Sennheiser MD504 vs current “e604”
- alexdingley
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Sennheiser MD504 vs current “e604”
I recall, waaaaay back in the late 90’s, when I was first learning about recording, that a studio tech once told me that using the small MD504 on toms was great, because they had a very MD421mkii quality about them, but they were smaller and easier to tuck into a kit.
So, over the years, I’ve kept my eyes open for them on eBay and Reverb... but I rarely see them for sale. I see tons of e604 mics for sale... but never MD504’s.
I typically presume the lack of availability on used sites means that something is worth hanging on to.
Can anyone speak to experiences with either / both models. I know the form factor is nearly identical, but are the newer ones using the same capsules / parts, or is this a “they don’t make em like they used to.” situation?
So, over the years, I’ve kept my eyes open for them on eBay and Reverb... but I rarely see them for sale. I see tons of e604 mics for sale... but never MD504’s.
I typically presume the lack of availability on used sites means that something is worth hanging on to.
Can anyone speak to experiences with either / both models. I know the form factor is nearly identical, but are the newer ones using the same capsules / parts, or is this a “they don’t make em like they used to.” situation?
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Re: Sennheiser MD504 vs current “e604”
I've never tried the 504
looking at the published freq response and polar pattern diagrams briefly they look almost identical
I don't think it'd matter much?
easy to compensate for differences if they are similar sounding in the real world at least
I like the e609 silver on tom top or bottoms although they are a little difficult to position on tops - and kinda big in comarison to the 604
the 421 is great like every time - and on most sources too - they sound better to me on toms soloed but it seems to not matter as much in a mix
looking at the published freq response and polar pattern diagrams briefly they look almost identical
I don't think it'd matter much?
easy to compensate for differences if they are similar sounding in the real world at least
I like the e609 silver on tom top or bottoms although they are a little difficult to position on tops - and kinda big in comarison to the 604
the 421 is great like every time - and on most sources too - they sound better to me on toms soloed but it seems to not matter as much in a mix
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Re: Sennheiser MD504 vs current “e604”
My recollection is that the 504 was the successful member of the 500 family, so it was continued into the 600s. The colors changed a bit, the clip on holder was redesigned, and the bags are different.
I have 504's and 604's and use them interchangeably.
They all have ridiculous proximity effect - great for toms. Thy singing into one, and it's a woofy mess!
I have 504's and 604's and use them interchangeably.
They all have ridiculous proximity effect - great for toms. Thy singing into one, and it's a woofy mess!
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- alexdingley
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Re: Sennheiser MD504 vs current “e604”
Just went to google search "Sennheiser MD504", to find the response plots / details...
Now I'm just laughing at myself, because the 3rd result in google was a TapeOp Messageboard thread from 2006... started by me... asking, basically the same question... and getting fairly similar answers.
So, clearly these mics have been on my mind for a while. Just decided to grab a bunch of them from a Reverb seller... so hopefully my curiosity will be satisfied, and my next drum recording session (in a few weeks) will be a huge hit.
Now I'm just laughing at myself, because the 3rd result in google was a TapeOp Messageboard thread from 2006... started by me... asking, basically the same question... and getting fairly similar answers.
So, clearly these mics have been on my mind for a while. Just decided to grab a bunch of them from a Reverb seller... so hopefully my curiosity will be satisfied, and my next drum recording session (in a few weeks) will be a huge hit.
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Re: Sennheiser MD504 vs current “e604”
Here's a link from Senheiser themselves. The capsule is supposedly the same, the housing refined a bit.
https://en-de.sennheiser.com/the-evolut ... and-snares
I'll have to see if I can spot the difference they mention in the "more elegant" XLR connection...
https://en-de.sennheiser.com/the-evolut ... and-snares
I'll have to see if I can spot the difference they mention in the "more elegant" XLR connection...
"What fer?"
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"Cat fur, to make kitten britches."
- alexdingley
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Re: Sennheiser MD504 vs current “e604”
We did our recording session last weekend, and I used the trio of e604 mics... they were fantastic, for my needs. On our last project, I'd used Audix D2/D4 mics on the toms... for this project I used 3 604's on the top 3 toms, and an EV RE20 on the floor tom — holy crap! Very very happy with the drum sounds, and blown away with the RE20 on floor tom.
I also found a virgin, but vintage set of 3 EV N/D408B's — and they were alright, but the vibe of the Sennheisers was more to my liking.
I also found a virgin, but vintage set of 3 EV N/D408B's — and they were alright, but the vibe of the Sennheisers was more to my liking.
Re: Sennheiser MD504 vs current “e604”
EV 408's are useful mics. Pretty natural/neutral. I use them for guitar amps a lot, after I saw a real engineer in a real studio using them and getting great sounds.
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Re: Sennheiser MD504 vs current “e604”
I used a 408 on a guitar amp last weekend. I hadn't used it in a while, and damn if it didn't sound great.
- alexdingley
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Re: Sennheiser MD504 vs current “e604”
Noted! I’m probably gonna sell these off, because I typically use my Beyerdynamic m160’s, but I’m tracking guitars in a few weeks, so I’ll give these a spin.
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Re: Sennheiser MD504 vs current “e604”
I'll be interested to hear what you think.alexdingley wrote: ↑Thu Aug 08, 2019 2:44 pmNoted! I’m probably gonna sell these off, because I typically use my Beyerdynamic m160’s, but I’m tracking guitars in a few weeks, so I’ll give these a spin.
They are also useful to have around for really tight drum set ups.
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Re: Sennheiser MD504 vs current “e604”
I've not used the 504, but have used the e604.
That said, in general, I've preferred the e904 to the e604 on toms.
That said, in general, I've preferred the e904 to the e604 on toms.
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- alexdingley
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Re: Sennheiser MD504 vs current “e604”
Well, I was fairly blown away at how wonderful the 408 sounded on a guitar amp in a live stage setup. I think I’m gonna hang on to 1 or 2 of these. Bought 3, so I’ll be selling one soon.
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