If only two mics... ?

[Emmathom]

Happy New Year to ya all !

To begin 2025 with and to continue the thread, here is a post taken from FB... I guess it's about B9Audio...
Regards

 

[Doug_Iowa]

For my money, the Shure SM-81 mics with a choice of cardioid or omnidirectional capsules with the vintage A81G windscreens will punch pretty far above your cost to acquire them used. They have a wonderfully neutral sound that you can EQ to mimic lots of other stuff. Just my "two bits" if you have to go to two relatively inexpensive mics.

 

[Emmathom]

For my money, the Shure SM-81 mics with a choice of cardioid or omnidirectional capsules with the vintage A81G windscreens will punch pretty far above your cost to acquire them used. They have a wonderfully neutral sound that you can EQ to mimic lots of other stuff. Just my "two bits" if you have to go to two relatively inexpensive mics.

I didn't know omni capsules were available for SM81... I have only one mic in cardio (and yes the sound is great, neutral, "naturel" I would say for you ear what the source is / no highs peak, not harsh at all / a great mic)

 

[k brown]

I didn't know omni capsules were available for SM81... I have only one mic in cardio (and yes the sound is great, neutral, "naturel" I would say for you ear what the source is / no highs peak, not harsh at all / a great mic)

They used to make them, but VERY hard to find, and pricey when you can. The mic isn't good enough to warrant the expense. Rode NT5/55 much better value.
https://reverb.com/item/15124303-shure-r104a-omnidirectional-cartridge-for-sm80-sm81-microphones-new

The mic with the omni capsule fitted was the SM80.

 

[k brown]

For my money, the Shure SM-81 mics with a choice of cardioid or omnidirectional capsules with the vintage A81G windscreens will punch pretty far above your cost to acquire them used. They have a wonderfully neutral sound that you can EQ to mimic lots of other stuff. Just my "two bits" if you have to go to two relatively inexpensive mics.

?? - Currently SM81s are $400 each, with card capsule only (the KSM141, at $450 ea. is a much better mic and a better value; switchable card or omni); as shown in post #239, NT55 matched pair with both card and omni capsules, $700.

https://www.amazon.com/Shure-KSM141-SL-Dual-Pattern-End-Address/dp/B0002J1K8U?th=1

 

[Doug_Iowa]

I didn't know omni capsules were available for SM81... I have only one mic in cardio (and yes the sound is great, neutral, "naturel" I would say for you ear what the source is / no highs peak, not harsh at all / a great mic)

The omni capsule is Shure part number R104A (The "A" on the end makes all the difference. The R104 is the cardioid capsule.) It is no longer in production. Very occasionally these turn up on the used market.

 

[Emmathom]

?? - Currently SM81s are $400 each, with card capsule only; as shown in post #239, NT55 matched pair with both card and omni capsules, $700.

~515€ for a NT5 pair + 2 omni caps.
Less expensive than a WA84 pair in cardio only

 

[Barry Hufker]

When first available, I bought a trio of Shure SM81s with cardioid and omni capsules. Being electrets, after a few years, of course after Shure stopped making them, the omni capsules completely discharged. The cardioid capsules were fine…

 

[k brown]

When first available, I bought a trio of Shure SM81s with cardioid and omni capsules. Being electrets, after a few years, of course after Shure stopped making them, the omni capsules completely discharged. The cardioid capsules were fine…

That's really strange - one would assume they were manufactured the same way.

 

[jean-luc brion]

hello
i've been through the whole thread and i'm surprised that no one suggests the Jecklin disk or the Charlin head.
André Charlin recorded several symphony orchestra LPs with two microphones...

What do you think?

 

[k brown]

hello
i've been through the whole thread and i'm surprised that no one suggests the Jecklin disk or the Charlin head.
André Charlin recorded several symphony orchestra LPs with two microphones...

What do you think?

Because the OP was more about what two microphones would one keep if only two; than about how one would deploy two mics.

 

[Emmathom]

Because the OP was more about what two microphones would one keep if only two; than about how one would deploy two mics.

Well thsee two "aspects" go together to my sense... Hu ?
If only two mics, then how to set them for the "best results" (depending of course of their polarity, capsule's size, etc)

I repeat here that the question was not only two mics to keep as total gear but only two mics to use on a particular situation ! I apparently lacked precision when opening this thread and apologize for that.

But we've already ruled that "two mics only" is not an ideal setup and that 2 pairs are much more efficient (for example as you already proposed as Faulkner arrangement OR an ORTF cardio's at center + 2 omni's on the same line but ~2 feet appart)

 

[Emmathom]

hello
i've been through the whole thread and i'm surprised that no one suggests the Jecklin disk or the Charlin head.
André Charlin recorded several symphony orchestra LPs with two microphones...

What do you think?

Very pleasant recording ! Any info about how and which mics he used ?

Sorry I didn't notice you mentioned Jecklin disk !

 

[micolas]

hello
i've been through the whole thread and i'm surprised that no one suggests the Jecklin disk or the Charlin head.
André Charlin recorded several symphony orchestra LPs with two microphones...

What do you think?

Hi @jean-luc brion !
Thank you for your pleasant surprise,
I listened with great joy

 

[cfanzalone]

Howdy Jean-Luc,

Ah, Yes!....I had forgotten to post that recording with a "Jecklin Disc" is a wonderful concept I've had for years. I made my own about 15 years ago with 2-12" vinyl records adhered together, covered each side with 1/4" foam then nice 'furry stuff' purchased from a material store. Built into the body is a threaded adapter to go onto a mic stand. Very effective for a 2-mic recording!! I'm, glad you brought it up!

 

[jean-luc brion]

Hi @jean-luc brion !
Thank you for your pleasant surprise,
I listened with great joy

Avec plaisir

 

[jean-luc brion]

Very pleasant recording ! Any info about how and which mics he used ?

Sorry I didn't notice you mentioned Jecklin disk !

it's recorded with the Charlin head, so omni schoeps I think
https://charlin-lescharlinales.weebly.com/la-tecircte-artificielle.html

 

[cfanzalone]

Jean-Luc,

Pas de problème, merci beaucoup

 

[Barry Hufker]

I've looked up André Charlin and the Charlin Head. I've found information about him but nothing about his technique. Can someone describe it or publish pictures?

 

[Emmathom]

I've looked up André Charlin and the Charlin Head. I've found information about him but nothing about his technique. Can someone describe it or publish pictures?

Follow the link Barry : I found everything doin' so (brevet, article, schematic)