Sennheiser 421 vs AMT A95 for Toms?

[EddieDingle]

I was looking to get a really good tom mic for my kit, I know the 421 is pretty much standard, but has anyone out there used or has done an A/B test with the AMT A95 mic? Some I know really recommended the A95, just curious to hear what yall think. Thanks

Chris

[juhadrum]

Sennheiser E604 could be my first choice for allround tom miking! And E602 for a floor tom, when having bigger sounds.

[jeronimo]

ATM A95? Which one is this?

[where02190]

My first choice for tom mics is an AKG C414, followed by the Sennheiser e609 and the Shure SM-98.

Hope this is helpful.

[ian benn]

Good call Where!
The C414 or the MD 421, both are excellant, the 421 is probably cheaper.

Ian

[where02190]

Originally posted by ian benn:
Good call Where!
The C414 or the MD 421, both are excellant, the 421 is probably cheaper.

Ian

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">the 421 is alot, repeat alot less fragile also, but man the 414 tom sound is so killer!!!!

Plus the 414 is great on acoustic guitars, overheads and vocals.

[cuttooth]

Dig an ATM25 (NOT the "PRO" version) on floor tom.

And 421s are classics for a reason. They make a good kick mic, and are also sweet on a guitar cab if you need something other than a 57.

Where's got a point, though - a 414 rocks for TONS of stuff. Make sure your drummer doesn't play like King Kong, though. A 421 can handle being thrashed and beaten - you can sometimes find dented ones on eBay for cheap(er).

[Matt Zeiner]

you NEED to have at least one 421 in your collection. IMHO - great kick mic. Great guitar amp mic (esp used along with LDcondenser), Makes for fabulous, rich BGV's - especially on male voices, and its great on Toms.

[luvmixnhigh]

I have used them all on Toms and I still come back to the good old 57.
The trick is to set it up right.
First, tune the drum. This is the one everybody seems to screw up.
second, place the 57 1-2 inches from the rim facing DIRECTLY down at the head. Steart about an inch off. Then slowly move closer until the proximity effect is providing the tone you desire.

The first time you see a drummer take a stick to that 414 you'll realize that was not a good idea. The first time you compare this technique to a 414 you will also realize that 414 work on most things but, are overkill for toms.

They do make nice OHs...

D

[where02190]

put a 57 and a 414 side by side on toms and the 414 will slay the 57 every time. granted they are expensive and fragile mics for toms, but there is absolutely no comparison. the 414 has greater dynamic range and frequency response, period. I'm not looking for a pissing contest, and I have done many a session with 57's as tom mics also, but you simply cannot compare these mics, they are two entirely different beasts.

The 414's much higher gain permits the mic to be placed far out fo hars mway, and where it can pick up a more complete picture of the toms voice, rather than jsut head vibrations. from closemicing.

Also, FWIW< it is rare that I even use tom mics, as I prefer a less is more approach, typically stero overheads, kick, room and occaisional snare mic.

Hope this is helpful.