#1
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Mic recommendations - figure 8
I'm looking for a mic that will do a figure 8 pattern so I can experiment with some m/s recording. I've already got a pair of KM 184's, so I'll use one of those for the mid. Any recommendations? I was thinking it might be nice to have a ribbon mic for this, but I'm open to suggestions. It would be nice if I could find something in the $600-$800 range, but I could go higher if it was something I'd get a lot of use from. Any suggestions? Which ones have you guys used that have worked well for this application?
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#2
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I highly recommend the Rode NTR active ribbon mic for this application, for the following reasons:
- It fits your budget - It is active, so does not require a low-noise, high-gain preamp (will work well with any modern preamp or interface with phantom power) - It has a symmetrical pickup on front and rear lobes (this is important to insure good stereo imaging as part of a M/S pair) - It sounds great! - It has a 10 year guarantee, with one free ribbon replacement, if required A few things to note: - It is a heavy mic! Weighing 2.3 lbs, you are going to need to use a sturdy mic stand, possibly needing to add counter weights on a boom - It is fairly rugged, but you will need to consider that all ribbon mics need to be handled carefully |
#3
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I didn’t research prices before typing this, but my first thought was a used AKG 414 or Austrian Audio 818. Many people seem to think the Sennheiser MKH-30 is one the very best figure eight mics out there, and very low profile for videos… But it’s figure eight only, and I suspect even used it might be above your biggest.
I did a lot of playing around with a ribbon (Royer 121, 122, R10) as the mid mic for a while, then I think when I started going back-and-forth with the 414 ultimately I really preferred a brighter mic for the sides. I’ll also add anecdotally that I live in 100-year-old house that needs to be rewired, and ribbons are prone to picking up interference so I battled some noise issues. |
#4
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Looking at Ribbons will depend on your preamp gain
That said the AEA N 22 ( $ 999 ) is an Active ribbon (with phantom power helps on gain ) Although it will still use a fair amount of preamp gain. ( I have 60 db on my Avid Carbon and I use almost all of it, if I am 12 or more inches away) Note I use a spaced pair so have not tried M/S
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Enjoy the Journey.... Kev... KevWind at Soundcloud KevWind at YouYube https://www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...EZxkPKyieOTgRD System : Studio system Avid Carbon interface , PT Ultimate 2023.12 -Mid 2020 iMac 27" 3.8GHz 8-core i7 10th Gen ,, Ventura 13.2.1 Mobile MBP M1 Pro , PT Ultimate 2023.12 Sonoma 14.4 |
#5
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I also own a MKH30 and use it with an MKH40 as the mid mic for location sound gigs, sound effects and wildlife/ambiance recordings. It is a great mic, but double the OP's stated budget (used). It is also one of the few Fig. 8 mics that has a truly symmetrical pickup, front and rear.
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#6
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You might take a look at the AT4050. I haven't tried it specifically, but I use the AT4050ST, which is a stereo version in fixed MS, on many of my you tube videos. The 4050 is a 3-pattern mic, so you could use it in multiple ways, and presumably as a side mic would be similar to the side portion of my 4050st.
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Music: Spotify, Bandcamp Videos: You Tube Channel Books: Hymns for Fingerstyle Guitar (std tuning), Christmas Carols for Fingerstyle Guitar (std tuning), A DADGAD Christmas, Alternate Tunings book Online Course: Alternate Tunings for Fingerstyle Guitar Last edited by Doug Young; 01-15-2022 at 04:57 PM. |
#7
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Quote:
Nice. I always forget about that one. The 4050 is very under-rated. My friend has an impressive locker at his studio but he seemingly always ends up grabbing a 4050. I've read of others saying the same thing on GearSpace.. We recorded my first two records with 4050's. |
#8
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That was a price that I would have jumped on (considering it was in great condition) as they are so hard to find used. People that purchase them seem to keep them forever, for good reason.
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#9
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Just doing a little deep diving on the intertube, the Audio-Technica AT4081 seems to get pretty good reviews and is within my budget. Anybody try one of those? I'd like to try a ribbon mic.
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