Build a Microphone Cabinet on any Budget

Sep 1, 2000 12:00 PM, BRIAN KNAVE AND MYLES BOISEN

           
 

Basic Coverage Midline ($3,500)

By Myles Boisen

(1) Shure SM 57 ($146)
(1) Electro-Voice N/D 468 ($278)
(1) Sennheiser E604 ($249)
(1) Sennheiser MD 421 II ($485)
(1) Sennheiser E602 ($319)
(2) Oktava MK 012 ($499.99 each)
(1) Neumann TLM 103 $995

At the midline level, you gain the ability to further refine your sounds by comparing different microphones on the same sources. For example, you can try out both the MD 421 II and the E602 on floor tom and kick drum and alternate the SM 57 and the N/D 468 (a compact supercardioid mic with a neat rotating capsule) on snare. The crisp highs and thick lower midrange of the N/D 468 make it my personal favorite for this crucial application.

I'm very enthusiastic about Oktava's MK 012, and the reason is simple: this small-diaphragm condenser microphone is a real bargain that sounds great on vocals, drums, percussion, acoustic guitar, piano, and many other sources. The MK 012 can cover most of the bases for a personal studio, whether you're recording voice-overs, singer-songwriter vocals, acoustic instruments, or samples.

For critical applications, a matched stereo pair is a necessity that is well worth the extra bucks. Matched pairs of Oktava MC 012 sets (which include interchangeable cardioid, omnidirectional, and hypercardioid capsules, as well as an insertable 10 dB pad) are, to my knowledge, sold only through an online retailer (www.sound-room.com). I recommend these products highly. Single (cardioid only) MK 012 mics available in stores can be matched by listening, but this process requires patience, a good stock of microphones on hand, considerable skill, and lots of luck. It is worth noting, however, that the MK 012s sold in stores are often priced far below the suggested retail. (Guitar Center, for example, frequently offers them for $149 each.)

In addition to the Oktava mics as the stereo pair, I'm recommending the Neumann TLM 103 as the large-diaphragm condenser in this category. It makes a great ambient drum-room mic, and it is a solid choice for vocals, acoustic instruments, percussion, electric guitar, and other sources.

This shopping list not only will set you up nicely, but it also comes in a few bucks under budget. I suggest you spend the surplus on business cards so you can recoup some of your investment!