KM184 vs AT4051A for guitar/percussion at DVinfo.net

Jonathan Plotkin · June 19th, 2009, 11:20 AM

I'm starting to film musicians (mostly guitars and percussion) and I want to do a better job with the audio. I'd be working in informal settings indoors, sometimes placing the mics up close and sometimes recording a group with a stereo pair. I'm currently using Oktava MK-012s with the super-cardioid caps but I'm looking at a pair of used Neumann KM184s I can get for $400. each. Another alternative would be to get AT-4051a mics, which would allow me to swap out a cardioid capsule for a super-cardioid and also boom it for dialog. The AT-4051a gets a really positive review in an emusician shootout of small condensor mics, but I'm not sure how much weight to give the review. You can find it here: Smokin' Condensers - A roundup of seven small-diaphragm cardiod-pattern condenser microphones . I can get the AT4051a new for $300. plus add a supercardioid cap for $200., so it makes it a better deal... Any advice appreciated!

-JP

Gerry Gallegos · June 20th, 2009, 03:56 PM

Go with the KM184, that is a great deal, if not tell me where to buy them...lol
you can never go wrong with KM184s that is a GREAT deal you found on them, and those guys are worth every penny even at their retail price , even if they are 10 or 20 yr old. allways worth owning quality.

Besides you allready have the Oktavas for your hyper work.

Jonathan Plotkin · June 21st, 2009, 11:54 AM

Gerry, thanks for the nudge. I figured it was a really good deal but I'm trying hard not to let myself get seduced - I hate to admit it but it just would be so cool to own a couple of KM184s... What the hell, it's Father's Day, I should just go for it, right?

Ty Ford · June 21st, 2009, 01:08 PM

the km 184 are a little bright, but if you like that, then fine. The km 84, now discontinued, are a little more natural sounding, if you can find them in good working order.

Regards,

Ty Ford

Jonathan Plotkin · June 24th, 2009, 09:07 PM

Turns out I was able to get the pair for $680. delivered so I pulled the trigger and they should be here tomorrow. Thanks Gerry and Ty for your help - much appreciated!

-JP

Gerry Gallegos · June 26th, 2009, 06:59 AM

Lucky #^%$ ..... You'll never regret that decision..

Enjoy my friend.

Now youll be one of the lucky ones that can say "oh.. thats why they'r so expensive, and everyone wishes they had them" .

June 19th, 2009, 11:20 AM	#1
Jonathan Plotkin Regular Crew Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Ithaca, NY Posts: 122	KM184 vs AT4051A for guitar/percussion I'm starting to film musicians (mostly guitars and percussion) and I want to do a better job with the audio. I'd be working in informal settings indoors, sometimes placing the mics up close and sometimes recording a group with a stereo pair. I'm currently using Oktava MK-012s with the super-cardioid caps but I'm looking at a pair of used Neumann KM184s I can get for $400. each. Another alternative would be to get AT-4051a mics, which would allow me to swap out a cardioid capsule for a super-cardioid and also boom it for dialog. The AT-4051a gets a really positive review in an emusician shootout of small condensor mics, but I'm not sure how much weight to give the review. You can find it here: Smokin' Condensers - A roundup of seven small-diaphragm cardiod-pattern condenser microphones . I can get the AT4051a new for $300. plus add a supercardioid cap for $200., so it makes it a better deal... Any advice appreciated! -JP

June 20th, 2009, 03:56 PM	#2
Gerry Gallegos Major Player Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 262	mics Go with the KM184, that is a great deal, if not tell me where to buy them...lol you can never go wrong with KM184s that is a GREAT deal you found on them, and those guys are worth every penny even at their retail price , even if they are 10 or 20 yr old. allways worth owning quality. Besides you allready have the Oktavas for your hyper work.

June 21st, 2009, 01:08 PM	#4
Ty Ford Inner Circle Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Baltimore, MD USA Posts: 2,337	the km 184 are a little bright, but if you like that, then fine. The km 84, now discontinued, are a little more natural sounding, if you can find them in good working order. Regards, Ty Ford __________________ Ty Ford's Audio Bootcamp Field Guide Ty Ford's Audio Video Blog

June 26th, 2009, 06:59 AM	#6
Gerry Gallegos Major Player Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 262	Km 184 Lucky #^%$ ..... You'll never regret that decision.. Enjoy my friend. Now youll be one of the lucky ones that can say "oh.. thats why they'r so expensive, and everyone wishes they had them" .

June 21st, 2009, 11:54 AM	#3
Jonathan Plotkin Regular Crew Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Ithaca, NY Posts: 122	Gerry, thanks for the nudge. I figured it was a really good deal but I'm trying hard not to let myself get seduced - I hate to admit it but it just would be so cool to own a couple of KM184s... What the hell, it's Father's Day, I should just go for it, right?

June 24th, 2009, 09:07 PM	#5
Jonathan Plotkin Regular Crew Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Ithaca, NY Posts: 122	Turns out I was able to get the pair for $680. delivered so I pulled the trigger and they should be here tomorrow. Thanks Gerry and Ty for your help - much appreciated! -JP