Upgrades from Sennheiser 604 mics

[Thomas1987]

Hi Guys,

 

Our set of Sennheiser 604 clip mics are looking a little battered and have had their day, and I'm thinking of upgrading them. Obviously I'll be looking through recent riders and specs to see what most bands touring our venue are looking for, but wondered if you guys had any gems of wisdom.

 

604's have done the job perfectly, but as our productions are getting larger maybe we should be looking at alternate microphones.

 

Also - mic stands. Any companys good for a batch order?

 

Regards

 

Dave

[Rob_Beech]

Depending on what you class as a batch talking to people like k&m direct should be possible.

 

As for mics. the 604's do a great job, I'd see no problems in getting more of them. However, I prefer the sound of the Audix D2's, I think they're a little more money. If you want to spend a bit more and get a better mic then the Beta98 is usually a winner. That said, they can be a little fragile, 604's and D2's are something I'd chuck on the floor in a festival situation when they're not being used. Beta98's aren't, as they feel more like they'll smash to bits when you stand on them accidentally whilst adjusting an OH stand.

[dunk_1984]

Audix D2's are worth a look.

 

Edit: beaten to it by Rob.

[phil dekked]

Well the next step up would be the e904`s?

 

They are on most riders I see with second option to 98`s. Audix mics do crop up but usually from US bands. They are good, robust but not something everyone will want?

 

SM & Beta 98`s are ok but as pointed out they are fiddly and keeping all the bits together is a pain. The "flexi" arms are prone to breaking after a while and the pre-amps can suddenley go " fizzy". They don`t make the SM98 now but some peeps still want them!!

 

For stands...try K&M through Studiospares.

 

.p.

[MarkPAman]

I like the SM Beta56. They are a bit heavy for clip-on mounting though, so often go with the 604 if there's not the space for lots of stands. They're very strongly built and will not mind Rob standing on them :)

[aidso]

904s are great mics but you might as well get 604s. not a huge difference. you are going to see 98 on riders more than 604s or 904s but as said they have so so many problems. Fault PSUs, faulty cables, fault capsules and keeping all the bits together is always a challange. They do sound great though.

[JakeCTG]

Depending on what you class as a batch talking to people like k&m direct should be possible.

 

As for mics. the 604's do a great job, I'd see no problems in getting more of them. However, I prefer the sound of the Audix D2's, I think they're a little more money. If you want to spend a bit more and get a better mic then the Beta98 is usually a winner. That said, they can be a little fragile, 604's and D2's are something I'd chuck on the floor in a festival situation when they're not being used. Beta98's aren't, as they feel more like they'll smash to bits when you stand on them accidentally whilst adjusting an OH stand.

 

Another vote for the Audix D2 and also the D4 for low toms, I have these mics and really like them and have used them on a number on kits and I prefer these to the 604's.

 

Also they are very tough and you can definitely have them knocking about on the floor of a festival stage.

 

The only thing with the audix clips is as they are of a similar design to the 98's clips if they clip onto the tom's nicely and have a good fit they should be fine ( unless your drummer is chad smith) but if they don't get a good hold then they could come off, but only in rare cases. But generally I prefer the audix clips to the 604's.

[Rob_Beech]

Personally I HATE the Audix clips. When I say clips, I mean the actual mic clips AND the Drum mount things. They fall to bits. I've got through no end of clips and I just use the standard K&M drum mounts now with them, they're about £8 a piece and last really well. I've already had a batch of clips sent to me by Audix to replace broken ones, and I'm in the process of trying to get some more from them.