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Old 24th March 2006, 07:59 PM   #1
hallmanstudio
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Best Low-Budget Condenser Mic for new DAW at home?

I'm just starting to build my home recording setup. It's very basic right now. Mbox2 running off of a MacMini. I just purchased my first sm57 and mic stand. Now I'm ready for a condenser mic. I've been borrowing my friend's AKG C3000B and it sounds great for what I'm doing so far. But I'd like to get a general slut consensus. What has worked best for you on a small budget? I'm looking to spend between 300-500 this time around.

Thanks,
Ben

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Without music to decorate it, time is just a bunch of boring production deadlines or dates by which bills must be paid.
- Frank Zappa
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Old 24th March 2006, 08:39 PM   #2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by hallmanstudio
I'm just starting to build my home recording setup. It's very basic right now. Mbox2 running off of a MacMini. I just purchased my first sm57 and mic stand. Now I'm ready for a condenser mic. I've been borrowing my friend's AKG C3000B and it sounds great for what I'm doing so far. But I'd like to get a general slut consensus. What has worked best for you on a small budget? I'm looking to spend between 300-500 this time around.

Thanks,
Ben

-------------


Without music to decorate it, time is just a bunch of boring production deadlines or dates by which bills must be paid.
- Frank Zappa

AT 4047. Much better than the C3000B IMO.....
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Old 24th March 2006, 08:42 PM   #3
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What will you be using the microphone for? Vocals, instruments, micing an amp?
Audiotechnica makes very well-valued workhorse microphone in and just above that price range.
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Old 24th March 2006, 11:36 PM   #4
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I posted this once today in another thread of a similar nature...

But here's my article on putting together a mic collection... http://www.mojopie.com/micproj2006.html
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Old 24th March 2006, 11:55 PM   #5
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check out the beta 87
or the groove tube FET's

around 200 each
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Old 25th March 2006, 01:37 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by hallmanstudio
I'm just starting to build my home recording setup. It's very basic right now. Mbox2 running off of a MacMini. I just purchased my first sm57 and mic stand. Now I'm ready for a condenser mic. I've been borrowing my friend's AKG C3000B and it sounds great for what I'm doing so far. But I'd like to get a general slut consensus. What has worked best for you on a small budget? I'm looking to spend between 300-500 this time around.

Thanks,
Ben

-------------


Without music to decorate it, time is just a bunch of boring production deadlines or dates by which bills must be paid.
- Frank Zappa
Hallman,

Keep in mind that when choosing a microphone, context matters, and matters alot. Then there's personal preference, which is a whole 'nother thing.

Anyway, what will you be recording with this mic? Do you want an overall studio workhorse? A mic just for vocals? You get the idea.
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Old 25th March 2006, 02:05 AM   #7
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You might also wanna check out the Studio Projects C3 and T3.
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Old 25th March 2006, 02:10 AM   #8
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Hey brother hallman,

MXL V69 LDC or
Shure SM7 LDD


I feel covered completely with those two mics for working out my pre-production song ideas and potentially album songs if the vibe fits.

This song is my MXLV69...plugged into my Fireface...(which is my 'always plugged in' setup these days) Same mic and pre on every track.

http://www.soundpreacherstudios.com/ballpeen.mp3

IMO this is a terrific, terrific tube mic. And a 'workhorse' mic around the project studio.

I have a bunch of songs that I have done with just the SM7 (also an awesome project studio workhorse) as well.
I dig the overall vibe of using one mic, one pre, same spot in the room etc.

Much Respect,
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Old 25th March 2006, 06:00 AM   #9
hallmanstudio
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Talking

Quote:
Originally Posted by feyshay
What will you be using the microphone for? Vocals, instruments, micing an amp?
Audiotechnica makes very well-valued workhorse microphone in and just above that price range.

I intern at Arlyn Studios here in Austin, so bigger projects go there- I won't be recording full bands at home anytime soon.

The mic is generally going to be used for vocals, but also acoustic instruments, so a workhouse microphone is probably my best bet. I'll look into the AudioTechnica line. thanks!

Ben
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Old 25th March 2006, 06:52 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by hallmanstudio
I intern at Arlyn Studios here in Austin, so bigger projects go there- I won't be recording full bands at home anytime soon.

The mic is generally going to be used for vocals, but also acoustic instruments, so a workhouse microphone is probably my best bet. I'll look into the AudioTechnica line. thanks!

Ben
Several of the AT mics would be good choices, the AT 4050 in particular. Here are a few other "workhorse" type mics in your price range:

CAD M179
ADK TL
AKG 414 (used)
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Old 25th March 2006, 01:23 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by hallmanstudio
I intern at Arlyn Studios here in Austin, so bigger projects go there-

Ben
Hey Ben...
Do you know Michael Shelsy?
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Old 25th March 2006, 04:20 PM   #12
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Studio projects are Amazing for the price. B3 is great on vox and has switchable patterns and roll off which makes it very versatile as a room mic or part of a M/S configuration. The C4s have interchangeable heads, making them versatile as well. I've A/Bd them with km 184s (like, unbelievably more $$$) as drum overheads and on acoustic guitar. They blew the Neumanns away, and seven or eight peers agreed with me. They also make a tube mic which I've heard is nice without being overly colorful. My advice when buying 'budget' mics is to either try out the actual mic you are looking at buying, or order one and ship it back if it doesn't sound like it should and get it replaced.

Good Luck
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Old 25th March 2006, 11:03 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by hallmanstudio
The mic is generally going to be used for vocals, but also acoustic instruments, so a workhouse microphone is probably my best bet. I'll look into the AudioTechnica line.
I have an AT 4050 that I use all the time. It was the first decent large diaphragm condensor I got and I still use it all the time. Depending on the situation I'll still use it for acoustic and vocals. I used it on a cello recently with great results. It's a very clean sounding mic...not much color, which is what you want out of an all-purpose mic.
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Old 27th March 2006, 09:42 AM   #14
hallmanstudio
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Rodney Gene
Hey Ben...
Do you know Michael Shelsy?
No, i don't know Mr. Shelsy, i don't think. Should I?
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Old 27th March 2006, 06:14 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by hallmanstudio
No, i don't know Mr. Shelsy, i don't think. Should I?
Well...I dont know... would have suspected.

He is an intern at Arlyn here in town...And the studio isn't that big...
Perhaps Michael has recently left?

Anyway..cheers.
And give the MXLv69 a shot!
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Old 27th March 2006, 10:20 PM   #16
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my favorite 'workhorse' condenser is an AKG 414 B-ULS. it's very versatile, and can still be found for less than $500 on ebay.
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Old 28th March 2006, 09:13 PM   #17
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Budget Workhorse Condenser under $500

Think: SHURE KSM32

$500 new
$250-400 used

Or: MXL v67i

it has dual-capsules, 1 "bright" & 1 "dark"

$150 new
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Old 28th March 2006, 09:59 PM   #18
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Consider skipping the cheap condenser and using some cheap dynamics for the time being. In my opinion, they're easier to fit into a mix. Then, when you're ready, drop $800-1500 on an actual condenser.

Quote:
Originally Posted by hallmanstudio
I'm just starting to build my home recording setup. It's very basic right now. Mbox2 running off of a MacMini. I just purchased my first sm57 and mic stand. Now I'm ready for a condenser mic. I've been borrowing my friend's AKG C3000B and it sounds great for what I'm doing so far. But I'd like to get a general slut consensus. What has worked best for you on a small budget? I'm looking to spend between 300-500 this time around.

Thanks,
Ben

-------------


Without music to decorate it, time is just a bunch of boring production deadlines or dates by which bills must be paid.
- Frank Zappa
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