First Condenser: MXL V67G vs. Audio Technica AT2020 vs. other

[teaserer]

G'day everyone,

Been planning out a basic home recording set-up lately and I'm finding it hard choosing a condenser mic. I would be using it mainly for vocals and acoustic guitar but would also like something versitile enough so it could be used for pretty much anything else as well ranging from a guitar amp to perhaps even a drum overhead. And I know it's going to be difficult but I would like something around the AU$150 - 200 mark (I think thats about US$150 - 200 mark).

At the moment I'm looking very closely at the MXL V67G because lots of people have good praise for its sound plus, you have to admit, it looks pretty sexy.

However, my attention has also come to a few other mic's such as the Audio Technica AT2020, the Studio Projects B1, the Rode NT1A and various other MXL's such as the 2006 and the Genesis as well as maybe even the 990 (although I don't think the latter is all that great). Even the AKG Perception Series perhaps.

But the thing is: I AM AN ABSOLUTE BEGINNER AND HAVE NO IDEA ABOUT ANY OF THESE MICS!

So I would like proffesional opinions from anyone who has used any of these mic's (and if you've used more than one a comparison and preference would be great!).

Thanks in advance. Teaserer

[HMcKenna]

Having just been in a similar position I would advise drawing up a short list of 3 definite candidates and save searches for each on Ebay as well as keeping an eye on the classifieds here. If you don't have a dire need and are unsure on purpose then just see if something comes up for a good price. Should the mic not suit then you don't lose value as much.

[teaserer]

Originally Posted by HMcKenna

Having just been in a similar position I would advise drawing up a short list of 3 definite candidates and save searches for each on Ebay as well as keeping an eye on the classifieds here. If you don't have a dire need and are unsure on purpose then just see if something comes up for a good price. Should the mic not suit then you don't lose value as much.

Thanks and I do do a lot of searching EBay looking for any for a killer price.

But the reason I started this thread was so I COULD find out which ones are the best and would suit me the most so that I hopefully don't have to sell them. Do you actually have any experience with any low end condensers you would recommend?

But thanks for the advice, I most definitely will do that.

[HMcKenna]

The reason I recommended that technique rather than a specific mic is that you already had many of the usual suspects on your list. Any one of them may well suit you down to the ground but you're only going to feel like you've gotten a steal when you find the one for you.

So assuming you don't have any opportunities to try them then it's going to be a bit of a crap shoot regardless. Buying second hand gives you a chance to try a couple to find out at least.

And just to contradict myself I wouldn't go for the AKG Perception or Rodes personally. Always think they show their cheapness a bit too readily, being a bit sibilant and/or shrill.

[Ron Vogel]

I'd say an SM57 and MXL V67G could cover a lot of ground for you. I had the MXL for a short while, and did find it very useful. It's very neutral, and doesn't pick up a ton from the room for a condenser. Obviosly, it's no high-end mic; so it does have limitations. I found it to have a "haze" or "veil" in front of the sound, but the bulk of the chinese condensers all have this.

[guitarsfrommars]

I used the V67G as my go to mic, the first 2 years of projects.You can get a SM57 used for less than $70, a V67G for somewhere around $50.

Just remember a good performance recorded on a Shure or an MXL, trumps a weak performance tracked with a Neumann.

Recording Proggies don't make you an engineer, any more than Quicken Books makes you an accountant.

You can do most of what you need to do short of recording a full set of drums, (and that could be argued) with those 2 mics.

Brandy new about $200 for the pair in the US. Don't know what's available Down Under.

Here's a good resource for new guys:

http://www.tweakheadz.com/

[uncle duncan]

Take a look at the frequency response graphs for the mics, which you can usually find on the manufacturer's website. It's important to know how the mic is going to change the sound, something that can't be discerned by "that mic sounds really great" type of comments. Ideally, you'd want two mics with different response characteristics, so if you have a bright source, you can use a neutral mic, and if you have a dark, muffled source, you can use a bright mic.

The MXL v67g is very neutral, and it can be modded to bring it up to professional standards, although I don't know if anyone in OZ is doing that yet. It's limitation is that it's cardioid only. The V67i has a bright capsule on one side, and the neutral one on the other. This would give you two mics in one, but I don't know if the V67i is a candidate for the same electronics mod as the g model. The Genesis tube mic would solve the pattern problem, and it would sound much smoother than a stock V67g, while exhibiting the same neutral sound.

If they have CAD mics down there, the M179 is fairly neutral, and it's multi-pattern. If you're recording a live guitar/vocal, using the figure 8 pattern on the vocal eliminates bleed from the guitar into the vocal mic. Likewise, using a second figure 8 pattern mic on the guitar eliminates the vocal from getting into the guitar mic. You do have to deal with the other side of the figure 8 pattern picking up the room, but if the mics are close to the source, the sound from the room won't be an issue.

If you're just starting out, you need knowledge more than you need gear, so do some research on the internet, or buy a book or something. "That mic sounds really great" won't get you very far when you're acquiring gear, although it will keep the manufacturers happy.

[PaPi61]

Originally Posted by teaserer

G'day everyone,

Been planning out a basic home recording set-up lately and I'm finding it hard choosing a condenser mic. I would be using it mainly for vocals and acoustic guitar but would also like something versitile enough so it could be used for pretty much anything else as well ranging from a guitar amp to perhaps even a drum overhead. And I know it's going to be difficult but I would like something around the AU$150 - 200 mark (I think thats about US$150 - 200 mark).

At the moment I'm looking very closely at the MXL V67G because lots of people have good praise for its sound plus, you have to admit, it looks pretty sexy.

However, my attention has also come to a few other mic's such as the Audio Technica AT2020, the Studio Projects B1, the Rode NT1A and various other MXL's such as the 2006 and the Genesis as well as maybe even the 990 (although I don't think the latter is all that great). Even the AKG Perception Series perhaps.

But the thing is: I AM AN ABSOLUTE BEGINNER AND HAVE NO IDEA ABOUT ANY OF THESE MICS!

So I would like proffesional opinions from anyone who has used any of these mic's (and if you've used more than one a comparison and preference would be great!).

Thanks in advance. Teaserer

Audio Technica AT 2035. No contest: best bang for your bucks. Same characteristics as the 2020 (i.e. clear and neutral), without any of the shortcomings (smallish condenser, slightly tinny highs, not too hot.) Also, the noise level is considerably lower. You can find it on EBay for slightly more than $100 (just $20-25 more than the 2020.) Absolute best in its class, sounds even better than my pricier AT 4040.

Audio-Technica AT2035 & 2050

[Ty Ford]

Originally Posted by Ron Vogel

I'd say an SM57 and MXL V67G could cover a lot of ground for you. I had the MXL for a short while, and did find it very useful. It's very neutral, and doesn't pick up a ton from the room for a condenser. Obviosly, it's no high-end mic; so it does have limitations. I found it to have a "haze" or "veil" in front of the sound, but the bulk of the chinese condensers all have this.

And the bulk also has a nasty bit of distortion that inexperienced ears frequently hear as HF response but later come to realize is just distortion.

Here's one that doesn't. I don't like MXL mics in general because of the above, but this one seems to have escaped without the problem and it's very affordable.
MXL MCA SP-1 Studio Condenser Microphone With Clip*-* Large Diaphragm Condenser Mics

Don't get me wrong, I really am a firm believer in paying more to get more, but if you're just starting out, this is a good start.

Regards,

Ty Ford

[RCM - Ronan]

I think I am going to be the 3rd one here to suggest the MXL V67G and an Shure SM57. Used they will come in under budget. If you do that do not forget to try try the SM57 on many of the things you think you are supposed to use a condenser mic on.

[Michael_Joly]

The MXL 2003A is the new whup-ass low cost mic.

Its revised circuit now incorporates HF de-emphasis EQ for its K67-type capsule (a capsule found in many other mics that do not have HF de-emphasis and are way too bright as a result). A better mic than the v67 - lower noise floor and timbre-balance closer to the gold standard U 87 than the v67.

Btw - I've always gotten a kick out of this marketing double-speak for the MCA SP1: "...The MCA SP-1 Studio Mic is a true breakthrough in affordable microphone technology, giving you a true large-diaphragm condenser design..." (citation from here).

I guess the operative word above is "design" - because the MCA SP1 uses the same small diaphragm condenser capsule as found in the MXL 603, GAD GXL1200, Nady CM-90 etc. But yes, it does use the same FET / transformerless "circuit design" found in many large diaphragm condenser mics.

[sleeper1400]

yes.
the MXL V67 is a fantasic mic for the price, i was floored when i first heard it.

i often fool experienced 'snooty' engineers with it.

[iankaravas]

I need a mic for pretty much the same things as the OP (acoustic guitar, maybe overheads)

after reading this thread, and many others, I'm thinking

MXL V67 or AT2035

which do you think is a better choice?

[PaPi61]

Originally Posted by iankaravas

I need a mic for pretty much the same things as the OP (acoustic guitar, maybe overheads)

after reading this thread, and many others, I'm thinking

MXL V67 or AT2035

which do you think is a better choice?

Ultimately, it comes down to personal taste. Go to your local music store and try both of them. In general terms, the AT2035 is more "transparent" while the MXL V67 is more "colored." Also consider that AT have a better track record when it comes to consistency/sample variation (i.e. better quality control.) The 2035 is made in Taiwan, the V67 in China. Also, the 2035 comes with a much better shock mount and a better case (but it also costs an extra $20-30 compared to the V67.)

[lancebug]

+1 on the CAD M179. Great on tons of things and it will take a long time before your skills exceed its abilities. Plus you get to learn all about different patterns.

The V67 is a very usable mic too. I got mine second hand for $30.

[concreteblue]

try a Sterling Audio st51...got mine for $50 on Craigslist...I love it

[Boschen]

Originally Posted by PaPi61

Ultimately, it comes down to personal taste. Go to your local music store and try both of them. In general terms, the AT2035 is more "transparent" while the MXL V67 is more "colored." Also consider that AT have a better track record when it comes to consistency/sample variation (i.e. better quality control.) The 2035 is made in Taiwan, the V67 in China. Also, the 2035 comes with a much better shock mount and a better case (but it also costs an extra $20-30 compared to the V67.)

+1 on finding the mic that suits your specific application best

And isn't it great that these mics are low-cost enough that you can actually go to a local music store and try them out! If they are too lazy to hook the thing into a stock mixer and headphones, there's always a store with better customer service.

[KeithMoonwannabe]

Originally Posted by Boschen

+1 on finding the mic that suits your specific application best

And isn't it great that these mics are low-cost enough that you can actually go to a local music store and try them out! If they are too lazy to hook the thing into a stock mixer and headphones, there's always a store with better customer service.

+2 always ALWAYS TRY BEFORE YOU BUY sound is subjective there is no definite answer

there could be a million good answers but only one might be great/perfect for your particular scenario

[Feikert]

You are right in trying to find a mic that works for everything. When starting out that is the only mind set you should have... When I was weaned off of my college's gear, I was in the same position... and for the most part still am.

As suggested before (I know... starting to sound like a broken record) an SM57. You can use that mic as a vocal mic, as drum overheads, as an acoustic guitar mic, as an amp mic... hell I used it for a kick mic for the longest time and got some of the punchiest recordings with it

My suggestion for a condenser... is to get a matched pair and a stereo bar. I find myself recording with those three things more than anything a lot of times. Perhaps a pair of Samson C02s? Cheap and alright... and a matched pair. All of a sudden you have a condenser that can record just about anything... and you can do it in stereo. Matched pairs are a God send when recording anything. XY patterns on overheads, acoustic guitars, and room mics are a quick easy way to get a wide sound without having much problems with phase.

[EmmitSycamore]

You most likely have already made your first mic purchase,
but just in case ...

In order to avoid repeating myself, and thus annoying some Slutz
who may be tired of it, I will instead provide a link to a prior post:

http://www.gearslutz.com/board/6399322-post5.html

Why the MXL v67g continues as the target of raves, while an
improved version was essentially ignored, will never cease to
puzzle me. I can only guess that it must be the green paint,
and "gold" plating. Even without any additional mods, the 9090
is still a much better option, on features alone. Well, except for
the gr --- oh never mind.

If you are wondering what MXL thinks these days about their
unique (and patented!) "two capsule flavors in one mic" concept,
see the recently announced MXL Genesis II, one of their flagship
products.

MXL Genesis II Tube Microphone

That's right, the update has two switch selectable capsules,
"warm", and "bright".

HTH,
Emmit Sycamore

[Ty Ford]

Originally Posted by EmmitSycamore

the target of raves
HTH,
Emmit Sycamore

It helps me not believe you.

Regards,

Ty Ford

[xfreddex]

+ 1
CAD M179. Great microphones. Good on just about everything, including OH duty.

+ 1
MXL 2003A. I've gotten great results with all vocalists I've tried it on so far. I didn't like it on OH. It sounded "washy" IMO.

I haven't used the MXL V67G, but you probably can't go wrong with any of these.

[EmmitSycamore]

Ty,

No reason you should believe me, I'm just another
one of the "Slutz" around here.

Maybe what these folks have to say will "help".


"same mic as the V67i, sans cosmetics"

http://www.gearslutz.com/board/3675067-post19.html


"The price difference is partly just esthetics,
partly just based on the V67's good rep"

http://www.gearslutz.com/board/4955549-post2.html


"for anyone interested in the V67G, the MXL 9090 is
a V67i (a V67 with a second "bright" capsule) without
the gold&green cosmetics"

http://www.gearslutz.com/board/3848999-post67.html


"The inference of better response based on design
within the headbasket may have learned from Oktava
Mod, as surely as the single mesh on the MXL 9090
(Musician's Friend version of the V67i)"

http://www.gearslutz.com/board/3919344-post109.html


"The MXL 9090, ADK A51, Vienna, Hamburg and V67i
... all have similar circuits."

http://www.gearslutz.com/board/5959172-post37.html


"The original V67i and the MXL9090 are the same mic."

http://www.gearslutz.com/board/5982801-post9.html


"Bought the first one because I was fond of my V67g.
Bought the second one because I liked the first one.
Just bought a third one as a present for a friend."

MXL 9090 is Stupid Deal! $70 - Home Recording forums


Or, you can ignore all this, your choice.

"HTH",
Emmit Sycamore

[asap audio]

AT2035+ Clear and clean, no vices - a good starting point. Worth the extra $ over the 2020.

The V67 sounds pretty good - at first... then you realize there's a veil
from the cheap transformer, and then the high end starts sounding like a muted buzz saw.

I've owned all the above. Still have the 2035.

[EmmitSycamore]

Greetings asap_audio,

Just to clarify, did you mean to say that you have owned all of
the mics mentioned so far in this thread, and have only kept
the AT2035?

"I've owned all the above. Still have the 2035."

You specifically mention direct experience with the MXL v67g.

Did you have any "mods" done to improve the v67g?

If so, what mods were done?

Also, were you satisfied that the shortcomings had been mitigated?

If you have owned the MXL 9090, what would you say the most
noticeable difference is, in terms of audio output, compared to the
v67g?

Since the stock 9090 has a single layer headbasket, plus upgraded
electronic components, I would expect that you would recognize
a clear improvement over the stock v67g.

Thanks in advance for any additional insight!
Emmit Sycamore

[asap audio]

Just to clarify, did you mean to say that you have owned all of
the mics mentioned so far in this thread*, and have only kept
the AT2035?

No No. I was saying I ownedthe 2020, 2035, v67G, and among those the 2035 was the clear winner FOR ME.I produce TV and Radio VO. My usual weapons are a Neumann TLM 193.
Sennheiser MKH 416, and EV RE-20. The AT 2035 holds it's own nicely against those.

[Ken Balbari]

It looks like this thread was 6 months old before Emmit bumped it. So the original poster probably has his mic by now. But I'm sure there are still others looking in this price range.

And at the moment, I think the 2035, which replaced the 3035 a couple years back, is looking like a very good deal available on Amazon.com and a couple of other places now for under $100, and is a clear upgrade over the 2020, and unlike the 2020 comes with a shockmount.

Audio-Technica AT2035 Cardioid Condenser Side-Address AT2035 B&H

[evangelista]

Originally Posted by Ken Balbari

It looks like this thread was 6 months old before Emmit bumped it. So the original poster probably has his mic by now. But I'm sure there are still others looking in this price range.

And at the moment, I think the 2035, which replaced the 3035 a couple years back, is looking like a very good deal available on Amazon.com and a couple of other places now for under $100, and is a clear upgrade over the 2020, and unlike the 2020 comes with a shockmount.

Audio-Technica AT2035 Cardioid Condenser Side-Address AT2035 B&H

Just thought I'd give this a bump - B&H has the at2035 for $95 right now. I walked into my local GC, had them price match, walked out with 3 of them.

[Big Wings]

I have an MXL V67i (bright/warm sides, pad, roll-off) and stopped using it because it picks up so much of the room it may as well be an omni. My friend's V67g is even worse. Even when it's right up on the source, room reflections cheapen the track.

In a related problem, it's very difficult to get the V67 tracks to sit forward in a mix.

The 990 (with a FABRIC pop filter to tame the highs) solved both of those problems, and is much more flattering to our voices than a lot of mics we've tried.

If you listen to the Jam Room Sessions samples you'll hear what I mean.

The SM7b I rented sounded much like my Audix i5, with less high end. And the SM7b needs so much gain a cheap preamp/audio interface may be too noisy.

[ObiK]

Originally Posted by evangelista

Just thought I'd give this a bump - B&H has the at2035 for $95 right now. I walked into my local GC, had them price match, walked out with 3 of them.

Wow at that price they are very tempting.