The PG 81's have a bit of a white noise like distortion on them (especially when used live). You can actually hear it on the video as well. The SM 81 is more clear.
Where I’m in the middle of an install for a church, they have a PG81 and an SM81 in storage, which they also needed their drums mic’ed up/rewired. They also have three PG56’s and a PG52, and happen to also have an extra Sennheiser handheld. Originally, I planned on ordering another SM81 and a Beta 56, but since I figured it’s a permanent install, we can make them work. Sennheiser’s for the snare, 3 PG56’s for toms, PG52 for kick, and the PG81 + SM81 for overheads. It should work with time!
Wow. SM 81 just sounds more open and "3D-ish" - which is weird for a mono recording 🙂. But you can definately hear it. PG sounds very 1 dimensional. But for the budget minded the PG would be a great choise. I'm using the PGA 181 in a venue. Sounds fine and really solidly built.
I’ve had em for over a year that came with a drum bundle and haven’t used em cause I own a better overheads but after hearing this…. I may start using em
The PG81 doesnt capture the mid lows of the room as much as the SM81. Sound-wise when only 1 mic is used I'd go for the brighter PG81, but in combination with the SM57's & Beta 52, i would go with the SM81. The PG 81 is a bit too bright and less detailed compared to the SM81 i think. Price wise? PG81 over the SM81 😁 nothing a good EQ cant fix
have you seen my last video comparing the Shure, Audix & Fostex overheads? Curious on your thoughts on the Fostex MC10s vs Audix f15, your ears seem to pick up good detail:)
The PG 81's have a bit of a white noise like distortion on them (especially when used live). You can actually hear it on the video as well. The SM 81 is more clear.
Where I’m in the middle of an install for a church, they have a PG81 and an SM81 in storage, which they also needed their drums mic’ed up/rewired. They also have three PG56’s and a PG52, and happen to also have an extra Sennheiser handheld. Originally, I planned on ordering another SM81 and a Beta 56, but since I figured it’s a permanent install, we can make them work. Sennheiser’s for the snare, 3 PG56’s for toms, PG52 for kick, and the PG81 + SM81 for overheads. It should work with time!
Wow. SM 81 just sounds more open and "3D-ish" - which is weird for a mono recording 🙂. But you can definately hear it. PG sounds very 1 dimensional. But for the budget minded the PG would be a great choise. I'm using the PGA 181 in a venue. Sounds fine and really solidly built.
I’ve had em for over a year that came with a drum bundle and haven’t used em cause I own a better overheads but after hearing this…. I may start using em
I like the brightness of the pg81 , it does need some low end base boosting though - a good EQ can fix that .
Sm81 in this video reminded me of Terry Bozzio’s performance on I Will Protect You by Korn
The PG81 doesnt capture the mid lows of the room as much as the SM81.
Sound-wise when only 1 mic is used I'd go for the brighter PG81, but in combination with the SM57's & Beta 52, i would go with the SM81. The PG 81 is a bit too bright and less detailed compared to the SM81 i think.
Price wise? PG81 over the SM81 😁 nothing a good EQ cant fix
100% agree
have you seen my last video comparing the Shure, Audix & Fostex overheads? Curious on your thoughts on the Fostex MC10s vs Audix f15, your ears seem to pick up good detail:)
hello..I loved your drum set...these mini cymbals on top of the cymbals.....what brand are they??thanks
EQ compensate the little difference in sound and the big difference in price
for the price the PGA are good... but the 3D perspective is lost.. thats where the money goes in SM81
Are you using phantom power Sm81? Nice drum chops