[Eric B]

Dear H
You might want to consider omnis.
Among the inherent problems with directional mics is that they are
boomy when positioned too close due to the proximity effect and
increasingly thin and colored at more ambient distances, due to off
axis phase distortion. Omnis don't have these problems, especially
small diaphgram omnis. A lot of people are afraid of them. Omnis work
better in a good sounding room, but since they have no proximity
effect you can move in closer with good results and good seperation.
Someone once said to me that a cardioid is just a broken omni.
Ribbons might be better than the Shoeps (which are very good mics).
The reputation is that the transition into the higher frequencies is
smoother with ribbons. They tend to have very low sensitivity, so you
will need a good quiet preamp with 60dB+ of gain. The MIO can do this,
I think.
Ribbons are usually a figure of 8 pickup pattern so you have to be
aware of the 180 degree off axis arrivals. Sometimes this out of phase
room sound sounds good, sometimes not. If not you have to be prepared
to reduce these arrivals physically, or aim the back somewhere else.
Which of these Beyer models is best- I don't know. Listen.
If you have questions please feel free to contact me. I like talking
about recording acoustic instruments. It's fun.
Eric Blackmer Blackmer Sound (.com)