Less Expensive Alternative to AMT/KM185

Brennan · #1 01-16-2005, 06:08 AM

I was looking for a less expensive alternate for live micing app's than the AMT or Nuemann KM185. I assume other hypercardiod mics might sound comparable. I know the Oktava MC012 is a common sub for the KM185. Has anyone had any experience with these. Another is the Audix M1245hc, Elation KM201, or the Hebden CM1050c. I can't help thinking that for less precise (ae live) applications some of these mic's might be ideal.

AMJBASS · #2 01-16-2005, 09:03 AM

If you are looking for a bass mounted condenser you could go for an Audio Technica ATM35. I know a couple bassists who use this mic. They frequently turn up on ebay. You could also check out the K&K Golden Bullet. It isn't as feedback resistant as the AMT and generally works better blended with a pickup, but I have gigged with mine on its own. It now serves as a backup to my AMT.

Brennan · #3 01-16-2005, 11:57 AM

Thanks for the suggestions. , I'm not a big fan of the ATM35 or the golden bullet. What I was getting at was something that sounded as good as the AMT and close to the Nuemann but cheap. My thinking was other company's must manufacture mics with a similar pattern (feedback resistant hypercardiod) whose price isn't as high as a boutique, bass only app.

ctxbass · #4 01-16-2005, 12:27 PM

http://www.sdsystems.com/

jonas · #5 01-16-2005, 02:23 PM

Audix ADX20i HC (http://www.audixusa.com/products.html)

**Adrian Cho** · #6 01-17-2005, 01:25 AM

I have tried an Oktava MC012 with a cardioid capsule. I had the mic mounted between the bridge legs with rubber bands. Way too to easy to get feedback. With the AMT it's not just a matter of how good the sound is but how loud you can get it before feedback. That high degree of usability is a function of the capsule to some degree but also of the mounting system and the preamp filtering, neither of which I've ever seen on any other product.

Brennan · #7 01-17-2005, 01:49 AM

Now that's usefull information. I just got a focus 2 witha mic channel. That theoretically would give me more controll.

Brian K · #8 01-22-2005, 01:18 PM

I rented an audio-technica pro35x for a gig last weekend, and it was quite impressive. With my bass, it was no better or worse than the AMT, the km184 or the SDSystems, just different. I think I will buy the pro35x soon.

basss · #9 01-22-2005, 09:12 PM

I used to use an AKG c416. Can't remember how much it cost though.