Inexpensive Decent Tube Mic

[alyricalmind]

The Rode K2 works wonders on male vocals. I highly recommend it as it's my favorite microphone up to date (I've owned TLM-103, U89, U87, Baby Bottle, Dragonfly, AT4060, and sooo many more under the $2,500 price range). On top of that, it comes with its own power supply so you don't need to worry about an expensive preamp.

Of course, don't let me limit you. All the mics I mentioned are also very good depending on the song, singer, etc. You just asked for a tube mic and that's why I'm mentioning the K2.

[soupking]

I'm not experienced in the entire gamut of gear out there, but my first thought is, 'nothing'. My second is, 'why do you need a tube mic, and even more so, one that sounds like a u47' ?.

I see the response already given might give you leads but I think it helps to reduce assumption because it limits you you know? Pardon me if you're looking for something specific. I got a tube mic for vocals so I know what you mean. It wasn't until later that I discovered other mics that worked very well for my voice.

The more I've expanded what I'll experiment with, I've found how wonderful gear can be without running me into a financial hole that lasts all year. When I could then buy other stuff.

[warhead]

The sE Electronics Z5600A II is quite nice for acoustic and vocals.

Does it have to be tube though? There's a lot of good stuff in solid state land, and for nicer prices also.

War

[1984]

ok...so how about a nice warm FET condenser? any suggestions?

[soupking]

Originally Posted by 1984

ok...so how about a nice warm FET condenser? any suggestions?

Heh, not to sound like an ass, but for vocals, really warm/bright vocals, the EV 635a sounds great. I got one that cost me $35. I got two used, and I'm glad. The damn mic holders cost more at Ametron. I'd like to say something passionate like I'd buy 2 more of them before sm57's but honestly, I'd rather buy two salt shakers or just save the money. Money really doesn't always = target. I've learned the hard way.

My quick opinion:

EV 635a for vox
RCA BK-5 for guitar (f'n killer, soaks up clipping like a sponge)


if you want an awesome fet condenser for around $1000, get a Sony c37p if you can find one. They sound great on snare. I haven't tried it on guitar cab or my vox. Could be cool. Don't know.

[JoeyM]

Another vote for K2 for your voice and J-45 I'm thankful daily for ever buying my K2.

Vocals, 12-string and as a room mic the sound is to my liking. The power supply with dial-able polar patterns is cool so I never need to worry about phantom power. I suppose I worry someone will turn ON phantom power. So that part of the argument cancelled itself out LOL

[DivineMusic]

Originally Posted by alyricalmind

The Rode K2 works wonders on male vocals. I highly recommend it as it's my favorite microphone up to date (I've owned TLM-103, U89, U87, Baby Bottle, Dragonfly, AT4060, and sooo many more under the $2,500 price range). On top of that, it comes with its own power supply so you don't need to worry about an expensive preamp

the psu has nothing to do with a preamp... the mic still needs to be plugged into a preamp...
a K2 is a good choice. i had one for a few years...might grab another just b/c with an Amperex bugleboy tube in it and call it a day
a T3 is another good low cost tube mic as is the adk tc

[lancebug]

CAD M9 might be an option.

[Whitecat]

M-Audio Sputnik if you must go tube, but I'm with War, why limit your options? If you really want the warmth get a nice solid state mic and a UA Solo 610.

[noah330]

I like the MXL V69 but would advise you swap out the tube - this makes a big difference.

[Crash]

I am not familiar with the MXL line but the new Genesis model looks intriguing.

http://www.mxlmics.com/condenser_mic...IS/GENESIS.htm

[djbrough]

Avantone CV12. It comes with JJ tubes.

[river]

+1 on the CV 12, also improves with rolling in a vintage NOS tube.

[joelpatterson]

I am ALL goo-goo gah-gah over my Avantone CV-12, just an amazing little unit. Cute, too!

[Smoke M2D6]

+1 on CAD M9 Tube Large Diaphragm Microphone seriously, This mic is a dirty little secret.

[Newcleardaze]

I have and use the K2 quite often and have no problems recomending it... it's done a good job on male vocals and great on female vocals. With the NT5, I've gotten some real nice acoustic sounds. That being said, however, after hearing the CV12, it IS my next vocal mic purchase. Sounds fantastic on both vocals and acoustic guitar IMHO.

[Weasel9992]

Mojave Audio MA-200 is right at $1,000...sounds fantastic.

Frank

[SK1]

No votes for the AT 4060? Definitely worth a listen. I could probably squeeze someone into selling a new one for a grand ..... or used.

The key is to get your hands on a few of these mics and deciding for yourself.

You can always put the top contenders on your credit card, test em out and return all but one. A lot of vendors don't mind this approach.

I wonder how the pearlman sounds, because the tm1 sounds great.

[3rd&4thT]

Originally Posted by SK1

I wonder how the pearlman sounds, because the tm1 sounds great.

Great.

And it's a lot less than a TM-1.

3rd&4thT

[SK1]

Originally Posted by 3rd&4thT

Great.

And it's a lot less than a TM-1.

3rd&4thT

I'm not surprised. Dave Pearlman is one cool talented dude, I'm lucky to have so many talented inventors in my area. The only thing I regret about buying my tm1 from him, is that I didn't buy a stereo pair.

Every time I fall in love with a piece that I bought one, I regret not buying two.

PUMP UP THE STEREO



I'll say this though ........ Audio Technica has great quality control from mic to mic ....... meaning that if you buy a second mic down the line, it's much more likely to closely match the mic you bought a year ago.

IMO YMMV

[Beechwood]

I absolutely love my Sputnik. I run it straight into the preamps of my apogee duet and I've always been delighted with it. It just sounds right, it's a very full sound without being particularly bassy, the top is mellow but not dull. In my experience you can just stick it a foot away from anything and it'll sound great.
I heard some clips comparing a sputnik to a vintage telefunken u47 and it sounds very close, just slightly more present.

[Al Rogers]

I recently spent an afternoon auditioning mics at a local music store. I came home with a Røde NTK tube mic... for under $500! It's shockingly good--definitely one you ought to audition. I ran it side by side with my Peluso 22 47SE and without knowing which track was which mic, several experts all picked the Røde as the better sounding mic. My Peluso mic is going on eBay. I'm keeping the NTK. The build quality is excellent and it sounds great on vocals and acoustic guitar--haven't tried it for anything else.

-Al

PS. I also liked the non-tube Violet Pearl microphone at the store but it was the NTK that knocked me out with it's sound. The Pearl is certainly worth auditioning. The salesman preferred the Pearl. Taste is a personal thing. Try before you buy.

[GordZilla]

Originally Posted by Beechwood

I absolutely love my Sputnik. I run it straight into the preamps of my apogee duet and I've always been delighted with it. It just sounds right, it's a very full sound without being particularly bassy, the top is mellow but not dull. In my experience you can just stick it a foot away from anything and it'll sound great.
I heard some clips comparing a sputnik to a vintage telefunken u47 and it sounds very close, just slightly more present.

Another vote for Sputnik!.... I too love my big bad shiney lollypop on acoustic guitar as well. Not too shabby on vocals also. I was skeptical at first about this somewhat over-hyped mic... but as soon as I tried it out on a bunch of differenct sources, any anxieties were immediately dispelled... and a big a$$ smile spread on my face.

[ghetto3jon]

i was in the market for a mid-priced tube mic, and i went with the Groove Tubes GT60. it should be in this weekend, i'll report back if anyone is interested...but it's got some good reviews under it's belt as well.

[Snatchman]

Studio Projects T-3 is pretty decent.........

[Beyersound]

Originally Posted by noah330

I like the MXL V69 but would advise you swap out the tube - this makes a big difference.

+1! The Mxl alternative that is voiced more like a U47 would be the V76t, and also a tube swap is recommended(a Mullard 4024 for $20 is a nice one!)

[dstroyallmnstrs]

Since when is there a 1961 microphone? You mean you got a Drawmer dirt cheap?

[Ol' Betsey]

I think he meant the Gibby.

R.

[Karl J]

Look at the Charter Oak SA538