AKG C 1000 S
list $350
The C 1000 has been a studio
standard forever, renowned for
their fantastically warm sound.
Clean, crisp and lively throughout
the entire sound spectrum, this
mic can work in the studio and
onstage as a great ensemble
mic. A PB 1000 Presence Boost
adapter is also available, which
provides an additional 5dB high-
frequency peak, adding brilliance
in the 5 to 9kHz range. As an
added bonus, it can operate
either on phantom power or a
standard 9V battery.
Shure SM81
list $591.60
The SM81 is an old friend and
studio standby. It offers plenty
of detail but the mids sounded
slightly thick with our guitar and
the bass rolled off a little too
soon. Depending on the sound
you’re after and the guitar you’re
using, it may or may not work for
you – guitars needing some mid-
range love will benefit from this
mic. It has a 3-position low-cut
filter, and it’s worth noting that
this thing is built like a tank (as is
most Shure stuff).
Sterling ST33
list $199
Designed by Groove Tubes for
Guitar Center, the Sterling incor-
porates a thin, 6-micron evapo-
rated gold Mylar diaphragm
and Class A FET electronics.
What does that mean for you?
The ST33 is hotter, the mids are
warmer and there’s more detail.
The added clarity delivers a
brighter spectrum than either the
MXL or the AKG. Toss in a -15dB
pad and a low-cut filter, and
you’ve got a great value.
18 Mics
You Should Meet
sE Electronics sE4
list $399
stereo pairs $749
Replacing the sE3, the sE4
includes interchangable hyper-
cardioid and omnidirectional
capsules. It’s not an easy concept
to describe, but listening to
recordings of the sE4 reveals
some “extra space” above and
below the sound, as if the room
suddenly increased in size. It’s a
very balanced sound, and you
can hear every detail without
harshness or brittle pick noises. It
features both a low-cut filter and
a -10dB pad.
