Best condenser $700ish, for vocals, acoustic guitar.

[Guitarhak]

Originally Posted by GordZilla

+1 for the Sputnik... I want one myself

Two votes for the Sputnik from guys who either haven't heard it or own it...

In that price range, nothing comes close to the AT4050 for the apps you are looking for. I own both the Sputnik and the AT4050, and for acoustic and "clean/gritty" vocals, the 4050 would get chosen 10 out of 10 times.

[indie]

AT4047....without a doubt. $500

[shmoo2407]

4050 is such a solid mic. I find it's very nice on certain female vocals. It's nice on ac gtrs too. I've used it as a stereo pair to record a 90 piece orchestra with pretty good results. I'm a fan.

I've used the KSM 44 and I like it too, but not enough to switch.

[Jimbo]

CAD VX2 (dual caps) is great for vocals and acoustic guitar. The smaller capsule is brighter, and works very nicely on acoustic guitar. The larger capsule is smooth on vocals.

You can regularly find them going for $800.

This is a 100% made in the USA microphone that doesn't get the recognition it deserves.

Warren turned me onto them. Kudos to him!

[JDavisNJ]

Thanks for all the suggestions guys.

I'm pretty set on the AT4050 at this point.

-Joe

[BlueRadio]

I wouldn't get too set just yet.

An AEA R-84 just went for around $790 on eBay.

So yeah...think about that one.

[JDavisNJ]

Originally Posted by BlueRadio

I wouldn't get too set just yet.

An AEA R-84 just went for around $790 on eBay.

So yeah...think about that one.

Yeah?? I'll check it out...

-Joe

[dannygold]

I just bought a Neumann TLM103 with shockmount for 700, used. I really like this mic. A/Bed it with several others at work. Thought it held its own against more expensive Neumann's. Liked it better than the KSM33/SM7/SM58/C3000/EV dynamic on my voice (thin tenor) and also a good high baritone singer. VERY VERY VERY subjective of course, but it's in your price range on Ebay.

Danny

[JDavisNJ]

Originally Posted by dannygold

I just bought a Neumann TLM103 with shockmount for 700, used. I really like this mic. A/Bed it with several others at work. Thought it held its own against more expensive Neumann's. Liked it better than the KSM33/SM7/SM58/C3000/EV dynamic on my voice (thin tenor) and also a good high baritone singer. VERY VERY VERY subjective of course, but it's in your price range on Ebay.

Danny

Cool...a buddy of mine works with the TLM103 often.

Is it a large diaphragm condensor??

-Joe

[popmann]

The best set up for vocals and acoustic for $700?

An Sm7b and a Sm81. You can thank me later.

I can't believe that someone, for purely sonic reasons would pick the 4050 over the Sputnik, though. The Sputnik is one of the few LDCs I liked on my voice AND guitar pretty well.

[Sounds Great]

Originally Posted by popmann

I can't believe that someone, for purely sonic reasons would pick the 4050 over the Sputnik, though. The Sputnik is one of the few LDCs I liked on my voice AND guitar pretty well.

But you said it yourself, on YOUR voice. So why can't you believe it?

[sprayfe]

I like my sputnik for similar situations, then again, I have a sm7 and sm81 to turn to if I don't.
I think the sputnik is worth a shot!

[guitarcec]

for the sound you described, i'd look at ADK mics, too. great prices, and great sounding mics. i have the TC (tube condenser), and it sounds phenomenal on vocals and acoustic guitar. i also own their SC-T, which pairs great on acoustic with the TC. if the TC is a little high $, look at the A6, as well - looks like a pretty sweet mic - probably similar to a 414.

[christmasjones]

I'd save an extra $300 and get the MA200. For the extra 300 bucks you'd be doing yourself a favor, imo

[Blindside]

Originally Posted by JDavisNJ

Thanks for all the suggestions guys.

I'm pretty set on the AT4050 at this point.

-Joe

Well, you'll get a good mic.

The thing is NO ONE EVER listens to me about the ST-77. I have and like the 4050. It's a great mic for the price range, but when I put it up against the 77, I like it less, especially for acoustic guitar.

I guess people are scared off by the Sterling Audio name, and admittedly, I was VERY skeptical at first, but the proof is in the pudding. For acoustic guitar it is smoother, more detailed and never brittle. For drum room mic, it is the best I've used. picks up kick and snare very well and gives an awesome whole kit sound.

My band recorded a scratch track with just an i5 on guitar cab and the 77 in the room, and they said they'd be happy if our album sounded that good.

One time I was recording hip-hop vocals and didn't have my SM7, which WAS my go-to. I used the 77 and the rapper said to never bring the SM7 again and that he only wanted to use the "porn-star dildo" as he called it (77).

I just love the mic and I haven'teven touched my 4050 in months because of the 77.

Like I said, you (like everyone else) will get the 4050 because of everyone's suggestions, and you will like it. I just know that the 77 is a better value and, IMO a better all around mic.

If you ever have an extra $400, go to GC and talk a salesman into letting you take it home for that. You won't be sorry.

[JDavisNJ]

Originally Posted by Blindside

Well, you'll get a good mic.

The thing is NO ONE EVER listens to me about the ST-77. I have and like the 4050. It's a great mic for the price range, but when I put it up against the 77, I like it less, especially for acoustic guitar.

I guess people are scared off by the Sterling Audio name, and admittedly, I was VERY skeptical at first, but the proof is in the pudding. For acoustic guitar it is smoother, more detailed and never brittle. For drum room mic, it is the best I've used. picks up kick and snare very well and gives an awesome whole kit sound.

My band recorded a scratch track with just an i5 on guitar cab and the 77 in the room, and they said they'd be happy if our album sounded that good.

One time I was recording hip-hop vocals and didn't have my SM7, which WAS my go-to. I used the 77 and the rapper said to never bring the SM7 again and that he only wanted to use the "porn-star dildo" as he called it (77).

I just love the mic and I haven'teven touched my 4050 in months because of the 77.

Like I said, you (like everyone else) will get the 4050 because of everyone's suggestions, and you will like it. I just know that the 77 is a better value and, IMO a better all around mic.

If you ever have an extra $400, go to GC and talk a salesman into letting you take it home for that. You won't be sorry.

Thanks for the input man.

I might just check it out and if I don't like it, I'll return it.

Thanks,

-Joe

[rico52]

Originally Posted by krs

You can find a used Beyer MC740 for around that much. Often overlooked in this price range!

yes..................most often overlooked

[violet]

or KSM32 ;)

[Akoppenheffer]

Originally Posted by Chrisc_o

Rode K2 would fill those roles very nicely.

My thoughts as well.

[RMJAZZ]

In this price range the KSM 44 would be my first choice. It is extremely versatile; I have used it on vocals, sax, trumpet, and acoustic & electric guitar.

[mdme_sadie]

I'm enjoying the KSM 44 here, it's a nice smooth sounding mic and it's features make it pretty versatile. I've no personal experience of the other mics suggested though.

[GordZilla]

Originally Posted by Guitarhak

Two votes for the Sputnik from guys who either haven't heard it or own it...

In that price range, nothing comes close to the AT4050 for the apps you are looking for. I own both the Sputnik and the AT4050, and for acoustic and "clean/gritty" vocals, the 4050 would get chosen 10 out of 10 times.

Um... what makes you think I have not heard a Sputnik?

It's true that I do not own a Sputnik...yet.... but I HAVE tried and heard a borrowed one on a variety of sources. I liked what I heard... and will probably pick one up myself when I can afford it.

Gee.. do I still not get to vote there Hak

[cassiopamusic]

i own both the at4050 and the st77, both great mics. i would go with the 4050 for vocals and drum overheads, and the st77 for guitars, tamborine, hi-hat, and misc stuff over the 4050. really both mics are great all around, can't go wrong with either one for the price, but i like the 4050 more on vocals. hope that helps.

[starfightstudio]

I would really think about getting a USED Soundelux/Bock u195, you can usually find em used for around 700-800. Worth every penny, and a step up from most mics around that price range. Great big vocal sound, and great on acoustic gtr.

[bing81]

Originally Posted by guitarcec

for the sound you described, i'd look at ADK mics, too. great prices, and great sounding mics.

Try the Vienna II. Upper end of that budget, but worth every bit of it. It's the genuine article.

As an alternative, look around ebay etc. for a Soundelux 195. One of the best all-round mics there is. Was my first "serious mic" purchase, and even though I now have a range of 'high end' mics, 195 still gets plenty of use. Vox, acoustic gtr, cello drums etc. etc.

B

[CoteRotie]

Originally Posted by JDavisNJ

Thanks for the input man.

I might just check it out and if I don't like it, I'll return it.

Thanks,

-Joe

Be careful, Gutter Center generally doesn't allow you to return mics.

Also, nobody has mentined the AT4060, you can get a demo or used for $700 and it's a great mic that might work for you as well.

Regards,

John

[mintytowel]

Do yourself a favor and spend a little bit more and get a mojave 200. If you know people you can get them in the $750 -$800 range if not I think they are about $950 on sweetwater. Ive got a groovetube 66 a nuemann 103 and have used 4050's and none of them are even close. Its the most unbelievable acoustic guitar sound I've ever gotten. You cant find them on ebay cause no one who has thim is selling them. I have a saved search and havent seen any in the 4 months Ive been looking for a used one. Thats gotta tell you something!

[mltamisin]

I've got a Sputnik and a NTK. I'd get a Sputnik without hesitation. It's a killer killer mic at any price point. They could've easily charged double. Definitely a badass.

[Guitarhak]

Originally Posted by GordZilla

Um... what makes you think I have not heard a Sputnik?

It's true that I do not own a Sputnik...yet.... but I HAVE tried and heard a borrowed one on a variety of sources. I liked what I heard... and will probably pick one up myself when I can afford it.

Gee.. do I still not get to vote there Hak

Sure -- sorry -- you get to vote. I have found that I really don't know a piece of gear until I have worked with it for awhile in a variety of situations. That is just me. So I am wrong to speak for you.

[BudgetMC]

Only based on comparisons and shoot-outs, not extensive personal experience, but the Blue Blueberry, which can be had for $600-sh used, is a heck of a vocal and acoustic mic. I want one.