Best Chinese Condenser Mic for a Guitar Amp?

[petervh]

Hey everyone,

Could someone here recommend a good Chinese condenser microphone to use on a guitar amp? I currently am using an SM57, incidentally my only microphone, however I am really interested in opening up my sound with a good condenser.

I am currently strongly considering a Karma Audio K35 AFET mic...has anyone tried these out?

For reference, I will be recording a lot of noisy big muff sounds through an old Traynor amp, as well as some distorted and clean sounds out of a 70's Garnet and an early 60's Magnatone combo.

Thanks,

p.

[tINY]

You might try the KEL HM1 as well.

Getting a CAD m179 isn't a bad way to go, either.

I'm guessing that you don't want a bright mic for that sort of project - is there some reason you want a chineese condenser?

Are you trying to support the chineese economy specifically? Do you have phantom power that you are itching to use?



-tINY

[scrubs]

Why not a chinese ribbon?

2nd the Kel HM1 or CAD M179 - both good values.

[warhead]

CAD M179 is actually pretty good on cabinets, but if you could afford it the CAD e300 would deliver a pretty fat tone by comparison and more bigness.

War

[IzovAge]

What about an MXL V67 or V63?

Studio Projects B-1 might work also.

[petervh]

Thanks for the replies so far...

Originally Posted by tINY

is there some reason you want a chineese condenser?

Really, my interest in a Chinese condenser (or chinese mic in general), is the price to quality ratio. There seem to be some interesting options out there in the sub $300 range (and even in the sub $100 range). However, I am not necessarily set on a condenser...and I am certainly interested in all recommendations of affordable mics that might provide me with an interesting sound.

Originally Posted by scrubs

Why not a chinese ribbon?

A Chinese ribbon could be great as well/instead. I know little about ribbon mics, and my main apprehension about them is that it could potentially be rather dangerous sticking one in front of a fair loud guitar signal. Is this a valid issue, or would it be relatively safe using a ribbon mic at either a close distance, or from a few feet away?

Can anyone reccomend a specific ribbon mic for cabinet recording? I have read good things about the Karma K6.

Originally Posted by warhead

CAD M179 is actually pretty good on cabinets, but if you could afford it the CAD e300 would deliver a pretty fat tone by comparison and more bigness.

Both the Kel HM1 and the CAD M179 are intriguing options that I had not previously considered, and the price seems to be pretty good as well. The CAD e300 is slightly out of my range, though.

I have about $300 to spend, so perhaps I should consider a CAD M179 along with a $100 ribbon? Or, alternatively, would I be better off with two condenser mics to capture sounds from different spots in the room? I imagine most of this will be trial and error, but I would really like to make the right choices before I spend the money...rather than after.

I'd love to hear any other recommendations you guys have,

Thanks,

p.

[petervh]

Actually, it turns out the the CAD e300 does fall into my range (eBay.ca: CAD e300^2 Multi Pattern Condenser Microphone NEW (item 110154612695 end time 29-Aug-07 17:22:47 EDT)), so that is probably near the top of my list at this point.

[traynor11]

Old traynors rule....mine really seems to love any pedal I put in front of it.

I have mic'd it with a mxl condenser and and art tube mp and it sounded awsome. I think once you have a kick ass sound to begin with the rest comes easy.

[Fretbored]

CAD e300

[warhead]

Originally Posted by petervh

...I currently am using an SM57, incidentally my only microphone, however I am really interested in opening up my sound with a good condenser....

...I should consider a CAD M179 along with a $100 ribbon?

When you say "open up your sound" I immediately thought you were looking for a more open and present TOP end, which a ribbon will NOT provide but rather the opposite.

???

War

[mrufino1]

One chinese mic I really love is the apex 435. I think it is pretty accurate and I tend to like the sound of almost everything I have recorded with it. I love it on overheads, guitar cabs, bass cabs, some vocals. It is kind of bright, but placement can overcome that a little if needed. I just used it on alto sax the other day as well with nice results. I got mine for $60 apiece, including shipping.

[petervh]

Originally Posted by warhead

When you say "open up your sound" I immediately thought you were looking for a more open and present TOP end, which a ribbon will NOT provide but rather the opposite.

Sorry for the confusion. I am rather interested in exploring both ends of the spectrum, however it seems to me that the e300 might provide a fairly solid bottom end as well as addressing the higher frequencies? I might be able to stretch my budget a bit more, perhaps, and pick up a $100 Marshall ribbon to play with as well.

p.

[petervh]

Also, I should mention, I will be using at least one microphone to record synthesizer tracks, with will be coming out of an Traynor YVM-1 into a 2x15 cabinet (as well as being tracked through a DI box). I may even need it to record bass tracks with it as well. These are the other reasons why it seems like a good condenser might be the way to go.

[MeSoHornplayer]

The Kel HM-1 is a great little mic. But I've got a buddy who uses SE mics for everything. For guitar, he'll use the SE3300 (I think that's what it's called). He's a big believer in condenser mics on amps and will just laugh at you if you suggest an SM57 or the like. More importantly, he makes great recordings using some pretty cheap stuff at that.

[arrogantbastard]

A chinese condenser on a guitar amp would probably kill a cat. I'd say just use a 57

[mcollinge]

Originally Posted by arrogantbastard

A chinese condenser on a guitar amp would probably kill a cat. I'd say just use a 57

Absolutely correct. A 4047 can be pretty good, but a 57 is usually better. And the 4047 is not nearly as shrill as most budget condensers.

[tINY]

Alright, since the door is opened to non-chineese, non-condenser mics for cabinets...

There is one mic you have to try - You'll probably buy one after you do.

Get ahold of a Heil PR30 - all I can say is "wow....."




-tINY