KM84 versus KM184

[vanderlae]

Hey guys,

Of the above incarnations of this mic, does anyone have a preference of old versus new? I'm specifically looking at acoustic guitar duties (well, mainly) and these come up quite often. I'm wondering if the bump at 9k on the 184's makes the mic a departure from the original sound that is so revered (by some), and if that's for better or worse.

Cheers
Dave

[rick]

One is classic neumann the other is classic seinhiesser
one is discrete with a transformer the other surface mount
one is fixable the other is disposable
all that aside I reckon they both sound great:)
the Internet is far to hard on the sound quality of the new one
buy it use it for ten years chuck it out

[adamcal]

spend the extra money and buy an original km84, you will be happy every time you put it up, and never have that "I wonder if the original is better" voice in the back of your head on every session.

Ive seen them recently for $1000 to $1200

[Ben M]

My seq. pair of KM84i's arrived today.
I considered the alt. 184 but....well....you know...like adam said...they just wouldn't be 84's.
I haven't seen a pair in finer condition than this pair + their sequential serials.

I love the history of mics and these have had a wonderful life with one owner and have only been used on orchestral recordings.

One thing... the xlr's are slightly loose which I should try and tighten. Anybody done this to 84's. I'll have another look and see if I can remedy this.

peace.

[tunetown]

Congrats Ben. I have a beautiful consecutive mint pair too. They really are something.

Cheers

[vanderlae]

Thanks guys. If I can find an '84 for a good price in good condition I will likely go for it, I hear you. If anyone knows of any floating about or possibly you may be keen to let one go yourself please holler. I recently picked up a 1942 Martin 00-18 from Gruhn's whilst in Nashville recently, so I'm looking forward to seeing how that combo will sound. Lovely guitar, lovely mic I'm sure.

Cheers,
Dave

[GlennS]

Anyone know how KM140's compare to 84's & 184's?
I have a couple of KM120's (bi-directional capsules on the KM100 preamp) that sound great on just about anything.

[vanderlae]

spend the extra money and buy an original km84, you will be happy every time you put it up, and never have that "I wonder if the original is better" voice in the back of your head on every session.

Ive seen them recently for $1000 to $1200

Adam, how are you? Don't suppose you could point me in the direction of where you may have seen these prices? Vintage King have a few up, but I'm not paying that much for 'em, even though I'm sure they'd shave a bit off.

Cheers,
Dave

[vanderlae]

Just been talking to a certain US gear dealer about letting one of their 84's go. They can't budge much on their price, but has some great examples to choose from (all "fully serviced and cleaned") for a little under $1600 US. That's pretty pricey, what's your take on that kind of shell-out? I could spend a month looking and not find something, you know.

[adamcal]

Ive seen them mostly on ebay.

If you can get a checked and cleaned km84;s from a dealer for $1600 I would say its a bit high, but possibly worth it if you don't want to worry about anything.

If your happy to play the ebay game you may be able to do better, with the usual element of risk. personally I have bought about 8 over the years and been lucky every time.

[Chris H]

Of the above incarnations of this mic...a KM85 is anoption worth considering