cheap alternative to Km84?

Dave Stanley · Post by **Dave Stanley** » Tue Mar 07, 2006 8:56 am

Hey all, I have a pair of KM84's that I use mainly for drum overheads. I am trying to get some versatiltiy out of my mic collection.

I was wondering if there is a cheaper alternative to the KM84 so that I can sell one, buy a less expensive mic, and fund another purchase? Something that would sound OK beside the Neumann over a kit.

I'm needing a "go to" LD condensor for Vox and other things. Thinking, perhaps I could sell one KM84, then buy a Soundelux u195 and use it w/ a KM84 for OH's?

Any thoughts? much appreciated!

Derrick · Post by **Derrick** » Tue Mar 07, 2006 9:35 am

Oktava MK-012?? With the head kit, it's way versatile.

hopeless_opus · Post by **hopeless_opus** » Tue Mar 07, 2006 12:07 pm

I've heard that the MXL 603s/604 are supposed to be chinese copies of the KM-184. I know the 84's are more desierable than 184's, but it's another cheap suggestion to check out.

dokushoka · Post by **dokushoka** » Tue Mar 07, 2006 12:25 pm

stonewall40 wrote:Hey all, I have a pair of KM84's that I use mainly for drum overheads. I am trying to get some versatiltiy out of my mic collection.

I was wondering if there is a cheaper alternative to the KM84 so that I can sell one, buy a less expensive mic, and fund another purchase? Something that would sound OK beside the Neumann over a kit.

I'm needing a "go to" LD condensor for Vox and other things. Thinking, perhaps I could sell one KM84, then buy a Soundelux u195 and use it w/ a KM84 for OH's?

Any thoughts? much appreciated!

I would really not give up a KM84. Its generally one of the best overheads mics that I have heard, plus its value will increase over time.

r0ck1r0ck2 · Post by **r0ck1r0ck2** » Tue Mar 07, 2006 12:29 pm

yep.. you beat me to it...
hold those buggers like a lifesaver

I'm Painting Again · Post by **I'm Painting Again** » Tue Mar 07, 2006 12:43 pm

Why would you want to break up a happy pair like that?

Could you just wait it out and save up? I know that can be hard but I strongly feel things in the studio are better in pairs..

possible replacements could be the shure ksm series of mics..I have a pair or 27 ldc's that I use a little bit..they aren't bad sounding..they are quite good actually..the u195 is a sweet mic too..Its good on anything..so your plan is cool but I might think twice before breaking up the pair..

Dave Stanley · Post by **Dave Stanley** » Tue Mar 07, 2006 6:34 pm

Thanks guys for the advice. I really appreciate it.
I'm thinking I should keep them now, especially after testing some of my other cheapies in my room today. Nothing came close to picking up the kit as well the Neumanns.
Suprisingly, and embarassingly,the Berhringer ECM8000 did not too bad for a 50 dollar noisy POS! I placed it on the right side of the kit, 3 feet up and it sound pretty good, but did not pick up the floor toms near as much as the 84.

I'm gonna do some more comparisons, 84 vs AT3035, 84 vs AKG c1000. Yikes!

thanks again!

Dave Nutz · Post by **Dave Nutz** » Wed Mar 08, 2006 5:17 am

IMO, the 84 is destined to become one of the most, if not the most desireable SD condenser...unfortunately, the 184 sucks(if you compare it, thinking you are getting the same mic with a fresh new name...buts it has its uses)

Doublehelix · Post by **Doublehelix** » Wed Mar 08, 2006 6:40 am

First: Do not get rid of the KM84 under any circumstances!!! Sell a kidney if you have to!!!

Second: Listen to the Gefell M300, similar sound, but NOT identical Great mic!

eeldip · Post by **eeldip** » Wed Mar 08, 2006 10:34 am

Doublehelix wrote:First: Do not get rid of the KM84 under any circumstances!!! Sell a kidney if you have to!!!

Second: Listen to the Gefell M300, similar sound, but NOT identical Great mic!

gefell would be the best second option. agreed.

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cheap alternative to Km84?

cheap alternative to Km84?

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