Topic: Omnis Upgrade

[roman79]

I'm running Countryman B3s (16 V tinybox) and CA-14s.

Because my preference is to get close to a stack or stage, from my perspective my best tapes have been with the B3s. Though a few times I have run both rigs from the same position and have not managed to detect a significant difference in quality.

I caught up with a Schoepes dealer here in Australia, showing him my CA-14s mounting technique and he was somewhat unimpressed, basically his feeling was that I wouldn't be  getting a decent stereo image using such mounting method for high-end microphones. I gather most people run the MK4s (cardioids) and not the MK2s (omins). Either way the capsule is quite a big size for stealth taping effectively from what I saw.

I'm not overally fussed about being dead centre, I've heard a lot of great open tapes from the LMA using Schoeps etc, but I'm more inclined to stealth tape as close to the stack as possible. Mainly because, open taping is incredibly rare down here (haven't seen it yet) and also I'm not a 'people person' so would rather just walk in, tape a show, not say anything..no one knew I was there etc.

If so what mics would you recommend? I get the impression that the DPA 4061s are more expensive than the B3s but aren't necessarily a significant sound upgrade.

Any advice is appreciated.

Happy to spend between $2-$4K.

[Fatah Ruark (aka MIKE B)]

I'm under the impression that a lot of folks use the Schoepes SUB-CARDs for  . Someone correct me if I'm wrong. I've never run them so take that advise with a grain of salt.

I have used both the B3's and 406x's. There is no way that I'd go back to the DPA's. They are great mics and sound unbelivable under the right conditions (ie it sounds perfect), but I don't think you'd see that much of a difference from the B3's.

If you want slightly smaller than the Schoepes you might want to look at the other options from DPA. I prefer sub-card's from that close up.

I'll let someone else chime in with more advise on what options are the best since I've never used the higher end DPA's or Schoepes.

[Gutbucket]

I have used both the B3's and 406x's. There is no way that I'd go back to the DPA's. They are great mics and sound unbelivable under the right conditions (ie it sounds perfect), but I don't think you'd see that much of a difference from the B3's.

I do.. and did.

I really wanted to like the Countryman B3 as much as the DPA 4060/4061 given the significant price difference, but the B3 sound just doesn't work for me personally.  I very much prefer the DPAs, as do a number of others I've talked with about it, however it's a very personal thing.  Others here commonly report hearing no difference, not enough of a differece to justify the cost difference (like Mike mentions) or prefer the B3 sound outright.  Only you can make that call.

I don't own any, but the non-miniature DPAs and Schoepes are really excellent mics yet in an entirely different cost bracket.  I particually like the sound of sub-cardioid mics in general.  They are one of the best sounding patterns, used in the appropriate situation, IMO.

[nardo]

Consider a pair of Sanken COS-11s, the RedMark version goes up to 136dB. Not a fan of the DPA406x (love the 402x sound). The Nevaton omnis also sound really nice to my ears.

http://www.sanken-mic.com -> Lavalier

Should be around 1.5K$ for a pair, possibly less depending on your distributor.

EDIT: I rarely do stack tapes but if I remember correctly, this is one, FOS-right, a raw clip (mp3)

[F.O.Bean]

Schoeps can be mounted in Kangol hats very stealthy. Just PM a few people on here and hey will lead you the right way!

[aaronji]

What is it you don't like about the B3s?  At least some of the benefits of high-end mics (like off-axis response and low noise levels) won't do you much good if you are hugging a stack...

[H₂O]

I'd go for mk4's or mk41's -  the will give you a lot more flexibility then omni's

You will also find you don't need to stack tape with these but you can if you want.

I'd try and find a used pair as you can save a lot.

[roman79]

Thanks for all the feedback.

The sub-cardioids I'm not familar with so will look into that.

I'm pretty happy with the B3s if I'm close to the stack, (However the Sanken's look interesting I'll have to check them out on the LMA) so I think I'll stick with them if I'm in a small club and will look at getting some higher end cardioids to use in other venues.
DPA 402x series seems to be about 20% cheaper than Schoeps CCM4s down here so may look into that as an option.
I think I'll also check to see if LMA endorsed artists playing at venues here will let me potentially open tape before i drop a signficant amount of money on mics that may not be frequently used.

[F.O.Bean]

Thanks for all the feedback.

The sub-cardioids I'm not familar with so will look into that.

I'm pretty happy with the B3s if I'm close to the stack, (However the Sanken's look interesting I'll have to check them out on the LMA) so I think I'll stick with them if I'm in a small club and will look at getting some higher end cardioids to use in other venues.
DPA 402x series seems to be about 20% cheaper than Schoeps CCM4s down here so may look into that as an option.
I think I'll also check to see if LMA endorsed artists playing at venues here will let me potentially open tape before i drop a signficant amount of money on mics that may not be frequently used.

There is a MINT pair of ccm4s in the yard sale right now for a good price!