New mic - looking for suggestions

[captshiznit]

Hi guys,

Thinking of upgrading my mic from a rode nt2a and getting ahold of a preamp. I've got a couple choices in mind I was leaning mostly towards AKG C 414 but it seems to have varying opinions. And people say you can just get a 214 which sounds the same at a fraction of the price.

My price range is £800 (around $1200) (Also if you could suggestest a good preamp also within that price range willing to go slightly higher if neccessary which may go with any suggested mic that would be awesome!) may even be able to look at used in thet price range so score an even more expensive mic, but it'd need to be fairly available in the UK.

I would appreciate any suggestions I should look into, trying to get best bang for buck. I'm primarily going to record acoustic guitar + male vocals.

Cheers

[firefly419]

What types of sounds are you looking to get?

[edva]

In that price range i would seriously consider Miktek CV4.

[captshiznit]

Originally Posted by firefly419

What types of sounds are you looking to get?

More fuller warmer sound and less brittle/bright.

Understandly rode is a budget condensor and running through focusrite scarlett preamps just anything to improve on it really and try get more towards a "pro" sound + a dedicated preamp i've heard will make a big difference.

Originally Posted by edva

In that price range i would seriously consider Miktek CV4.

thanks i'll look into it

[cpstudios]

+1 for the Miktek CV4

[captshiznit]

Originally Posted by cpstudios

+1 for the Miktek CV4

Can't seem to find that one in the UK at present, may look on some used sites.

[kmade]

Peppers pro. Shop nashville or sweetwater for the cv4 dam good mikew

!ow

[sonic dogg]

+2 on the MikTek.

[captshiznit]

Originally Posted by sonic dogg

+2 on the MikTek.

Wow alot of love here for the CV4!

Looked it up sounds good, just problem is getting it shipped here. Would get raped on import tax / duty in the UK so I think it's little out of my price bracket.

Edit: UK price is £1200 which is a little out of my price range i'm afraid really! that translates to $1900.

[edva]

Originally Posted by captshiznit

Wow alot of love here for the CV4!

Looked it up sounds good, just problem is getting it shipped here. Would get raped on import tax / duty in the UK so I think it's little out of my price bracket.

Edit: UK price is £1200 which is a little out of my price range i'm afraid really! that translates to $1900.

Wow that is much more than in the States.
OK, on your side of the pond, have a look at Nevaton. Lot of bang for the buck, I like the sound very much.
On the 414, it is a nice mic, accurate sound, but I have had issues with the newer ones, and AKG seems unresponsive to same. YMMV.

[Ward Pike]

I'm with EDVA. AKG has put funny mics into housings that look like 414s and insists on still referring to them as C414 - - - but they have little in common with the lineage.

[touch]

TLM103?

[Ward Pike]

Good suggestion, but I'd get a TLM102

[David C.]

I've got a 414 B/ULS that I bought used in the late 80's. Just did a shoot out with my friends new version of it, my voice and guitar playing and they were very similar in sound. They are great all around mics, maybe one of the best choices if you could only have one mic for everything. Mine mated well with a GAP Pre-73, but hell, they sound good through a Mackie mixer really.

[Alex Breaux]

Why don't you try and find yourself a c414 eb? If it has the ck12 capsule in it, you are good to go. I have two older 414 p12's that I use on very many different applications. The older 414's are some of the best budget all around mics out there.

And don't waste your time thinking one of these u47, or c12 clones are going to be a cheap solution to a u47 or c12. They don't come close. Don't listen to the bs on here about them.. Not saying they are bad mics, some do sound good. But like I said, there is no comparison. Apples and oranges.

A

[kraku]

Can't go wrong with Gefell

[Alex Breaux]

Originally Posted by kraku

Can't go wrong with Gefell

Ageed! GREAT mics!! I have two m692's with the m58 capsules and a cmv563 with m7. I love em!!

[mljung]

It always difficult to recommend anything, as to what really works will in the end simply be a question of testing a good amount of microphones that could potentially work for what you do.

On this list I would suggest putting the Milab DC-196 [or it's cardioid only sister DC-96C] for smooth, natural response.

Another microphone that sounds, or rather records, very well, but maybe a little overlooked because of it's low price, is the ADK S7 [a multipattern S7 variant called Thor should also be on it's way]. That could leave money for something like at DAV preamp.

::
Mads

[crosscutred]

Might be worth looking at an SE Gemini 2, second hand they are around £800

No idea about the new Gemini 5 though....

[captshiznit]

Originally Posted by mljung

It always difficult to recommend anything, as to what really works will in the end simply be a question of testing a good amount of microphones that could potentially work for what you do.

On this list I would suggest putting the Milab DC-196 [or it's cardioid only sister DC-96C] for smooth, natural response.

Another microphone that sounds, or rather records, very well, but maybe a little overlooked because of it's low price, is the ADK S7 [a multipattern S7 variant called Thor should also be on it's way]. That could leave money for something like at DAV preamp.

::
Mads

Agree, it's really difficult to just ask guys for an opinion on something I have no idea how it would truelly sound on what I want to record. But never the less the advicer here is still really useful it just gives me more alternatives / options to look into.

Originally Posted by crosscutred

Might be worth looking at an SE Gemini 2, second hand they are around £800

No idea about the new Gemini 5 though....

I've recently been offered to buy a Gemini 2 actually around 735 or something was the asking price. Had never heard of gemini before so didn't think much of it. May cosider it now, how do you guys feel about tube mics?

[crosscutred]

I think the Gemini is a good mic for the price, I had one on loan for a while and miss it now it's gone.
It sounds very open to me, kind of makes you go oooh! lovely! when you put it up. I prefer having my old U87 though it adds some character that the SE is lacking.

Acoustic guitars and detailed vocals are the things it excelled on for me.

It is very heavy so you need a good stand.

[Bill@WelcomeHome]

you might get hold of Alison at gearonline in Bristol. They are hooked into a lot of studios selling off kit. I've bought several mics from them and paid the import duties to the states, never had a bad experience. Got my Coles from them, and a pair of 84s, and a bunch of other stuff. Used is the way to go.

[binarymilton]

@captshiznit: I am literally just packing up the two mics I had on trial from Audio Technica, using their "First Impressions" scheme. I suggest you try it: you get to keep two of their products for a fortnight: Audio-Technica - Support - First Impressions

In your case, I'd suggest trying out a 4047 and a 4050. Or perhaps one of their ribbon mics.

Me, I borrowed their 4047 and 4033, specifically because I was struggling to find a mid-centred microphone to bring out the best in my unusual-sounding archtop acoustic guitar. The 4047 did exactly what I wanted, and more. It's probably the best mic I've used on it yet.

It sounded pretty good on my (male, tenor) vocal too, though didn't quite have the clarity and detail of my AKG C414BXLii (which also has quite a big proximity effect that you can work to sound a bit tube-mic-ish with some trial and error).

I know this is the high-end section, but I seriously suggest you at least try out an AT4047 (either for guitar, or vocals) and/or an AKGC414B.

[captshiznit]

Originally Posted by binarymilton

@captshiznit: I am literally just packing up the two mics I had on trial from Audio Technica, using their "First Impressions" scheme. I suggest you try it: you get to keep two of their products for a fortnight: Audio-Technica - Support - First Impressions

In your case, I'd suggest trying out a 4047 and a 4050. Or perhaps one of their ribbon mics.

Me, I borrowed their 4047 and 4033, specifically because I was struggling to find a mid-centred microphone to bring out the best in my unusual-sounding archtop acoustic guitar. The 4047 did exactly what I wanted, and more. It's probably the best mic I've used on it yet.

It sounded pretty good on my (male, tenor) vocal too, though didn't quite have the clarity and detail of my AKG C414BXLii (which also has quite a big proximity effect that you can work to sound a bit tube-mic-ish with some trial and error).

I know this is the high-end section, but I seriously suggest you at least try out an AT4047 (either for guitar, or vocals) and/or an AKGC414B.

Cool may look into this.

[cheu78]

I agree on the 4047..and check on the used market as well, but be careful, maybe buying used from a dealer is better if you're not an expert.

I'd also look at a Violet Design, for what you're looking for probably the Black Knight is you best bet..(other mics from Violet are brighter, like the flamingo jr.).. The Globe Vintage is a wonderful mic but out of your price range..(but maybe you could stretch the budget a bit?)
Btw I'd check out the JZ Vintage11, within your price range and a possible contender in the condenser world..
A Shure SM7 might be something to try out.. maybe also a Beyerdynamic M88? For vocals and gtr though, on ac gtr I like LDC's.
If you could try out some ribbons, shure make some nice ones 313 and 353 (formerly crowley and tripp) and since you're in England try a coles 4038.. That mic is great, but not for every vocal or genre.. you might need a nice preamp though..

If you plan upgrading the preamp also, I'd try to not split your budget right now..
Get the mic that suits your vocals better first..save some more money and get a good preamp.

Then you could think at a nice preamp.. (like the BAE DMP or an Avedis MA5 if you plan to go 500 series), they are hiend preamps but at a very reasonable price all considered, and once you buy one of these you don't feel the need of upgrading anymore..so buy once but good, you'll save money in the long run

Just my 0.02$,

Cheu

[motifxf]

Hello!
I also think the mics on the Violet Design and JZ Microphones are the best choice ..! I have The Amethyst (standard) and have had the AKG C414 XLS - The Amethyst was the best in practically everything.
Shure SM7 is also an interesting option ...
Greetings

[captshiznit]

Originally Posted by cheu78

I agree on the 4047..and check on the used market as well, but be careful, maybe buying used from a dealer is better if you're not an expert.

I'd also look at a Violet Design, for what you're looking for probably the Black Knight is you best bet..(other mics from Violet are brighter, like the flamingo jr.).. The Globe Vintage is a wonderful mic but out of your price range..(but maybe you could stretch the budget a bit?)
Btw I'd check out the JZ Vintage11, within your price range and a possible contender in the condenser world..
A Shure SM7 might be something to try out.. maybe also a Beyerdynamic M88? For vocals and gtr though, on ac gtr I like LDC's.
If you could try out some ribbons, shure make some nice ones 313 and 353 (formerly crowley and tripp) and since you're in England try a coles 4038.. That mic is great, but not for every vocal or genre.. you might need a nice preamp though..

If you plan upgrading the preamp also, I'd try to not split your budget right now..
Get the mic that suits your vocals better first..save some more money and get a good preamp.

Then you could think at a nice preamp.. (like the BAE DMP or an Avedis MA5 if you plan to go 500 series), they are hiend preamps but at a very reasonable price all considered, and once you buy one of these you don't feel the need of upgrading anymore..so buy once but good, you'll save money in the long run

Just my 0.02$,

Cheu

Awesome cheers for the input.

[JamieOxford]

SE Titan possibly? I haven't used one but I've heard great reviews from friends and colleagues. They've been discontinued so the prices have shot right down. DV247 has a few for £255. I think RRP was around a grand, if not more.

Otherwise AT40 series are worth a look… Audio Technica also do a try before you buy policy which is a 2-4 week trial.

[Ryan Gregory]

I've got a 414XLS, it is pretty thick sounding, but there is definitely a HF boost. I prefer it over the TLM102, and there is definitely a pretty noticeable difference between the C414 and C214. C214 does sound good though. Just a little less crispy to my ears.

[chrisrulesmore]

For $1200 USD you can get a pair of the Neumann TLM102's (or one TLM102 and a decent preamp). I just bought a pair of these myself last week and have been really impressed thus far having used them on vocals and drum overheads.

-Chris