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[Mingus]

I need to purchase a set of mics for stereo recording in my studio. These will be used for recording drums, acoustic instruments and live (rock band). I crave a set of Neumann 184's, but my budget is more in the $400-$700 range for the pair. Several recommendations have been Shure KSM-137, SM-94, AKG C451B, C1000 SII and Rode NT5.

Do any of you have advice on how I should proceed and what offers the most/best bang for the buck?

Thanks!

[MASSIVE Mastering]

Don't forget the SM-81's - One of the most versatile microphones around.  

[hasbeen]

If you can swing it, I strongly reccomend a matched pair of Josephson C42's.

[James Duncan]

I have a pair of NT5's, and while they offer great bang-for-the-buck, they just can't compare to a pair of KM184's. To my ears, the difference is like night and day.

I am starting to use them (the NT5's) as live OHs for my son's band, and they work well in that situation, but I have also used them as studio drum OHs, although once you hear the difference between them and the 184's, you won't want to drag out the NT5's anymore!

They do have a pretty good sound on acoustic guitar however, and sound pretty good as X/Y or ORTF pairs on a good dreadnaught. I find that a gentle boost (no more than 3 dB) at around 10-12K really brings out the sparkle. They are certainly a bit darker than the 184's.

[Mingus]

Thanks for the advice guys. I decided to bite the bullet and splurge on a set of 184's. They do sound awesome and I can hear why every other similar mic is compared to it.

[James Duncan]

Congrats!!! Great choice!!!

[beauarts]

Actually the MCA sp1 mic with the Audio Upgrades mod is a very respectable sound. The mic costs about $40 + $125 for upgrade, x2= $330. Looks like a cheap chinese mic(which it is) but has a small capsule even though it is side address and the size of a large diaphram.