Alternative to Neumann KM84

[pjd3]

My kids are are chipping in to get me a Line Audio CM4 for my new Martin. After extensive listening to well recorded sound clips its become very apparent that for around 140 bucks you can have a small diaphragm mic with unusual depth, accuracy and richness. Many others in that price range might do the job but if there are subtle elements about your acoustic guitar that you really want to capture as is, then the CM4 appears to be an unusually good contender.

Also, if you know anyone that has soldering skills, Microphone-parts.com has extremely high quality kits. I've built and use 2 of them and they are stellar. They even have an "84" sdc kit that was designed to get you right in that territory.

Good luck - mic shopping is a ball!

Best,
Phil D.

[PANDAPANDELO]

Just fot you guys that are following this thread know: I ended up with a pair of KM184, and I'm extremelly happy with them.

Now I'm working on room treatment and trying to find a nice USB with 4 mic inputs Audio Interface to achieve better recordings (my Scarlett Solo is not working anymore). Maybe that Audient iD 44?

[Chipotle]

Originally Posted by pjd3

My kids are are chipping in to get me a Line Audio CM4 for my new Martin. After extensive listening to well recorded sound clips its become very apparent that for around 140 bucks you can have a small diaphragm mic with unusual depth, accuracy and richness. Many others in that price range might do the job but if there are subtle elements about your acoustic guitar that you really want to capture as is, then the CM4 appears to be an unusually good contender.

I used a pair of CM4s for the guitar on this video:

[DukeX]

Originally Posted by PANDAPANDELO

Just fot you guys that are following this thread know: I ended up with a pair of KM184, and I'm extremelly happy with them.

Now I'm working on room treatment and trying to find a nice USB with 4 mic inputs Audio Interface to achieve better recordings (my Scarlett Solo is not working anymore). Maybe that Audient iD 44?

Congrats on the new mics!

Nothing wrong with four inputs, but you only need two for great stereo recordings.

If you are going to spend that much money on mics I'd get two channels of a very nice mic pre. You can get great deals used. For example, I was able to get two channels of Great River for $800 from a forum member a year ago.

[PANDAPANDELO]

Thank you for the tip! I like the Apogee Element 46 that AlohaChris told me. The problem is that it only works in Mac (and I have a PC).

I'd go with the 4 input to record stereo acoustic and vocals at the same time. That's why the 4 inputs. I confess that only 2 would make my life a lot easier.

Originally Posted by DukeX

Congrats on the new mics!

Nothing wrong with four inputs, but you only need two for great stereo recordings.

If you are going to spend that much money on mics I'd get two channels of a very nice mic pre. You can get great deals used. For example, I was able to get two channels of Great River for $800 from a forum member a year ago.

[mellowman]

Sadly, I have not had to opportunity to try out the legendary KM84, but I have been really happy with the Beyerdynamic MC 930. Nice flat and detailed sound to my ear. Not harsh at all. Sounds great micing steel string acoustic guitar and a lot of other instruments.

[lukegard22]

Steinberg UR44 will also get you 4 mic pres in USB form. That is what I use. Wouldn't say it's the flashiest piece of gear, but it gets the job done. If you did want flashy, the Steinberg UR-RT4 has Neve transformers.

[PANDAPANDELO]

Originally Posted by lukegard22

Steinberg UR44 will also get you 4 mic pres in USB form. That is what I use. Wouldn't say it's the flashiest piece of gear, but it gets the job done. If you did want flashy, the Steinberg UR-RT4 has Neve transformers.

Wow! Nice suggestion, my friend! Does that really sounds like Neve?

[lukegard22]

Can't speak with first-hand knowledge of if it sounds like a Neve. I'm sure it gets close, but not exact.

The "stock" preamps on the UR44 are clean and accurate, but they lack the warmth or color of an outboard preamp.