preamps all class A??if not, dont want to hear it. 

Its your AKG-bashing thread.  Bite the bullet.    

[MarkE]

If it allows some new blood to enter the taping world because the price is right then so be it.  Taping does not start for most people at $1000 for a pair of mics.  Also remember that we are low on the food chain for manufacturers like AKG, MG and the like.  Musicians and studios put food on their table first. 

GREAT post OFO...
  The 1st thing I did when I saw this thread is copied the link and sent it to my brother, who has recently been bitten by the taping bug, and wants a nice cheap beginner setup... 2 of these 2000's, 48v ps, my extra Zefiro inbox and an Iriver and hes set for what? 6or 7 hundred dollars? I bet that would sound excellent for that cash.... Now if he would just pry open his wallet! +T
Mark E

[wbrisette]

is it "trust your ears" or is it "trust the country of manufacture"? 

I think it's these two in particular. I'm sorry, but I don't agree with all the outsourcing and I don't give two rats asses how good Chinese products have become, they still aren't there when it comes to fit and finish, and QC. I would much rather see my hard earned $US dollar spent somewhere in North America, but if that isn't an option, then I'll take Europe. Call it what you want, but if I have the choice between two products one made in the US and one made in China, I'll buy the US model any day of the week. Why? Because I don't want only some crappy min. wage service jobs being the only thing left here. Yes, we live in a world economy and that's great. But when that country owns such a huge part of our debt (I won't go down that politically charged road), it should be causing people concerns. It should also concern people that their human rights policies are questionable (not that ours haven't been particularly in light of 9/11), and we continue to support violations in child and prison workers rights when we toss so much money their way.

I look in my garage and I look at my choice of woodworking tools, what do I see? Several Milwaukee power tools made either in the US or Europe, a Delta table saw made in the US, and two Grizzly power tools made in Taiwan (and you're not going to find anything but Chinese made drill presses anymore). When I look at my recording gear, I see nothing but US made products. And not only do I think I made the choices based on what was right for my needs and ears, but yes, also where it was made and I'm not ashamed to say that. If you want to support Chinese products, knock yourself out, but then don't complain when you hear of another 10,000 jobs being lost to India or China. They are being outsourced because we're letting them, because of our choice in products. Companies wouldn't outsource if they thought customers would stop buying the product. I simply put my money where my mouth is...

-Wayne

[spyder9]

is it "trust your ears" or is it "trust the country of manufacture"?

I think it's these two in particular. I'm sorry, but I don't agree with all the outsourcing and I don't give two rats asses how good Chinese products have become, they still aren't there when it comes to fit and finish, and QC. I would much rather see my hard earned $US dollar spent somewhere in North America, but if that isn't an option, then I'll take Europe. Call it what you want, but if I have the choice between two products one made in the US and one made in China, I'll buy the US model any day of the week. Why? Because I don't want only some crappy min. wage service jobs being the only thing left here. Yes, we live in a world economy and that's great. But when that country owns such a huge part of our debt (I won't go down that politically charged road), it should be causing people concerns. It should also concern people that their human rights policies are questionable (not that ours haven't been particularly in light of 9/11), and we continue to support violations in child and prison workers rights when we toss so much money their way.

I look in my garage and I look at my choice of woodworking tools, what do I see? Several Milwaukee power tools made either in the US or Europe, a Delta table saw made in the US, and two Grizzly power tools made in Taiwan (and you're not going to find anything but Chinese made drill presses anymore). When I look at my recording gear, I see nothing but US made products. And not only do I think I made the choices based on what was right for my needs and ears, but yes, also where it was made and I'm not ashamed to say that. If you want to support Chinese products, knock yourself out, but then don't complain when you hear of another 10,000 jobs being lost to India or China. They are being outsourced because we're letting them, because of our choice in products. Companies wouldn't outsource if they thought customers would stop buying the product. I simply put my money where my mouth is...

-Wayne

Where were the clothes made?  The shirt you're wearing right now?  Sneakers?   China is everywhere.   

[Brian]

2 billion people can't be wrong! 

[wbrisette]

Where were the clothes made?  The shirt you're wearing right now?  Sneakers?   China is everywhere.   

Shirt: Canada ;-)
Pants: US
Shoes: China  (I can only think of one running shoe made in the US and only certain models)

But my point is, when I have a choice, I try to make a choice that supports things made in North America.

Wayne

[spyder9]

Where were the clothes made?  The shirt you're wearing right now?  Sneakers?   China is everywhere.   

That doesn't make it okay to sell out your country.

Agreed.  Unfortunately, DC politicains don't think that way.  When I was a kid, there were tariffs on everything that was foreign made.  Everything.  Now, I look over my shoulder, and I see BMW building cars in South Carolina.  Tariffs?  (shrugs) 

[rowjimmy]

It is just a sad trend, Bean.Cheap chinese stuff. (remember Oktava?)

back on-topic...
Oktava's are still made in Russia.
anything Chinese that says Oktava is not Oktava.

http://oktava.tula.net/news/reliz_eng.htm
http://oktava.tula.net/fake/

[wbrisette]

back on-topic...
Oktava's are still made in Russia.
anything Chinese that says Oktava is not Oktava.

http://oktava.tula.net/news/reliz_eng.htm
http://oktava.tula.net/fake/

Now I've seen it all... Inexpensive mics, counterfeited. Makes you wonder what they were thinking.

Wayne

[RebelRebel]

well, imitation is the most sincere form of flattery, isnt it?

[Teen Wolf Blitzer]

Plain and simple...AKG rules.  And don't forget it.   

[TNJazz]

Plain and simple...AKG rules.  And don't forget it.   

Rules what?  The cheap Chinese condenser market?   

[RebelRebel]

Plain and simple...AKG rules.  And don't forget it.   

Rules what?  The cheap Chinese condenser market?   

 

[Kindguy]

Bean try out some Mod 460's sometime. You'll love them. I loved my 480's but ther was always something with the mid's I didn't like. Mod 460's fixed that. Fantastic mic IMO. You can borrow mine sometime if you want.

Jeff

[Brian]

Plain and simple...AKG rules.  And don't forget it.   

Rules what?

a hi-hat

[bluegrass_brad]

Plain and simple...AKG rules.  And don't forget it.   

Rules what?

a hi-hat

QFT.  I also really like the 450/460/480 on overheads as well.

[Brian]

Plain and simple...AKG rules.  And don't forget it.  

Rules what?

a hi-hat

QFT.  I also really like the 450/460/480 on overheads as well.

original 451's sound great as overheads......especially jazz kits, IMHO 

[sygdwm]

<slowly backs out and closes door>

i ran 210s & 463s>148>671 same show several times and thought the akg's sounded better imo. id like to hear the 200's vs 61's, though. 

[Kindguy]

<slowly backs out and closes door>

i ran 210s & 463s>148>671 same show several times and thought the akg's sounded better imo. id like to hear the 200's vs 61's, though. 

So did I. I owned my MG210 around 2 months till I sold em & bought back my 480's.

[kindms]

"China is here Mr. Burton"

[RebelRebel]

I like Gefell and Schoeps for two reasons1.) Sonics 2.) philosophy. Gefell has been making mics the same way, since the 20s, according to the Standards laid out by Georg Neumann.  Schoeps , since the 40s. With both of those companies, EVERY component is made on site, by hand, parts are hand picked and hand tested according to very stringent standards. Neither of those two care about Global Commerce, never compromise to meet a larger consumer base, and place quality and sonic integrity above all. No mass production, but made to order. Yes, this means a higher price to the end user, but IMNSVFHO it is well worth it. Combine the sonics WITH the philosophy and you have a winner, all around. I also like that when you phone one of those two companies, you dont have to be patched into another division in a different country or state. All the employees are in house. AKG is becoming a typicall "big business" model. I dont like that personally, and wont support it. Same thing with SennMan, though I do love the u87, tlm193, and Sennheiser MKH800.

I do love my 426B, and wouldnt trade it for anything, though it is in the shop getting frankensteined at the moment for broader freq. range and better transient response. was about 95% perfect.


but at the end of the day, to me they are just tools, and I buy the tools that do the job for me. I dont identfy with my mics on a personal level,  and certainly dont take offense if someone slags off on them. If it were my Mother, maybe. A piece of steel and wire..(though well crafted!)...never. Dont understand why others take it personally either ,but perhaps that isnt for me to understand nor question.

[OOK]

I like Gefell and Schoeps for two reasons1.) Sonics 2.) philosophy. Gefell has been making mics the same way, since the 20s, according to the Standards laid out by Georg Neumann.  Schoeps , since the 40s. With both of those companies, EVERY component is made on site, by hand, parts are hand picked and hand tested according to very stringent standards. Neither of those two care about Global Commerce, never compromise to meet a larger consumer base, and place quality and sonic integrity above all. No mass production, but made to order. Yes, this means a higher price to the end user, but IMNSVFHO it is well worth it. Combine the sonics WITH the philosophy and you have a winner, all around. I also like that when you phone one of those two companies, you dont have to be patched into another division in a different country or state. All the employees are in house. AKG is becoming a typicall "big business" model. I dont like that personally, and wont support it. Same thing with SennMan, though I do love the u87, tlm193, and Sennheiser MKH800.

I do love my 426B, and wouldnt trade it for anything, though it is in the shop getting frankensteined at the moment for broader freq. range and better transient response. was about 95% perfect.


but at the end of the day, to me they are just tools, and I buy the tools that do the job for me. I dont identfy with my mics on a personal level,  and certainly dont take offense if someone slags off on them. If it were my Mother, maybe. A piece of steel and wire..(though well crafted!)...never. Dont understand why others take it personally either ,but perhaps that isnt for me to understand nor question.

+T and well said......

[kgreener]

if you're looking for an American microphone company that adheres to some of the values Teddy hit upon, ableit on a smaller scale, Josephson surely comes to mind.

[RebelRebel]

Yessir! Josephson and Royer!

[Chuck]

Jeez, I hate to be a wet blanket... but...
Back in 1990, I bought a pair of Josephson C-640 microphones (transformer coupled for the lowest noise available at the time). I bought these mics based on a recommendation from Mike Grace, who was working for a Colorado Springs high end amplifier manufacturer at the time. Mike had heard that the Josephson mics were like a cheap Schoeps alternative. Of course these mics were imported from Germany from the company that was to become MBHO. Josephson was the US dealer, but was branding them under the Josphson name.

I was never happy with them. The capsules were not matched, though I was very clear with him on the phone when ordering that I wanted them to be closely matched. I sent the damn things back to him requesting that he send back matched caps. One of the switches (phantom power/ battery power) also broke soon after I go them. This of course when the Grateful Dead were ON FIRE at the time! ... and I had the time to tour and basically had to be a lowly patcher. I should have a ton of great recordings from that year, but alas, my mics were in San Jose with David Josephson. He promised quick turn-around, but kept my mics for 2 months! I actually called him to beg for them back ASAP, so I could record some of the magic I was hearing night after night from the Grateful Dead that year.

After the mics came back, they still were not matched, though I recorded many shows with them over the years. Finally, back a couple of years ago I sent them to MBHO and they were finally matched, quite closely too. I ended up selling them on eBAy to finance my AKG C-480 purchase. The AKG's I love! I had many conversations/ coorespondences with David Josephson over the years that I had those microphones and was ultimametly quite disappointed in him and his company. YMMV...

[wbrisette]

Yessir! Josephson and Royer!

You use to be able to toss Earthworks into this category, but when the investors kicked out Chris Blackmer and installed their own people, they started a bit of a slide (my opinion). Their mics are still great, but it's not the same company.

Wayne

[heath]

Royer Ribbons   

[Teen Wolf Blitzer]

I totally agree with your post Teddy although one big thing.  I really honestly think Schoeps sound bad (unless they are really close to the source). I know I'm not the only one here.   MG's though... I really like.  But like everyone has said before.  It's all in the ears and what you run behind em and what you're recording.

 I've been asked a bunch...why do you have TLII's?  Well my answer is I usually am only taping bluegrass, oldtime and acoustic music.  I tested most of the 414's and felt the transformerless suited me better for what I record.  (The new XL's were not out at this point)   And yes I even tested some of the old cap 414's but still prefered the TL's.

It's all in the ears.  I know "I" don't record anything for anyone else's ears and system.  Only for myself.   

I like Gefell and Schoeps for two reasons1.) Sonics 2.) philosophy. Gefell has been making mics the same way, since the 20s, according to the Standards laid out by Georg Neumann.  Schoeps , since the 40s. With both of those companies, EVERY component is made on site, by hand, parts are hand picked and hand tested according to very stringent standards. Neither of those two care about Global Commerce, never compromise to meet a larger consumer base, and place quality and sonic integrity above all. No mass production, but made to order. Yes, this means a higher price to the end user, but IMNSVFHO it is well worth it. Combine the sonics WITH the philosophy and you have a winner, all around. I also like that when you phone one of those two companies, you dont have to be patched into another division in a different country or state. All the employees are in house. AKG is becoming a typicall "big business" model. I dont like that personally, and wont support it. Same thing with SennMan, though I do love the u87, tlm193, and Sennheiser MKH800.

I do love my 426B, and wouldnt trade it for anything, though it is in the shop getting frankensteined at the moment for broader freq. range and better transient response. was about 95% perfect.


but at the end of the day, to me they are just tools, and I buy the tools that do the job for me. I dont identfy with my mics on a personal level,  and certainly dont take offense if someone slags off on them. If it were my Mother, maybe. A piece of steel and wire..(though well crafted!)...never. Dont understand why others take it personally either ,but perhaps that isnt for me to understand nor question.

+T and well said......

[momule]

just to chime in on this one as I have ran a pair of MXL's and the new perception 100's (will also be running them at waka this year in the tents)

I would put my MXL v63m>self modded UA-5>Jb3 tape up against almost any other audience tape from this same show
here is a small sample


NEM here in KC at the uptown theater back on 7-12-2004 (taped from just LOB, 40' back)

 

[Charlies]

oh well, ive got my 426. im content with that.

Understatement of the year.

And the MG210 and AKG480s are totally different. Two different flavors. Both great mics. IMO

[OOK]

just to chime in on this one as I have ran a pair of MXL's and the new perception 100's (will also be running them at waka this year in the tents)

I would put my MXl vm63>self modded UA-5>Jb3 tape up against almost any other audience tape from this same show
here is a small sample


NEM here in KC at the uptown theater back on 7-12-2004 (taped from just LOB, 40' back)

 

Hey thats a nice sample...question though  what are the vm63's??? is this a misstype  or an older mic???

[momule]

sorry that should have been MXL V63m

[wbrisette]

I would put my MXL v63m>self modded UA-5>Jb3 tape up against almost any other audience tape from this same show
here is a small sample


NEM here in KC at the uptown theater back on 7-12-2004 (taped from just LOB, 40' back)

OK who is NEM?

This sounds pretty good, but the mids seem kind of bright to me (actually the whole thing sounds like it was recorded in a very "live" room). Without being there, hard to say how they compare to what was being played.  But, overall this does sound fine. I'd take you up on your offer, but A: I have no idea who NEM is, and B: Kansas City is a long way from Austin. 

Cheers,
Wayne

[terrapinj]

I would put my MXL v63m>self modded UA-5>Jb3 tape up against almost any other audience tape from this same show
here is a small sample


NEM here in KC at the uptown theater back on 7-12-2004 (taped from just LOB, 40' back)

OK who is NEM?

This sounds pretty good, but the mids seem kind of bright to me (actually the whole thing sounds like it was recorded in a very "live" room). Without being there, hard to say how they compare to what was being played.  But, overall this does sound fine. I'd take you up on your offer, but A: I have no idea who NEM is, and B: Kansas City is a long way from Austin. 

Cheers,
Wayne

New Earth Mud - Chris Robinson's Side Project

[momule]

OK who is NEM?

This sounds pretty good, but the mids seem kind of bright to me (actually the whole thing sounds like it was recorded in a very "live" room). Without being there, hard to say how they compare to what was being played.  But, overall this does sound fine. I'd take you up on your offer, but A: I have no idea who NEM is, and B: Kansas City is a long way from Austin. 

Cheers,
Wayne

my original point was don’t judge the book by its cover (the MXL's) 
Although this is a $400 rig IMO it can hold its own.

look for some of the Chinese made AKG samples after wakarusa.
I'll try to run them in front of both the Self Modded UA-5 and The T-mod just for comparison.

[Charlies]

Neither of those two care about Global Commerce,

What about the "US Box Sets"? I seem to recall some issues with those. Different stock or sound or something? Something was off with em, all in the name of global commerce....