Best Stereo setup under $500

[Shadow_7]

So I guess I'm in the market for a stereo microphone(s). At the moment I have an M-Audio Mobile Pre. I'll probably get a Fostex FR2LE eventually. I'd like to get a stereo mic for recording large brass ensembles. My two top runners at the moment is a blumlein pair of FatHead II's. Or an Avant CK-40. But I'd like more options. I'd like to keep it near $500 (+/- $200) if at all possible.

I like the detail of an LDC. I like the sound of a Ribbon. I'll most likely be using this setup outdoors in high winds and 100F+ temps. So ribbon mics are probably out. Multiple patterns and figure 8 capabilities are a plus. I'll probably only do X/Y, but having M/S or Blumlein options are preferred.

At the moment all I have is an AT4033a. It does well, but seems lacking in the lower mid voices from an EQ perspective. I'd probably be happier with AT4050 or AT4060's. But I'll need a pair of those for stereo recording which probably puts those out of my budget. Enough rambling for now. Suggestions? Sound Samples for the mics a plus as well.

[BudgetMC]

Man... that's tough. The samples of the Fatheads on brass at the Cascade website sure sound good (wouldn't be there if they didn't, of course)... but Joel's sample tracks with the Avant also sound mighty good -- but no examples with Brass. The Avant certainly looks like a cool mic to have in the toolkit.

[YRLK]

You could get 2 SM-81's or 2 MK-012's for about that price. Both are great and used by many. You can capture a lot of sound (with more positional options) with a good pair of either.

Brad

[sfoote]

To add some different things to the mix. I have 2 Avenson Audio omni stereo mics that I absolutely love on acoustic guitar. I haven 't tried them with brass, but I would recommend them as similar to applications where you would use an earthworks omni. Sold my Neumann 184s and never looked back. They are in your price range, don't know about the outdoor wind effect on them, but I find them very detailed.

Also, I've been messing around with Apex ribbon mics modified at Oktavamod. the early results are pretty cool, and they could also be in your range. I'm testing them on drum overheads. These have alot of the windscreens removed, so probably won't work for you.

[jnorman]

you might be able to find a used pair of AT4051s for around that price, and they are fabulous as an ORTF main pair for ensemble work. big open sound, much like the at4050.

[Shadow_7]

As an update. I did get a stereo pair of Avenson STO-2's(used). And I really like them. My trumpet sounds like a trumpet, my trombone sounds like a trombone. Even the mellophone sounds like a mellophone. Nice what you see is what you get mics. Which is driving the pets nuts since they don't know if it's live or memorex. The dog just stares at me wondering how I'm talking without moving my lips.

The single AT4033a that I've been using hypes the lows and probably the highs too. A nice room mic for conversations and such, but doesn't really do the brass instruments justice IMO. Except for Tuba.

I may still get a pair of Titans eventually. The STO-2's are nice but they don't seem to be as detailed as the LDC's. That and the omni part makes them great for close micing, but distant conversations go relatively unheard. At least that's my current preception on my relatively low end gear. I shall find out how they do for a brass ensemble at a distance next weekend. No more mixing mics to try and get the desired sound.

Now I'm in the market for a field recorder so I can shed the tethers. Mics -> Cables -> Device --- as opposed to --- Mics -> Cables -> Interface -> more cable(s) -> Device -> more cable(s) -> Power Socket. I just need to settle on cheap ($400 Zoom H4) or not ($1,200 Korg MR-1000).

[allencollins]

Originally Posted by Shadow_7

So I guess I'm in the market for a stereo microphone(s). At the moment I have an M-Audio Mobile Pre. I'll probably get a Fostex FR2LE eventually. I'd like to get a stereo mic for recording large brass ensembles. My two top runners at the moment is a blumlein pair of FatHead II's. Or an Avant CK-40. But I'd like more options. I'd like to keep it near $500 (+/- $200) if at all possible.

I like the detail of an LDC. I like the sound of a Ribbon. I'll most likely be using this setup outdoors in high winds and 100F+ temps. So ribbon mics are probably out. Multiple patterns and figure 8 capabilities are a plus. I'll probably only do X/Y, but having M/S or Blumlein options are preferred.

At the moment all I have is an AT4033a. It does well, but seems lacking in the lower mid voices from an EQ perspective. I'd probably be happier with AT4050 or AT4060's. But I'll need a pair of those for stereo recording which probably puts those out of my budget. Enough rambling for now. Suggestions? Sound Samples for the mics a plus as well.

2 ksm 137's around 550 a pair
or
2 ksm 109's