Appendix 2
Cheaper alternatives to classic microphones
Throughout this book we have made reference to the microphone types used by Decca, especially those made by Neumann, Schoeps, Royer, AKG, and Coles. Many of these models, such as the Neumann M50 used for the Decca Tree, are no longer available, and on the rare occasions that such microphones come onto the second-hand market, they command extraordinarily high prices. Those models that are still available new are usually very expensive as well.
One of the key messages of this book is that is perfectly possible to make excellent recordings with cheaper alternatives. There’s no denying that a classic old Neumann in top condition costing £10,000 is a better-sounding microphone than a £100 mass-produced ...
