Topic: Neumann KM140 vs. Beyer mc930s? Thoughts?

[Unitmonster]

Found one comparison thread but the sources no longer seem to be working.  Been enjoying a few of the Beyer 930 HMSF recordings lately, and found myself thinking they're kind of similar in the bottom end to the 140s (big & punchy).  Any thoughts on these mics head to head?

If I ever upgraded (been using these 853s for over 4 years now!) it'd have to be to an active setup, so perhaps the impending active beyer setup or the active neumanns might be options (i'd love to go Shoeps mk21/mk4 + cmc6 but doubt I'll ever have the scratch for that).  Any thoughts?

[TNJazz]

Any thoughts on these mics head to head?

Different strokes for different folks. 

I used to own 140's.  I own 803's now (interchangeable cap version of the 930's) and would never go back to 140's or 184's.  YMMV

Your own ears are the only true judge.

[Nick's Picks]

and i'm just the opposite.
I think I went from 140s > akgs > beyers.
liked the neumanns much better.

[johnmuge]

I've been running the Beyers for a year or so and they do sound good.  I've recorded a bunch of shows both indoors and out.  If you want to check out some, PM your address and i'll get you out some different shows that havn't been uploaded.

[waltmon]

  I haven't run the Beyer's myself, but by ear I vote 140's.   My opinion is that for the loot, the active set-up plus the 40's/50's....you are covered pretty much for every scenario from stealth to FOB, to section taping.

[stevetoney]

  I haven't run the Beyer's myself, but by ear I vote 140's.   My opinion is that for the loot, the active set-up plus the 40's/50's....you are covered pretty much for every scenario from stealth to FOB, to section taping.

As long as your asking...I second Waltmon's vote.  You shouldn't be asking though...you should be listening to the archive for yourself!   

[Unitmonster]

  I haven't run the Beyer's myself, but by ear I vote 140's.   My opinion is that for the loot, the active set-up plus the 40's/50's....you are covered pretty much for every scenario from stealth to FOB, to section taping.

As long as your asking...I second Waltmon's vote.  You shouldn't be asking though...you should be listening to the archive for yourself!   

Oh believe me, I've listened!  Probably listened to 40-50 shows with the 140s, still, it's tough. I've heard 140 tapes that sound outstanding, and others that sound so-so.  i've heard less of the 930s, but still enough to have a sense for the sound.  Still it's nice to hear others' opinions, especially those who have run the mics before.    in a dream world I'd get the km 100s plus a pair of ak 40's, 43's and 50's and active cables.  However, heading into my 9th year of university (or something like that) I'm not likely to find myself in that position to do that.  Still, the flexibility to one day expand the cap collection is a definite plus I guess.

[SmokinJoe]

Pepperoni Pizza or Veggie?  Vanilla or Chocolate?  Blonds or Brunettes?  Everyone has an preference, and it's important that you make your own.  It's also a question of finding the mic/preamp combo, because the same mics will sound a lot different with different preamps.

I will mention that Nick had 930's and a FR2LE and I seem to remember he had problems with it brickwalling... those are hot mics (put out more voltage than some others).  I'm not sure if it was just a question of finding the right settings, or if it was a custom mod which just didn't work out as they had hoped, or what the deal is... but before you buy a set I would try to find someone who has successfully run that combo in a loud setting.

[TNJazz]

I will mention that Nick had 930's and a FR2LE and I seem to remember he had problems with it brickwalling

Even with the pad on the mics?

[waltmon]

Is that what that little switch thingy on the side with the -10db is?   

 

[Nick's Picks]

I wasn't a huge fan of the combo.

[waltmon]

I hear you...Neumanns are odd with some gear.

  I ran 184's > DMIC 20 > dap1/d-8 and they were waaay hot for the DMIC.

 I added those AT  attenuators behind them and made some amazing recordings. Some combos just aren't good matches. 

  I will say as an added comment that I really like the combo of 140/150/184/U89 > v-2 very much. Plus the v-2 doesn't seem to really crush my batteries...I do a whole show and am only down 1 bar on my LI's.

[datbrad]

Pepperoni Pizza or Veggie?  Vanilla or Chocolate?  Blonds or Brunettes?  Everyone has an preference, and it's important that you make your own. 

I agree with this mindset. However, I remember one particularly snooty taper back in the '90s that owned Schoeps and B&Ks that had a great comeback when I was telling another guy about different mic brands and how they were all in the same league, and were just different "flavors". He said "yeh, some guys date ugly chicks and say they are just as good as the young hotties they chose not to ask out, but they are lying".......

[rowjimmytour]

For me the deciding factors was what I call a transparent sound, 930's>R4(t-mod)Oades recordings I heard before hand, and price. I had TL's w/ four patterns and thought going to a SD w/ set cards might be tough but after trying 930's indoor, outdoor, and ever configuration I don't miss having other capsules at all. My biggest problem now is deciding which configuration I like more at which giving venue or stage.
Peace

[Nick's Picks]

I bet the 930s sound awesome with a v3 or direct into an SD box.
I sort of still wish I had my set.  I need a backup pair of mics and have been leaning towards picking up a V3 recently.
that would make for a sweet sounding getup.