MIC SHOOTOUT Beyerdynamic MC930 vs Neumann KM184 vs Rode Nt5 (Part 1)

I teamed up with my brother Simone / sselvatico and compared 3 widely used small diaphragm condenser microphones. The results were somehow shocking to us!

[@sselvatico]

Fantastic!! I’m amazed to see how little differences there are between the mics and also how the classic akg always produce a balanced sound in every occasion.

[@dummy0000000]

I think it was best on a mando. Everything else sounded more scratchy and too bright.

[@sselvatico]

@@dummy0000000 Which one did you prefer on Mandolin?

[@dummy0000000]

@@sselvatico I mean 414 was best on mandolin

[@sselvatico]

@@dummy0000000 I liked it too for the mandolin and agree it seems to tame the harshness. I personally liked the mc930 too for that specific application as it seems to enhance the high frequencies in a nice way.... would be interesting trying using both?

[@dummy0000000]

@@sselvatico I actually own a pair of 930's. To be honest with you, I like those more on percussion than acoustic stuff. They seem to accentuate transients better and your test reflects it. For quiet classical guitar parts I would choose a 930, for strumming 184 would fit better in my opinion. 930 is also a bit bolder (if I use a correct word) sounding mic than the rest of the bunch

[@EarlyMist]

I'm really surprised by the NT5. I have the MC930s here and was pleasantly surprised by their honest clarity to a point but the km 84s and Km184s I dont have/can't afford now... always seem to flatter the source everytime I hear them...in the best way possible most of the time, 80% of the time.

[@danielrabbit3899]

Thanks, perfect selection of mics!

[@hortosoniclab3851]

🙏

[@imslicc]

what preamp you're using? this sounds really incredible, in a way you don't hear much on youtube.

[@johnpborden]

They all sound excellent. From that perspective, the Neumann models are just not worth the extra money.

[@pandoraefretum]

the differences in sound are small, but the differences in price are not so small

[@saxofonistacr]

184 makes a difference in clarity, when strummed.

[@KevinAxtMedia]

I use the MC930 paired with an AEA-R84 ribbon mic to record string bass and it's a perfect combo because the MC930 brings out the extra detail that you might lack with just the ribbon alone. But they're all great mics.

[@stupendousmusic4190]

I was thinking something like this too: a ribbon paired with theMC 930.

[@portwill]

Fantastic, just the comparison I was interested in. My favorites are the KM184 and the MC930. I feel like there is a touch more realism with the Neumann but it's hard to tell through TH-cam. Is it possible to get the raw files to listen to them side by side? Also, what is your personal opinion on these two mics?

[@hortosoniclab3851]

Thanks, I´ll try to add a download in the description. In part 2 I briefly give my opinion about the mics. Personally I think the KM184 is the most realistic and transparent. The MC930 has a useful lift on the top end which could help with dull instruments. The winner however is the NT5 which is not far from the KM184 in how it captures the sound and for a fraction of the price! I suspect that in a different context the KM184 would show its real value... But as always it all depends on the sound one is looking for and how it fits in a mix :)

[@portwill]

@@hortosoniclab3851 Thank you! Much appreciated!

[@nickgoogle4525]

@@hortosoniclab3851 Interesting. But when would you choose the KM184 over the 414XLS (if at all)!? The price is not what makes the big difference. If you can afford a pair of 184 you're not far off from the 414 and gain all the different patterns and have an even quieter microphone. So why would one choose the 184 at all?

[@howiecampbellmusic]

Glad you gave your opinion here. True the Rode is much less money, but I'm wondering if it's just my speakers or if the Rode has a bass boost or if the KM 184 has less bass. Big difference in steel vs nylon strings. I thought the Rode was a better fit for steel @@hortosoniclab3851

[@scottgentile1663]

The secret to making a great sounding acoustic guitar recording is to get a great sounding acoustic guitar :)

[@dbo4506]

@_TT_ with the right microphone in front of it. Played by the right player.

[@dominik4614]

With the right moods Emotions and good Food

[@amazonpoodles]

Was considering buying a MC930. Will be buying the KM184. The others, not bad at all if you can't afford the one that sounds best.

[@hortosoniclab3851]

exactly!

[@anonymusum]

Great comparison - thanks!

[@FilippoBuscemi93]

is therea way to eliminate the huming/distorted sound in the background ? Very nice video, thank you very much

[@mariavejarano1715]

💥🔥☀️⚡️ so useful!

[@stupendousmusic4190]

I'm surprised at how close these all are.

[@isfp6431]

1:18 1:25 1:32
1:47 1:56 2:04

[@tim9house]

Nice job 👍

[@ChangoFrett]

The Beyer is surprisingly good.
The NT5 is a slower mic. It doesn't catch the transients the same way the Neumann or Beyer do.
This can be heard during the "strumming" parts on guitar and mandolin where the pick or fingers are dragged across the strings slower than a standard strum. With the Neumann and the Beyer we can clearly hear each pluck and count the notes. The Rode smears a bit during those times and catches the broad picture rather than the individual strokes.
It's not a bad mic, at all, but it isn't in the same class when it comes to sensitivity or transient response.

[@calmstormambience1875]

i like the mc930 transparent I have one and happy.

O Beyer deveria ser a referencia pois é o melhor ;) Neumann é bem equilibrado e o Nt5 mais borrado na porção medio/grave e o Akg é nasal.

[@lawrencegreenwood4002]

DEAD MAN SCORE!

[@JustinHeronMusic]

Heck yeah!! My reaction precisely!!

[@G5Hohn]

To my ear the km184 crushes all others

[@isfp6431]

4:25 4:34

[@bartdumolyn1262]

What a missed opportunity. Horrible mic placement.

[@WealRich]

Rode nt5 the best

[@mrddcass6540]

184s

[@cesarcamilocipagauta4936]

4:14 4:24