Low budget mics

[contem]

Hi, guys, I´ve been visiting this forum for a long time, you´re great. Now it may come to you as a surprise that I´ve got a couple of questions. I´ve been looking for an appropriate mic for quite a long time and this is my ultimate list. They are all meant to be used for recording vocals in first place(maybe an acoustic guitar occasionally) and they´re all with large-membrane. So what do you thing about the the following low budget mics:

1) Audio Technica AT-4040
2) AKG C-3000 B
3) t.bone - SCT800 (vs. SCT2000)
4) Studio Projects C1
5) Rode NT1a
6) Rode NT1000
7) AKG Perception Series P100/P200/P400

As far as I know these are quite in the same class, they cost pretty much the same. The AT-4040 is considered as a quite good mic with constant quality. AKG C3000B pretty much the same. You may not all know the t.bone mics from the german site Thomann but I´ve heard an audio sample of the SCT800 and it sounds quite good to my inexperienced ears, it´s an large membrane tube mic. I´ve read quite a lot of reviews of the SP C1, seems to be quite good. What do you think about the Rodes, so long I prefer the NT1000 (to the NT1a). The least I know about the AKG Perception Series. So what about the P400? What do you thing, what´s the best price/qualitiy ratio? What would you add to this list?

Is it worth trying something like this:

-Studio Projects B1
-Audio Technica AT2020
-Marshall MXL 2006
-Behringer B1
-M-Audio Nova

...yes, I know, there´s a long way to AKG C414, AKG C12(VR), Neuman TLM103, Neuman U87 etc.

What do you think about using the aforementioned mics with the E-mu 1616m? How good are the preamps on the 1616m? Would you suggest buying something like Behringer Ultragain pro 2200 instead of E-mu´s preamps? What´s your overall impression, would you suggest buying something completely different? If I had the money I would purchase the AKG 414 XLII but...

I appreciate your comments and thank you in advance! Best regards!

[kriSh]

I picked up an Oktava MK-102 large diaphragm capsule recently, additionally to my matched stereo pair of Oktava MK-012's, and I have to say I'm blown away.

Bear in mind, the acoustics you record are really important. I consider these mics to be of really nice quality, though i can not only compare to the rode nt1, which is way brighter.

Initially I thought the MK-102 was bass-shy too, but it's got to be the phase coherency - the bass is all there, but just in time with the highs. Really tight fidelity. Dunno how to explain this any better.

[contem]

Originally Posted by kriSh

I picked up an Oktava MK-102 large diaphragm capsule recently, additionally to my matched stereo pair of Oktava MK-012's, and I have to say I'm blown away.

Bear in mind, the acoustics you record are really important. I consider these mics to be of really nice quality, though i can not only compare to the rode nt1, which is way brighter.

Initially I thought the MK-102 was bass-shy too, but it's got to be the phase coherency - the bass is all there, but just in time with the highs. Really tight fidelity. Dunno how to explain this any better.

Got the point! Thanks!

[YRLK]

My friend has an AKG C-4000, and it's one of the best mics for the money that I've ever heard.

[warhead]

I have to ask, are you going to use all these mics at the same time or are you looking for a variety to be used individually? Hard to know the context of this mic collection and if it makes sense. So far, to me it does not.

War

[mosrite]

If you can stretch to the Audio Technica 4050 then that would be recommended. It is a great all rounder and many pro studios have them in their locker (unlike some of the others on your list).

I am sure for the price the AT4040 is also good but cannot vouch for it as I havn't used / heard it.

The 4050 also has switchaeble polar patterns that immediately opens up options for you.

I have never regretted finding the extra money and spending more on better gear, that might work for you too.

[contem]

@warhead:

No, of course not, I don´t want use these all at the same time, I want to buy only one of them.

@mosrite:

Thanks for your help. I was exactly looking for this kind of replies! I´m gonna keep this in mind. I´ve forgotten to add the tube mic MXL V69, what do you think? Which one would you kick out of the list?

[river]

I own several different AT mics, love them all. I have an AKG C3000B I'm interested in selling, very little use and I'm the original owner. It's a little bright sounding for my taste. PM me.

I have a pair of the AT2020's and recommend them. I've used them for vocals, drum overheads, electric and acoustic guitar, grand piano, horns. Great mic for the price.

[river]

I just read your most recent post, contem. If you're looking to buy only one mic for general use, check out an AT3035. I run a commercial studio, and use these all over the place. You can find them for about $130.

[kriSh]

I tracked one acoustic guitar and two vocalists with the AT3035 some time ago.. it was alright, nothing to complain about.

And small diaphragm condensers can work well on vocals, too! The AT2020 actually is a SDC, although i cannot comment on that one..

[dviola]

i have 2 at3035's and I have to say...its a great mic and can be had for little money

[AllAboutTone]

with a good pre the c3000 or the MXL 990 is great.

[Ashofapheonix]

If you have a good preamp something thats got a lot of usable gain, FMR RNP (475$) or better (a lot of people would throw out API, Great Rivers but those are another price class) the best best all arounders for vocals, IMO would probably be a large diaphragm dynamic and not a condensor. Shure SM7b or Electrovoice RE20, Heil PR40 (300-400$ price range). But this is only if you have at least a decent preamp to drive it. With out that dynamics often don't sound proper, sound murky, thin.

Also if your just recording vocals, occasionally acoustic guitar, or don't eve need more than a couple of inputs. get a smaller interface, and pick up a decent preamp, RNP, Grace 101, P-Solo.


The one microphone I'd hands down avoid for vocals is going to be
B1. its great on instruments, but its not really suitable as a vocal mic imo.

[Forkleg]

Originally Posted by mosrite

If you can stretch to the Audio Technica 4050 then that would be recommended. It is a great all rounder and many pro studios have them in their locker (unlike some of the others on your list).

I am sure for the price the AT4040 is also good but cannot vouch for it as I havn't used / heard it.

The 4050 also has switchaeble polar patterns that immediately opens up options for you.

I have never regretted finding the extra money and spending more on better gear, that might work for you too.

i really like my at 4050!!

[mrufino1]

You may want to check out the apex 435 as well, very cool mic and it is only about $60 (with shockmount!) - I just bought 2 more of them (have 1 already that I bought by accident on ebay and I'm glad I kept it). Not a neumann for sure but it sounds really good. Kind of bright, very hot output, so be aware of those two factors.