'Decent' Overhead Microphones

M

Michael Quick

Freshman
Jun 6, 2011
75
0
6
United States
Hello all,

I'm looking for some new overhead microphones. The person I work for has some nice CAD overheads, but at 700 per mic, that's a bit out of my range.

Anyone know of a decent overhead microphone for applications such as chorus's, drum overheads, etc.

I'd like to get two-four of them.

For price, I'd like to spend about 3-5 hundred per mic.


Thanks!

--Michael
 
Re: 'Decent' Overhead Microphones

I have a matched pair of Shure KSM141's that I don't leave home without. Features include a switchable pattern between Cardioid and Omni, 3 position HPF, and 3 position pad. At a price point of around $800/pair, it's quite a versatile weapon. Rich, warm bottom end in Omni (great for large ensembles) and silky and focused in cardioid(OHs, percussive instruments, strings, etc).

Audix SCX series, Rode NT5's, SM81's, KSM137s, and AT4021's are a few other options to consider in your price bracket as well.
 
Re: 'Decent' Overhead Microphones

Also check out the Audio Technica AE5100. Street is under $300/ea, and it's performance is very good.
 
Re: 'Decent' Overhead Microphones

Still, after 6 years the KEL Audio HM-1 that made quite a splash on Gearslutz and elsewhere is my favorite overhead mic for drums of all regardless of price surpassed only by the Sennheiser MKH8040, which is a totally different price range.

Kelly now only has the new HM-1x, which I know nothing about, so I can't comment on that, and I see the price has double over the years...still, if it's anything like the original, which I'm guessing it is, that's where my money would be.
 
Re: 'Decent' Overhead Microphones

The "desert island" SDC of choice (years ago on PSW) was the AKG C-535. New for around $225-250. Versatile and sounds good on almost any acoustic source.

Audio-Technica AT4041 is also a good choice.

A bit up in price is the Oktava MC-012 at around $300 each.
 
Re: 'Decent' Overhead Microphones

I bring a pair of Shure KSM 137 and a pair of Shure KSM 32 with me everywhere I go. Everywhere I go that I might want a microphone, at least. Covers a lot of bases very well.
 
Re: 'Decent' Overhead Microphones

The humble c535 gets my vote as well, can be a little awkward to find in dealers but well worth it, the Audx scx1 is great as well The 535 with a windscreen on it will do well as a general purpose mic as well.
 
Re: 'Decent' Overhead Microphones

I like to use my AT4051s, and you can sometimes find them used for a good deal. Lately, I have done a couple of gigs with a Crown CM-700 pair. I had one mic for years and just bought another for ~$100. Very nice mics. Not sure if Crown made them or they re-badged them.

Doug
 
Re: 'Decent' Overhead Microphones

Jason Raboin said:
I bring a pair of Shure KSM 137 and a pair of Shure KSM 32 with me everywhere I go. Everywhere I go that I might want a microphone, at least. Covers a lot of bases very well.
Click to expand...

Me, too!!! Actually, it's four 137's, a pair of 32's and a pair of 44's. Hotcha!!!!
 
Re: 'Decent' Overhead Microphones

Justice C. Bigler said:
For whatever reason, I thought this thread was going to be about overhead hanging mics, like for a choir.
Click to expand...

It seems that Micheal wants to do double duty as choir and drum overheads. The problem is for choir you want high sensitivity superb noise figure and maximum feedback rejection. For OH the ability to handle higher SPL without distortion or overloading the mic pre is desirable.

My suggestion, based on what works well for me is: Behringer C-2 for OH & general utility including stand mounted choir. For hanging choir Countryman Isomax H2.

Another good yes low cost mic that works well for non theater choir is the Samson C-01. as long as a larger mic is not a visual impact problem these work for choir, brass, OH, and general purpose. The drawback as with an side address mic is that the people on stage may be clueless and twist the thing around at random.

Another good hanging choir mic is the CAD CM100. I see it as low as about $120 new. Pretty good feedback rejection. Works well when its application is called for. for.
 
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