Tube Mics

cbarrett92 · 19th December 2007, 05:29 AM

Hey guys. I was just wondering if anyone had found a good tube mic between $200-300. If you have, feel free to share your find with us.

lukejs · 19th December 2007, 05:44 AM

I think I remember people saying good things about the CAD M9 tube mic... for around 300...I think...

VacuousZounds · 19th December 2007, 05:45 AM

I have a MXL v76t that I really like on guitar cabs, no pad though so you gotta watch out for loud signals. It has a thick character, but not overly bass-heavy, if that makes sense. I did not like it on vocals, though have only tried it on a few sources, primarily my singer's and my own. I think new it's only about $179.

I also have a Sterling Audio st44 (which I hear is the same as a Groove Tubes 44, but specially made for guitar center) that works a little better on overheads as well as solo instruments. It has tonal qualities somewhere between a sm57 and a md421. $300 new, not quite sure it's worth that much to me though.

Both mics have nice midrange and upper-mids and distinct character, but neither are suitable for precise recording of sources such as voice, acoustic guitar, or piano.

Hope this helps!

Saxy · 19th December 2007, 06:09 AM

For a little more $ you may want to check out a Rode NTK.

Or you could find a used one.

drumkideric · 19th December 2007, 06:10 AM

Studio Projects Tb-1 would be my pick. I would definitely check it out.

scrubs · 19th December 2007, 06:14 AM

Apex 460 is decent. Bright, but not shrill. Put a good tube in it and it is even better. I've heard some nice word about the MXL 960, but haven't tried it.

narco · 19th December 2007, 06:57 AM

in low end mics 'tube' is a buzz word for marketing hype.

honestly in that price range you would be better off to go non tube.

narco

warhead · 19th December 2007, 08:22 AM

Yes, don't get too hung up on the tube aspect of a mic.

You'd be better served telling us what you have, and what you wish your current collection would do or do better, and what you consider to be better.

Having said that, to answer the original question the CAD M9 is indeed worthy as is the MXL V69 in that price range. Both offer very different sounds though.

War

minus-sounds.com · 19th December 2007, 09:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by warhead

Yes, don't get too hung up on the tube aspect of a mic.

You'd be better served telling us what you have, and what you wish your current collection would do or do better, and what you consider to be better.

Having said that, to answer the original question the CAD M9 is indeed worthy as is the MXL V69 in that price range. Both offer very different sounds though.

War

Warren, do you care to elaborate on the differences?

musimedia · 19th December 2007, 08:41 PM

If you can live with China made stuff, that is well built and that will improve with a little TLC and a new tube, I might suggest the SM Pro MC-03. I own this mic and am really found of it. Off the bat, the tube (12ax7) has to be upgraded since the 50 cents china tube supplied with the mic is just too weak and noisy. If you get a nice Sovtek 12AX7LPS in there it will improve beyond expectations (remember to burn it in a little).
It uses a 7 pin DIN cable and acceptable but not optimal multi-pattern power supply, just like all other china tube mics. Further down you could also upgrade the cable and then the power supply.

Link for the Mic : http://www.smproaudio.com/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=50

tube upgrade : http://www.tubedepot.com/so-12ax7lps.html
(I bought my tubes from them, excellent service)

Hope this helps.
Michel.

GravityRobert · 19th December 2007, 09:10 PM

Hey musimedia welcome to the forum

Do you happen to have samples of the SM pro audio mic? I'm very interested. The body looks very nice

... all I need are sounds now

canderson · 19th December 2007, 09:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by warhead

.....the CAD M9 is indeed worthy as is the MXL V69 in that price range[ $300 ]. Both offer very different sounds though.

War

I'd be interested in hearing about the differences between these two.

Got a V69 that I think is a damn fine mic for $300. It is interstingly colored and has a vibe all its own.

canderson

drBill · 19th December 2007, 10:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by canderson

I'd be interested in hearing about the differences between these two.

Got a V69 that I think is a damn fine mic for $300. It is interstingly colored and has a vibe all its own.

canderson

I agree. I really like it on overheads.

Janesaid2me · 19th December 2007, 11:08 PM

Both are cool mics I personally own a CAD m9 and a friend of mine has the v69 so im familiar with that as well...actually looking to buy one too. The m9 is a great mic for the price (as is the v69)...stock the m9 is a little more neutral sounding and works very well on vocals and on some electric guitar (it sucked on acoustic)...that said I just recently changed the tube in it from the stock to a Mullard 12at7...havent done a true comparison just yet, but i have a funny feeling its going to sound even better!

As for the v69 its a much "darker" sounding mic...works well on some vocals...definitely a different flavor then the m9. I havent tried it on much else other then vocals...so cant comment there. Hope that helps...ohhh and by the looks of it you cant change the tube in the v69....or can you....it looked like a mini tube in a picture I saw...ive never physically opened it up to see (my friend would probably freak haha)

river · 19th December 2007, 11:17 PM

AT3060 is a decent mic in that range. I bought one this past year, only used it a few times so far on vocals and as a room mic. It's a little on the bright side for some vocalists. I need to spend some more time with it next major tracking project that I have. Only downside is no high pass or pad. Here's a link to an ebay store, authorized AT dealer:

NEW Audio Technica AT3060 Phantom-Powered Tube Mic - (eBay item 360005808790 end time Dec-21-07 00:00:09 PST)

Crash · 19th December 2007, 11:25 PM

Microphone Products - Sterling Audio

Sound Addict · 20th December 2007, 05:23 AM

I bought 2 apex 460s and they sound amazing for the price even with stock tubes. I record with a lot of tube mics (Baby Bottles, Rode NTKs, AT4060s, m149) and I still like them, with new tubes of course.

Pohaku · 20th December 2007, 07:17 AM

The previously mentioned Sterling Audio mic, or a used or NOS GT-44 or a GT/Alesis AM-40. Used GT-44s or AM-40s go for @$200-250. Great instrument mic and usable for vocals as well.

donsolo · 20th December 2007, 07:28 AM

I can speak from experience on the R0DE NTK. It's really silky but for the price, you can get some really nice FET mics (AT4047 GT77/ST77) all of which I have (Or have used extensively in terms of the 4047)

I don't think a Tube mic is a great "All arounder" especially in the Low End. If you're looking for a silky vocal sound, you can get a nice sound with a modded Nady Ribbon, a FET mic or the NTK. The NTK still has that low end hyped highs in it that kinda kills the price tag for me.

Most tubes in the low end don't really use them to their full extend (Read: Starved plate design)

I haven't really heard anything about what you're planning on using these for.

What I did find pleasant is the last time I went microphone shopping, I was in that 5-600 range and didn't find the plethora of options like I did in that 2-400 range. At the price tag all of the previously mentioned microphones fetch, they're all good quality and if you're not used to microphones of this caliber (read: you own an AT4040 at best) you're going to have a blast. Personally I recommend the ST77 because you can harass the Guitar Center into a good price (I got mine for 480) while they really can't do much on the 4047 (I looked into it elsewhere, there's really not much markup)

R0DE is really hit or miss. I have a few of their mics and have used a bunch.

I have the NT1A and the NT4 and have used the NTK a lot. I've also used the NT2-A and the NT1000. And to be honest, they're about par for the price range. It's cool that you're not buying Chinese but they tend to be a bit hyped in the top and even though they're all low-noise, only the NTK had the detail that I really liked. Every other one kinda sounded gritty.

Back on topic,
Tube might not be what you're looking for. I'd suggest really reconsidering your reasons before coming to a conclusion.

musimedia · 20th December 2007, 05:12 PM

Another mic I like in the lower price range is the Rude!Audio Multi-fet. It's really just a another brand for the SE models, but at a lower price.
You get a descent Mic with low self noise , cardiod/omni/figure 8 patterns and bass roll-off (100Hz). It comes with a very good shock mount and a flight case. All that for 150$. It just SHINES on accoustic guitar (Martin DCME dreadnought and Epiphone ej200-ce Jumbo) It's not the best mic in the world (is there really one?) and it is over hyped in the upper mids.... trying to fit in the china trend I guess, but it is a very usable and pleasing mic but very sensitive.

having multiple patterns might be a good option over tube if you don't own a Mic that truly satisfies you to begin with.

my 2 cents again.. but from My own experience... rather then buying loads of gear/mics, try to find one that can stand up to your expectations and if it's not in your budget, save up ! It is still cheaper than buying a few mics that will probably collect dust once you hit the spot with the right mic anyway.

cnixon · 20th December 2007, 05:54 PM

When I was in your position, I purchased a used Studio Projects T-3 under $250.00, swapped out the tube with a NOS GE 5 Star tube, and have to say, it is really nice. I like to stack vocal tracks, and this mic will allow stacking with zero buildup. When I tried stacking with the Rode NTK, there was just to much "tube hiss". One mans trash...

Good luck in your search.

Charlie

gregl · 20th December 2007, 07:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cnixon

I like to stack vocal tracks, and this mic will allow stacking with zero buildup. When I tried stacking with the Rode NTK, there was just to much "tube hiss". One mans trash...

Charlie

You must have a bad tube or something in your NTK. Whatever any one thinks about them they are usually very quiet. I have one that measures incredibly low for a tube mic on the bench.

canderson · 21st December 2007, 04:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Janesaid2me

by the looks of it you cant change the tube in the v69....or can you....

I was able to change mine out with little difficulty. In fact it was a thread here on gearslutz that provided instructions on how to do it I believe.

Have they changed the tube in the V69 to some sort of mini tube?

canderson

Instructions for V69 tube swap

jddrews · 21st December 2007, 05:11 AM

I like my Oktava Mk-2500 quite a bit, but I'll be loving it after I get it Joly-fied. You can find these used for around $250. Check your local shops and craigslist before you venture onto ebay. They seem to be overpriced there.

chris carter · 21st December 2007, 06:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cnixon

When I was in your position, I purchased a used Studio Projects T-3 under $250.00, swapped out the tube with a NOS GE 5 Star tube, and have to say, it is really nice. I like to stack vocal tracks, and this mic will allow stacking with zero buildup. When I tried stacking with the Rode NTK, there was just to much "tube hiss". One mans trash...

Good luck in your search.

Charlie

I have an NTK and rather like it (came stock with an EH tube). I've never noticed any 'tube hiss' problems; it's a rather quiet mic. I find it stacks vocals really well and paired up with a GT Brick I find it's some rather inexpensive 'magic' on a lot of vocals. BUT, vocals is the only thing I typically use it for as it's too bright for many other applications.

narco · 21st December 2007, 06:42 AM

rode mics shouldn't be noisey, infact they are renound for being quiet.

however to say the ntk is "silky" is beyond me. its kinda like calling a cheese grater silky. One mans underwear is another mans kitchen utensil.

As I said before, don't buy a tube mic. But this time I'll go further: Buy an expensive dynamic mic or a cheap ribbon. Thank me later.

narco

ps. 2 posts, I wonder if he's even checked the responces

Janesaid2me · 21st December 2007, 06:58 AM

I just looked at the PDF for changing the tube in the v69....the picture I saw of one looked nothing like that inside....maybe i was looking at the wrong mic....ill try and find it again and get back. Thanks for letting me know...maybe ill just go over to my friends and tell him were taking his apart! HAHAHA

66d35 · 21st December 2007, 07:30 AM

"Most tubes in the low end don't really use them to their full extend (Read: Starved plate design)"

You are thinking of low end preamps which is totally different.

All of the tube mics I have ever examined are running on true HV supplies.

As for the advice not to get a tub mic in the $300 price range, I don't agree. That's really letting preconceptions blind you to some real bargains and good tools. There are some very interesting mics to be had these days that can perform very well indeed. I personally have a CAD M9 (as other have mentioned, great on vocals) and a Groove Tubes GT44 (very nice on string instruments) that are well made, satisfy even picky artists, and sometimes end up getting used in preference to mics at more than 5X the price. Where I would tend to agree is that if you are only going to have one mic, I would go for a good, quiet, neutral sounding FET model, but if you already have that, then these can offer some real flavor and you may end up using them more than you anticipated. They are very far from junk indeed.

Andy

minus-sounds.com · 21st December 2007, 09:44 AM

At the studio I have a couple of NTK's and M149's. In a direct comparison (a mixed choir was the source) I found the NTK rather "grainy" and "rough" compared to the M149. But then again, the M149 is so many times more expensive and an amazing mic.

cbarrett92 · 21st December 2007, 05:48 PM

Hey guys. Thanks for all the help. I have been really busy the last couple of days and have not had time to post a reply. I will be using the mic mostly for vocals, strings, etc. The reason I wanted info on a good tube mic is because I already have a Rode NT1A. It is very good, and has almost NO Noise. I am also trying to start a small studio, and just work for the small clients. This is why price is such an issue. I want the highest quality/best sounding mic I can get for the money.

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19th December 2007, 05:29 AM	#1
cbarrett92 Gear Head Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 55	Tube Mics Hey guys. I was just wondering if anyone had found a good tube mic between $200-300. If you have, feel free to share your find with us.

19th December 2007, 05:44 AM	#2
lukejs Lives for gear Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Tuxtla Gutierrez, Chiapas Posts: 637	CAD M9 I think I remember people saying good things about the CAD M9 tube mic... for around 300...I think...

19th December 2007, 06:10 AM	#5
drumkideric Lives for gear Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Nashville Posts: 542	Studio Projects Tb-1 would be my pick. I would definitely check it out. __________________ Eric Green www.myspace.com/plaidnomad

19th December 2007, 06:57 AM	#7
narco Lives for gear Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Switzerland/New Zealand/guitar case Posts: 3,459	in low end mics 'tube' is a buzz word for marketing hype. honestly in that price range you would be better off to go non tube. narco __________________ The last thing for me to sell! FS: Mytek 896 D-A + exp card (located in new zealand) - will ship worldwide

19th December 2007, 05:45 AM	#3
VacuousZounds Gear Head Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 34	I have a MXL v76t that I really like on guitar cabs, no pad though so you gotta watch out for loud signals. It has a thick character, but not overly bass-heavy, if that makes sense. I did not like it on vocals, though have only tried it on a few sources, primarily my singer's and my own. I think new it's only about $179. I also have a Sterling Audio st44 (which I hear is the same as a Groove Tubes 44, but specially made for guitar center) that works a little better on overheads as well as solo instruments. It has tonal qualities somewhere between a sm57 and a md421. $300 new, not quite sure it's worth that much to me though. Both mics have nice midrange and upper-mids and distinct character, but neither are suitable for precise recording of sources such as voice, acoustic guitar, or piano. Hope this helps!

19th December 2007, 06:09 AM	#4
Saxy Gear Head Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 59	For a little more $ you may want to check out a Rode NTK. Or you could find a used one.

19th December 2007, 06:14 AM	#6
scrubs Gear addict Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: NC Posts: 348	Apex 460 is decent. Bright, but not shrill. Put a good tube in it and it is even better. I've heard some nice word about the MXL 960, but haven't tried it.

19th December 2007, 08:22 AM	#8
warhead Jai guru deva om Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: South Carolina Posts: 8,328	Yes, don't get too hung up on the tube aspect of a mic. You'd be better served telling us what you have, and what you wish your current collection would do or do better, and what you consider to be better. Having said that, to answer the original question the CAD M9 is indeed worthy as is the MXL V69 in that price range. Both offer very different sounds though. War __________________ Warren Dent Email: warren (at) frontendaudio (dot) com Front End Audio Sells Gear Tuesday Testers: Hear the Gear Shootouts Product Videos on YouTube: Overviews of Gear

19th December 2007, 08:41 PM	#10
musimedia Gear interested Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Gatineau, Québec, Canada Posts: 10	If you can live with China made stuff, that is well built and that will improve with a little TLC and a new tube, I might suggest the SM Pro MC-03. I own this mic and am really found of it. Off the bat, the tube (12ax7) has to be upgraded since the 50 cents china tube supplied with the mic is just too weak and noisy. If you get a nice Sovtek 12AX7LPS in there it will improve beyond expectations (remember to burn it in a little). It uses a 7 pin DIN cable and acceptable but not optimal multi-pattern power supply, just like all other china tube mics. Further down you could also upgrade the cable and then the power supply. Link for the Mic : http://www.smproaudio.com/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=50 tube upgrade : http://www.tubedepot.com/so-12ax7lps.html (I bought my tubes from them, excellent service) Hope this helps. Michel.

19th December 2007, 09:10 PM	#11
GravityRobert Gear addict Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 431	Hey musimedia welcome to the forum Do you happen to have samples of the SM pro audio mic? I'm very interested. The body looks very nice ... all I need are sounds now __________________

19th December 2007, 11:08 PM	#14
Janesaid2me Gear addict Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Philadelphia Posts: 401	Both are cool mics I personally own a CAD m9 and a friend of mine has the v69 so im familiar with that as well...actually looking to buy one too. The m9 is a great mic for the price (as is the v69)...stock the m9 is a little more neutral sounding and works very well on vocals and on some electric guitar (it sucked on acoustic)...that said I just recently changed the tube in it from the stock to a Mullard 12at7...havent done a true comparison just yet, but i have a funny feeling its going to sound even better! As for the v69 its a much "darker" sounding mic...works well on some vocals...definitely a different flavor then the m9. I havent tried it on much else other then vocals...so cant comment there. Hope that helps...ohhh and by the looks of it you cant change the tube in the v69....or can you....it looked like a mini tube in a picture I saw...ive never physically opened it up to see (my friend would probably freak haha) __________________ www.myspace.com/meteorstudios (studio) www.myspace.com/insecrecy (band) www.myspace.com/gerrycorsi (myself) Gerry

19th December 2007, 11:17 PM	#15
river Lives for gear Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 660	AT3060 is a decent mic in that range. I bought one this past year, only used it a few times so far on vocals and as a room mic. It's a little on the bright side for some vocalists. I need to spend some more time with it next major tracking project that I have. Only downside is no high pass or pad. Here's a link to an ebay store, authorized AT dealer: NEW Audio Technica AT3060 Phantom-Powered Tube Mic - (eBay item 360005808790 end time Dec-21-07 00:00:09 PST)

19th December 2007, 11:25 PM	#16
Crash Lives for gear Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: San Antonio Texas Posts: 1,000	Microphone Products - Sterling Audio __________________ www.miximusmaximus.com

20th December 2007, 05:23 AM	#17
Sound Addict Gear interested Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 9	I bought 2 apex 460s and they sound amazing for the price even with stock tubes. I record with a lot of tube mics (Baby Bottles, Rode NTKs, AT4060s, m149) and I still like them, with new tubes of course.

20th December 2007, 07:17 AM	#18
Pohaku Lives for gear Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Minneapolis Posts: 919	The previously mentioned Sterling Audio mic, or a used or NOS GT-44 or a GT/Alesis AM-40. Used GT-44s or AM-40s go for @$200-250. Great instrument mic and usable for vocals as well. __________________ Yeah I'm an attorney, but everyone needs a day job.

20th December 2007, 05:12 PM	#20
musimedia Gear interested Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Gatineau, Québec, Canada Posts: 10	Another mic I like in the lower price range is the Rude!Audio Multi-fet. It's really just a another brand for the SE models, but at a lower price. You get a descent Mic with low self noise , cardiod/omni/figure 8 patterns and bass roll-off (100Hz). It comes with a very good shock mount and a flight case. All that for 150$. It just SHINES on accoustic guitar (Martin DCME dreadnought and Epiphone ej200-ce Jumbo) It's not the best mic in the world (is there really one?) and it is over hyped in the upper mids.... trying to fit in the china trend I guess, but it is a very usable and pleasing mic but very sensitive. having multiple patterns might be a good option over tube if you don't own a Mic that truly satisfies you to begin with. my 2 cents again.. but from My own experience... rather then buying loads of gear/mics, try to find one that can stand up to your expectations and if it's not in your budget, save up ! It is still cheaper than buying a few mics that will probably collect dust once you hit the spot with the right mic anyway. __________________ Nuendo, Quad Core Q6600 , MOTU 896, different descent pres, KRK monitors, Too many mics (is that even possible?) "If I was deaf I'd go with Behringer, they're all about lights and knobs and stuff..." Myself.

20th December 2007, 05:54 PM	#21
cnixon Gear Head Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Atlanta Area Posts: 67	When I was in your position, I purchased a used Studio Projects T-3 under $250.00, swapped out the tube with a NOS GE 5 Star tube, and have to say, it is really nice. I like to stack vocal tracks, and this mic will allow stacking with zero buildup. When I tried stacking with the Rode NTK, there was just to much "tube hiss". One mans trash... Good luck in your search. Charlie

21st December 2007, 05:11 AM	#24
jddrews Gear Head Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 51	I like my Oktava Mk-2500 quite a bit, but I'll be loving it after I get it Joly-fied. You can find these used for around $250. Check your local shops and craigslist before you venture onto ebay. They seem to be overpriced there.

21st December 2007, 06:42 AM	#26
narco Lives for gear Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Switzerland/New Zealand/guitar case Posts: 3,459	rode mics shouldn't be noisey, infact they are renound for being quiet. however to say the ntk is "silky" is beyond me. its kinda like calling a cheese grater silky. One mans underwear is another mans kitchen utensil. As I said before, don't buy a tube mic. But this time I'll go further: Buy an expensive dynamic mic or a cheap ribbon. Thank me later. narco ps. 2 posts, I wonder if he's even checked the responces __________________ The last thing for me to sell! FS: Mytek 896 D-A + exp card (located in new zealand) - will ship worldwide

21st December 2007, 06:58 AM	#27
Janesaid2me Gear addict Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Philadelphia Posts: 401	I just looked at the PDF for changing the tube in the v69....the picture I saw of one looked nothing like that inside....maybe i was looking at the wrong mic....ill try and find it again and get back. Thanks for letting me know...maybe ill just go over to my friends and tell him were taking his apart! HAHAHA __________________ www.myspace.com/meteorstudios (studio) www.myspace.com/insecrecy (band) www.myspace.com/gerrycorsi (myself) Gerry

21st December 2007, 07:30 AM	#28
66d35 Gear Head Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 62	"Most tubes in the low end don't really use them to their full extend (Read: Starved plate design)" You are thinking of low end preamps which is totally different. All of the tube mics I have ever examined are running on true HV supplies. As for the advice not to get a tub mic in the $300 price range, I don't agree. That's really letting preconceptions blind you to some real bargains and good tools. There are some very interesting mics to be had these days that can perform very well indeed. I personally have a CAD M9 (as other have mentioned, great on vocals) and a Groove Tubes GT44 (very nice on string instruments) that are well made, satisfy even picky artists, and sometimes end up getting used in preference to mics at more than 5X the price. Where I would tend to agree is that if you are only going to have one mic, I would go for a good, quiet, neutral sounding FET model, but if you already have that, then these can offer some real flavor and you may end up using them more than you anticipated. They are very far from junk indeed. Andy

21st December 2007, 09:44 AM	#29
minus-sounds.com Gear addict Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Athens, Greece Posts: 466	At the studio I have a couple of NTK's and M149's. In a direct comparison (a mixed choir was the source) I found the NTK rather "grainy" and "rough" compared to the M149. But then again, the M149 is so many times more expensive and an amazing mic. __________________ ioanni www.ambrosia.gr www.myspace.com/ambrosiagr

21st December 2007, 05:48 PM	#30
cbarrett92 Gear Head Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 55	Hey guys. Thanks for all the help. I have been really busy the last couple of days and have not had time to post a reply. I will be using the mic mostly for vocals, strings, etc. The reason I wanted info on a good tube mic is because I already have a Rode NT1A. It is very good, and has almost NO Noise. I am also trying to start a small studio, and just work for the small clients. This is why price is such an issue. I want the highest quality/best sounding mic I can get for the money.