Topic: Pearl/PML/Milab DC-21 (similar to Neumann KM-84?)

[sunjan]

Anybody used Pearl/Milab DC-20 or DC-21?
Apparently, they are supposed to be similar to Neumann KM-84.
I spotted a pair for sale, but I'm a bit wary since this model dates from 1969-70 (while the Milabs have been in production until 1981 or so).

I found the specs for both pearl and milab varieties:
http://www.filmsoundsweden.se/backspegel/pearl_dc20.html
http://www.milabmic.com/documents/dc-20_21.pdf

If you look at the data, would you say that they are suitable concert mics?
The DC-21 curve is not exactly flat, with a hump over 10kHz and a gradual drop-off from 100Hz and below.

I read that the old components tend to get noisy:
http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/solid-state/26586-old-jfet-mic-goes-noisy.html
http://groups.google.com/group/rec.audio.pro/browse_thread/thread/7f95d7aaa12f50b6/39c2ba9be4ca666d?lnk=gst&q=pml+dc+20#

Don't know if it's worth wasting any money on old equipment like this?!

[TNJazz]

Apparently, they are supposed to be similar to Neumann KM-84.

I think almost every old condenser mic out there has someone saying THIS about it.  Most of the time it's an effort to drive up the prices on esoteric and little known stuff and most of the time it's not true at all.

I am not familiar with this particular mic but as everyone knows, Milab and PML have been making good microphones for a LONG time.  I wouldn't be afraid of a PML model from the late 60's.  As far as I know both companies still service their old microphones, so why not give them a try and report back here with your results?  I would definitely be interested in knowing more about this, but then again I'm one of those who doesn't subscribe to the Schoeps/Neumann/AKG/DPA or bust theories.  I like it when an unknown mic can whup the "big boys"!  That's why I became a Milab and Nevaton dealer, actually!