AKG CK91 experiences?

philnerd

Well-known member
So I wanted a CK93 and ended up with a used CK91/SE300B set. Ultimate goal is to get decent boom audio in controlled interiors.

I've read a lot about the CK93, but don't find too much on the CK91. Does anyone here have experience with the 91? Any thoughts on how it compares to the 93? It appears the main (only?) difference between the two is the cardioid vs hypercardiod pattern. Perhaps my question should really be, is a cardioid pattern going to be unusable for boom pole work where a hypercardioid is typically preferred?

I got the whole thing for less than a new SE300B, so if the 91 does turn out to be a dud I can add a 93 later and keep the 91 as a backup.

Thanks in advance!
 
My understanding strictly from reading posts here, elsewhere on the web, and in books is that cardioid might come in useful when a less narrow pick up pattern is needed. For instance, you could catch dialogue between two people standing/sitting close to one another with the mic in the middle of them, whereby you would have to bounce the hyper between each of them as they took turns speaking. You would probably only do this in a relatively quiet environment becasue the cardioid would pick up alot more peripheral sound than the narrower-patterned hyper. I think cardioids are also good for picking up music, be it certain instruments or speakers from a PA. Hopefully some of the people who really know what they're talking about will weigh in, though.

Actually, I'm really considering the ck93 myself - let us know what you think if you get one.
 
I have been using the CK93 for a while now but have not used a ck91 cap. When i find some time i will try to post up some clips. I dont know how the sound compares to other mics but it pretty much blows my old ME66 away even though they are really 2 different mics but thats the only thing i can compare it to. I have success with it on cam and boomed indoors and out. outdoors i was using the supplied foam screen covered with a FatCat and at a pretty close range.. Still picked up some wind so i plan on getting a BBG in the near future.The mic is also way less prone to handling noise than the ME66. I have been using the k-tek kssm or whatvere the small shockmount is.
 
For boom work, you'll really want the hyper or shotgun ... but if you're in QUIET surroundings, a cardiod should be fine.

As far as picking up two people talking, again, the hyper will do just as well if not better (if placed equally between the subjects), as it will be less likely to pick up other surrounding noise as the cardiod would be.

I've got the AKG series, but spent the extra dough for the 480/ck63 hyper, and LOVE it. A note for those of you looking to buy new AKG, check out RVACanada.com ... MATTinSTL referred me there, and you can get your AKG and Rycote gear from there for about 40% less than anywhere in the US. The 480 combo that I have was well over $1K in the US, and I picked it up from them for a little over $600.
 
Thanks for the responses. Its looking like I'll be the only video guy to own one of these :)

The mic was shipped today, so hopefully I can check it out over the weekend and post some thoughts.
 
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