Decent alternative to MKH 40/50 for Interiors
- Thread starter klk
- Start date
David W. Jones
Veteran
Maybe something along the lines of an Oktava MK-012.
Rick R
Veteran
Yes, the Oktava MK-012 is a low cost alternative, However it has a low output level (10mV) so clean/quiet preamps are wanted. They all are not created equal either.. (at least the older ones). The Sound Room is a good Oktava source, who tests/hand picks the best ones. This naturally adds to the cost. Not to be confused with the 'Dorcey' mod.
A mid-priced alt. is the AT 4053 or Audix SCX1-HC, around $600 USD new.
A mid-priced alt. is the AT 4053 or Audix SCX1-HC, around $600 USD new.
David W. Jones
Veteran
I'll add that even on interiors, you will want to use a BBG with the Oktava.
Bruce Watson
Veteran
These two are about the cheapest hypercardioid mics I'd recommend for booming. I personally have and use an AT4053b and like it just fine.
I'd add to be careful about handling noise on these low end hypers. I'm thinking I've read about some handling noise problems with the Oktavas. I don't remember, but best to investigate any hyper you are looking at for handling noise problems lest it bite you in the tail.
GaryNattrass
Veteran
I have used some Takstar CM60 mic's and they sound pretty good for their low cost.
You also need to invest in a decent isolation mount but the ones rode do are fine.
They are cardioid but very similar to neuman KM184's
http://www.takstar.com/en/product/redetail-3-7-1-1
You also need to invest in a decent isolation mount but the ones rode do are fine.
They are cardioid but very similar to neuman KM184's
http://www.takstar.com/en/product/redetail-3-7-1-1
I've got some of these http://www.samsontech.com/samson/products/microphones/condenser-microphones/c02/ and surprised at how well they work indoor for mics. I have used them on many TV commercial shoots.
Similar 'tonal' sound to a 416.
Similar 'tonal' sound to a 416.
How do they compare to AT875R?
Never tried the AT 875R so can't really compare...... But as I mentioned it has a similar tonal sound to a 416, but not quiet as much level, but WAY better than a 416 in a small / med size room.
Noiz2
Sound Ninja
I had never heard of this company before. A little looking and they seem to be making some pretty decent things. They have one that is like the Rode VMP and is getting good reviews plus it's about $30 on Amazon...
GaryNattrass
Veteran
I found their mic's on e-bay here in the Uk and have four of the cardioid CM60 and two of the omni CM61. They are very good quality with brass metal bodies and gold diaphragm on both mic's. The CM60 also has a 100hz high pass filter and I paid $30 for each mic so quite a bargain.
I have used them for voice and music recordings and as said they are similar to a a neuman or an AKG 451 as the cardioid has a removable capsule which I presume is to allow an extension tube or different polar capsules to be fitted.
Some interesting suggestions. To further clarify, I use a SD 552 mixer/ recorder- also use a DR70 via direct outs on the 552, going in line level to the DR70 on the first 4 channels, as my inexpensive, backup 4 channel recorder.
some mid cost suggestions:
AT4053B,
Audix SCX1-HC
AKG CK93
Oktava-MK012
low cost:
Takstar CM60
Samson CO2
Thanks for the input- I'll do more research and try to audition a few mics. There's also ebay, but I've been getting outbid.
some mid cost suggestions:
AT4053B,
Audix SCX1-HC
AKG CK93
Oktava-MK012
low cost:
Takstar CM60
Samson CO2
Thanks for the input- I'll do more research and try to audition a few mics. There's also ebay, but I've been getting outbid.
GaryNattrass
Veteran
Just to add I also use the AT875R and have found it perfectly acceptable for interior dialogue.
Bruce Watson
Veteran
You could have told us that up front.
If you're willing to spend the money for the SD, you should be looking at the MKH 8050 for a hyper, and an 8060 for a shotgun, or better. The SD preamps are really good; they want to be fed a really good signal. The SD will let you hear how much better the MKH 8050 is over the AT4053 pretty easily.
Using the mid priced mics is false economy here -- you aren't getting what you paid for from the SD if you're feeding it from lesser mics. That's like putting cheap tires on a BMW. Just sayin'.
oh wow! That Takstar CM-60 is stunningly cheap! :-o
I'm a DoP, who occasionally dabbles in playing at being a location sound recordist on other people's shoots.
Currently I have a Tascam DR-60D mk1, Zoom H1, a Rode NTG2, and RodeLink, do you think getting a Takstar CM-60 would be a good addition to my little sound kit?
GaryNattrass
Veteran
I have found the Takstar CM-60 very useful as a general purpose condensor mic and for the money they are very good quality.
There are a few on e-bay direct from China now and it also has more details re spec etc: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Takstar-C...cording-MIC-/201354658741?hash=item2ee1ac43b5
There are a few on e-bay direct from China now and it also has more details re spec etc: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Takstar-C...cording-MIC-/201354658741?hash=item2ee1ac43b5
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Interesting, I just discovered there is an omni version as well: Takstar CM-61
http://www.dvforums.com/forums/yes-another-bargain-mic-china
There is a TAKSTAR CM-63 as well:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/TAKSTAR-CM-...or-On-stage-Guitar-Drum-Cymbals-/121848591450
http://www.takstar.com/en/manuals/20130608091415619.pdf
Which would be best out of these two for booming indoor dialogue??
http://www.dvforums.com/forums/yes-another-bargain-mic-china
There is a TAKSTAR CM-63 as well:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/TAKSTAR-CM-...or-On-stage-Guitar-Drum-Cymbals-/121848591450
http://www.takstar.com/en/manuals/20130608091415619.pdf
Which would be best out of these two for booming indoor dialogue??
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The op might want to use the 416 for interiors or rent if doesn't work for his needs until he can afford the 40 or 50. The 416 isn't the ideal choice but as many pros have said it almost never is the wrong choice. But opinions vary so best of luck with whatever the choice is.