Build a Microphone Cabinet on any Budget

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

           
 

No Compromises Midline ($9,000)

By Myles Boisen

(1) Sennheiser E602 ($319)
(1) beyerdynamic TG-X 50 ($249)
(1) Shure SM 57 ($146)
(1) Electro-Voice N/D 468 ($278)
(2) Sennheiser E604 ($249 each)
(2) Sennheiser MD 421 II ($485 each)
(1) Royer R-121 ($995)
(1) Crown CM 700 ($289)
(2) Oktava MK 012 ($499.99 each)
(2) Neumann KM 184 ($1,458 for matched pair)
(1) Neumann TLM 103 ($995)
(1) Lawson L47MP ($1,995)

No big surprises here, except that a beefier budget has allowed some expansion and different flavors in the dynamic-mic department. The beyerdynamic TG-X 50 sees a lot of duty at my studio when more attack and definition is needed from a kick drum, and it is also a favorite for rock bass-guitar tracks.

On electric guitar, I constantly pair the Royer R-121 ribbon mic with a Sennheiser MD 421. Sometimes I use both tracks in a mix, but more often than not, the warm personality of the Royer wins the guitarist's favor. The R-121 (or its British counterpart, the $1,195 Coles 4038 ribbon mic) is also excellent for acoustic bass, cello, brass instruments, hand drums, and a variety of other sources.

I've already covered the other mics listed here. The only change is the Crown CM 700, which is slated for hihats in this comprehensive cabinet.