Drum overhead suggestion

[WRX07]

I've been looking at AKG 451's, AKG C414's(although I don't know which of the newer models is better for overheads), and Neumann KM184's. Anyone have any suggestions? Right now I have one AKG C1000S and I've been thinking about getting another one for overheads and spending the money I have left over on Reason 3.0 or the Waves Platinum upgrade...but I'm not sure. I also have one SM81 for hats that I've heard make good overheads. These will be for rock drums

[bigbubbaj]

I really like the Oktava MK012's. 99 bucks each at Banjo House.

[Third Eye Studios]

I primarily record rock and metal drums most of the time. Since I've got a pair of 451's, they have been the only microphones I've used on overheads. I love them. They sound so smooth and shimmery, and cut right through thick mixes. The SM81's are also good on overheads, but better for just hihat IMO. KM184's would also be very good.

I've use my C1000's for bottom snare and also for a ride mic with pretty good results, but I don't really like them for overheads. Surprisingly, the C1000 can be really good on vocals, with the right person.

[albee1952]

Check out the AT3031 and 3035. They are both under $200 each and are good overhead mics. Personally I think the 3031 may be the best hihat mic I have ever heard.

[Third Eye Studios]

Personally I think the 3031 may be the best hihat mic I have ever heard.

I bought one on your recommendation a while ago (see how powerful you are ), and I really dig it. I've used it on hihat exclusively since I got it, and it sounds great. I only have one, so I haven't tried it on overheads; maybe I'll have to get another one and go for it.

[Redhouse_Janke]

Hi.
We have AKG 414, 451 and C1000. I preferably use a stereopair 451´s as OH, C1000 on ride.
But if money is an issue, and as you already have one, why dont you borrow a c1000 and try it out. I used C1000 before we got the 451´s with not to much different result. C1000 works great in my opinion.
Janke / Redhouse

[macr0w]

I have been using a pair of Rode NT-5's with good results. They sound a little more alive than the c-1000's.

[albee1952]

Hey Third Eye, glad you approved! I am a fan of the 451 and the AT3031 was a surprise upgrade for hat. I also had C3000's that I liked until I heard them next to the AT3035. 414's are dandy but expensive. Come to think of it, the 451 isn't exactly cheap. I also had AKG 460's, SM81's and AT4050's which were my favorite overheads as I felt they had a rounder sound than the 414's which have always been a tad bright to my ears. Ah, the days of big budgets....

[Chris Cavell]

I repeatedly choose my Oktava 012's over my "vintage" 414 EB's and 451e's for overheads (vintage is in quotes b/c let's face it, can you really call 20 to 25 years old vintage???).