| Yes, you can definitely make a
record using the Neumann KM 184 on acoustic guitar. Along with the KM
184, which Michael Joly of Joly Designs let me borrow, I also listened
to the AKG C 480 B furnished by classical guitarist Stephen Bright, the
Earthworks TC30 omni borrowed from Manske, and the Milab DC-96 sent to
me by Fletcher (again, his personal mic). Other mics in this category
include the Microtech Gefell M300, Earthworks SR30, Mercenary KM-69,
Russian-made Nevaton MC49 and the T.H.E. KA-04. The higher up you go in price range the harder it is to find mics that won't work. That said, my favorites were the MC49 ($950), KM-69 ($950), DC-96B ($900), KA-04 ($675), and M300 ($925). The Swedish-made DC-96B and the M300 both have a unique sound, which some described as mellow sounding. The KM-69 has one of the nicest picked sounds I've heard, but lost me a bit at the strumming. The MC49 sounded great overall, maybe a little murky in the mids, but with a full commanding sound. And the KA-04 had a nice overall sound, but really excelled when strummed. I’ll also give an honorable mention to the SR30 ($900). It isn't right for me, but if you like big midrange (such as the KM 84) you'll really like this mic. And did I leave out the AKG C 480 B ($800)? I shouldn't, it's an outstanding mic with lots of clarity in the low mids. Some great mics in this price range. |