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

[JDavisNJ]

I'm looking for a condenser for around $700 to use with acoustic guitars and clean/gritty vocals. This is probably a very general question, but what do you think is best for the money?

SE Electronics stuff seems to be nice.

How about the Rode NTK?

Thanks.

-Joe

[upinflames]

Never liked the Rode NTK on vocals, I've heard it used as a mono drum overhead with some success if you like that 60's rock sound. I tried it on several vocalist and choice my sE instead.

I have the sE 2200a, which sounds surprising good on vocals, both male and female. I recently purchased a Soundelux U195 and I can't justify keeping both (college student, shouldn't have bought an expensive microphone in the first place), so if you are interested I can sell it to you for about half the price of a new SE 2200a.

[upinflames]

Also, just a side note, if you bought that sE you could use the money you saved to buy a Shure SM7B, and you would have most of your basis covered with those to microphones.

[brad.bjmmusic]

I've been hearing a lot of good thing about the M-Audio Sputnik

[Sounds Great]

I recently got a Groove Tubes MD1a microphone and the MP1 preamp for less than that (this is the older mic). If you can find one I highly recommend checking it out. Rock and roll vocal mic for sure.

Maybe not for the guitar, it doesn't have a sparly high end. But you would be left over with enough for a good SDC for that, perhaps an AT4051.

[Grumblefoot]

Check out the Sterling Audio ST77, these mics are a good value and this one in particular can be used on a number of different sources as it is a LDC -F.E.T. (You might try a dynamic mic like a 57 or even a 421 close to the guitar to get the attack and a LDC about 2 feet away to pick up the full tone.)

[JDavisNJ]

upinflames, thanks for the offer. I might take you up on it, but I'd like to do more research first.

-Joe

[drumkideric]

AT4050's always work well.

[Almy]

There is a KSM44 LDC for sale here for $550.

http://www.gearslutz.com/board/gears...gear-sale.html

[BudgetMC]

Man... if there are any left, grab yourself a Blue Bluebird off Full Compass for $250 right now. That's a killer deal on a fine vocal mic... and I was caught by surprise regarding how good it sounded on Acoustic Guitar.

Blue BLUEBIRD Large Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone | Full Compass

[drumzealot]

WWW.OKTAVAMOD.COM

[mltamisin]

Originally Posted by brad.bjmmusic

I've been hearing a lot of good thing about the M-Audio Sputnik

Indeed. It's a badass, no doubt.

[krs]

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

[GordZilla]

Originally Posted by brad.bjmmusic

I've been hearing a lot of good thing about the M-Audio Sputnik

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

AT4050 is a good value also

[Blindside]

Originally Posted by Grumblefoot

Check out the Sterling Audio ST77, these mics are a good value and this one in particular can be used on a number of different sources as it is a LDC -F.E.T. (You might try a dynamic mic like a 57 or even a 421 close to the guitar to get the attack and a LDC about 2 feet away to pick up the full tone.)

huge +1

[harry_seldon]

AKG 414. Yeah, I know there are the haters, but with the right preamp and talent, it makes great music.

[hurd300403]

+1 KSM44....kills the 4050 IMO

[warhead]

The Oktava MK-105 is worthy of checking out in the $500 range. That is a nice sounding mic all around. There are tons of good ones these days.

War

[kpaw]

+2 for the KSM44. I managed to grab one for $649. Glad I did.

[JDavisNJ]

Thanks so much for your suggestions guys...

I'm leaning towards the Sterling Audio or oktavamod right now.

Lastly, what have you guys found to be the best way of micing acoustics? I love full bodied acoustic sounds. I see most guys using the "pencil" condensers, 1 at the 12th fret, and 1 by the soundhole.

-Joe

[Chrisc_o]

Rode K2 would fill those roles very nicely.

[Pohaku]

Originally Posted by Sounds Great

I recently got a Groove Tubes MD1a microphone and the MP1 preamp for less than that (this is the older mic). If you can find one I highly recommend checking it out. Rock and roll vocal mic for sure.

Maybe not for the guitar, it doesn't have a sparly high end. But you would be left over with enough for a good SDC for that, perhaps an AT4051.

Actually, IMHO, the MD1a sounds great on guitar.

[kaiya]

i just picked up a ksm44 on ebay today

[biggator6]

I'll second the K2... very underrated.

[CrankyRayHanky]

Originally Posted by JDavisNJ

Thanks so much for your suggestions guys...

I'm leaning towards the Sterling Audio or oktavamod right now.

Lastly, what have you guys found to be the best way of micing acoustics? I love full bodied acoustic sounds. I see most guys using the "pencil" condensers, 1 at the 12th fret, and 1 by the soundhole.

-Joe

I like the 15-17th fret a lot
I'm not big on the soundhole, back that up towards the body of the guitar

[Unclenny]

Try sticking your new LDC up over your shoulder....where you are hearing the sound.

I use a KSM32 there and a 57 at the 12 fret.

[JDavisNJ]

Thanks a lot guys...you really helped out.

-Joe

[Blindside]

Dude, get the ST-77. It's a fantastic mic and incredible value. KILLS as a ac. guitar mic, drum room mic, mandolin, vocals, etc...

If you go to GC, you can get one way cheap. The room they have on those things is crazy. Tell them you have $350 cash and you'll walk out with it. There is NO better LDC for less than $500, and you'll be hard pressed to find one under $1k.

[jkung]

i just went through the same decision a few months ago. I researched and came up with the Oktavamod. Gotta say I really do love it but that 500k boost is definitely there. Good thing this mic eqs well. it does sound expensive. i wanna hear the ksm44 tho. I heard its a bit clinical but super clean.

[rockstar_josh]

KSM 44.... good on just about anything.