Anyone want to see my experience recently comparing some "clone" mics with the big-boys (ELA M 251 (non-export), AKG c12, and Telefunken U47)? 

This was a recent comparison I wanted to purchase some good clone mics, but not wanting to break the bank. However, I really wanted to see just how well these new clones stand up to the big-boys in the industry. But it was so much fun, I wanted to share my experience with you.

Here's my report:
http://www.soundporter.co...ne-vs-Old-MicShoot.pdf

Disclaimer: I'm not professionally in the industry as a Grammy winning producer, I'm not an Electrical Engineer, not an Audiologist, nor an acoustics expert. But I feel my ears are in good shape, and I can discern very minute differences in audio quality, etc. 

So, take it at face-value, but I promise, that after you read this, you'll likely feel more enlightened and shopping!

Enjoy!! Let me know what you think! Please, constructive discussion only. Thanks!

Nicely done.  I'd have loved to have been there.  I also appreciate that you put some low enders end there and seem to have given them a fair shake.

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Very well written article.  I think it's useful sometimes to have a well-informed opinion about things without resorting to charts, graphs and statistics to prove a point.  Sometimes we just want to know "how does it sound to your ears?"  I thought it was an enjoyable read.
 
I think your point about staying within your means as it applies to mics, and just about any other gear, was well made.  It's too often that we jones for that "perfect" mic or "perfect" preamp without realizing just how little it may actually buy us over a more reasonably-priced alternative.

Thanks! Yeah, one of the things I wanted to do was hear what all the fuss is about when it comes to the real hit-makers. What is it that makes them so sought-after? I won't argue, they do stand on their own, and it would be hard to mimic exactly the same character, but even so, you can grab 10 U47's and compare all of them with different results. I find that exciting in a way. It also means it's quite possible to find a faulty clone that big studios people are asking to borrow!

I doubt that will happen often, but that's certainly how the vintage mics here found their popularity, I'm sure. Clones are downplayed because they're clones. But it doesn't mean inferior. To me it means "modern", not bad. 

I felt pretty good about my clone purchases, and very surprised at the 22 251 and cv12! They performed better than I expected! The 2247 LE was awesome, too, but not exactly what the U47 was character-wise. However, i do know John Peluso will tweak them to sound more like their ancestors. 

Very nice article! I enjoyed reading it, Thanks.

nicely done!  I enjoyed it too!  I own an Avantone CV12 and actually bought it from reviews on Gearslutz.  It's stock and pretty much my go-to mic for most vocals. 

i own a ADK Hamburg, and really like it. cheap.

it's a U87 clone.

it is a bit darker, and of course does not have the polish of a real U87, sounds more like a u67.

that said, since i bought my Shure KSM44, i'm using it for almost everything!

The classic Shure SM57 SM58 is good overall mic for drums, guitars etc..

I'm never mic acustic drums and etc, I have done that kind of things too of course.
I'm working as songwriter and music producer in a digital studio, electronic Pop and Dance, film score / TV - music so I basically do vocals only with Artists and sometime a guitar.
 
Both AKG and Telefunken are very good brands.
Personally I use Manley reference mic with vocals, but that's is another story.
Hope it help!

I've never tried a Manley, but hear great things about them. All I do is record bands, mix and master. I'm sort of the opposite on the digital music realm. 

For drums, I've been using a 57 thru an API on the top of the snare, a Sennheiser e609 on the bottom, 421-U5's on toms, Beta 52 and AT4047S/V on the kick, AT-3031 on Hi-Hat, AKG c451B's for Overheads, Royer R101 for room (Sometimes a couple of Fat-Heads). Drums are difficult, but what I'm doing now, I really like! Lots of tone and pop!

brconflict


I've never tried a Manley, but hear great things about them. All I do is record bands, mix and master. I'm sort of the opposite on the digital music realm. 

For drums, I've been using a 57 thru an API on the top of the snare, a Sennheiser e609 on the bottom, 421-U5's on toms, Beta 52 and AT4047S/V on the kick, AT-3031 on Hi-Hat, AKG c451B's for Overheads, Royer R101 for room (Sometimes a couple of Fat-Heads). Drums are difficult, but what I'm doing now, I really like! Lots of tone and pop!

I love the 57 through an API! I switch between a 57, i5 and beta 57. Slight differences only. Sometimes I think I switch for the heck of it more than the tonality. Although, the beta does reject bleed better.

Thanks for the article too. It was a great read, and you made some really good and valid points.