"Dave Plowman (News)" wrote in message
...
In article ,
Keith G wrote:
If I were to have just one mic which would do most things other than
hand held I'd go for a Neumann U87 or AKG C414. Both have been around
for yonks and are readily available secondhand.


Streuth! I've just Googled them quickly and seen some distinctly *non
hobbyist* prices....!!

You'll get a slightly kicked but perfect electronically 414 for about 250
quid, and it won't lose any money unlike a new Russian or Chinese cheapy.
U87 - nearer 400.

Thanks anyway - I've noted them down....!!

Small capsule fixed DP condensers tend to be cheaper. Something like a
Neumann KM 84 was used by the thousand in broadcasting and often end up on
Ebay. Then there's the AKG C451 - perhaps the most used mic ever in TV,
as it was available with so many capsules and extension tubes.


I've got an AKG cart knocking about somewhere....


Recently
re-introduced, IIRC. So it's not just in the Hi-Fi field that retro rules.


:-)



The 451 again often comes up on Ebay for around 100 quid. They still sound
pretty good if a little bright although you have to be careful not to
overload them. However, screw in pads are available. I still use them
quite a bit where a neat 'in shot' mic is needed. The larger U87, etc, can
be visually unattractive in some situations.

Like with all things, these mics need a good power supply to perform
properly. For occasional use, 45 volts worth of PP3s will be satisfactory.
But a tad expensive for if you forget to switch off when not used. I'd
expect about 100-150 hours running time from such a setup.


OK, Plowie - thanks for all that. I've archived it for 'come the time' - the
budget will come from Swim (she's the one who wants the recordings), so I'm
not Shure how much I'll have to play with...??