Neumann KM184

I bought two separate microphones and made them a matched pair I tried to find ones that were identical or sounded as close as possible The Neumann's ...

You don't need matched pairs, and honestly most of the time I like using different mics on guitars. Some of my favorite guitar recordings were a C414 in fig-8 on the 12th fret, KM184 on the body, and an AT4050 as a close room mic. The only time I'd say you want a matched pair is if you are trying to accurately record a "space". Think of an orchestra in a big hall, you are trying to get how they sound *in that room* vs just the instruments.

My favorite is the AKG C-12a, but they are exceedingly rare, expensive, and fragile so I can't really recommend anyone buy one. However, there are also lots of good small diaphragm mics like the Neumann Km184, Beyer MC930, Telefunken M60, AKG C451 (if you are looking for something very bright), but again, the Oktava mk012 is pretty solid and you find them in lots of professional studios.

for field recording you can use Rode blimps - they are a bit heavy and clunky but if you just put in on a stand its good enough. if you do not use them often i would hit some film sound rental places and ask to rent out a pair of blimps. (Trew Audio, Location Sound Corp, ...). If you have a bit of money to spend and want something good with a small size i would recommend a pair of Cinela Cosi ("COSI-M-22a" is the type that fits the KM184).

4/5x Neumann TLM170 or TLM193 - usable for everything, great for brass, good for strings, works well even on a kick drum. Also great for voice over, rap etc. Equally usable for a big band and as an orchestral spot. 4 - 8x KM184 great on many guitars, hi-hat, pretty good as an orchestral spot, OH, percussion, also pretty good for saxophones and not overly expensive.