mics to buy?

[wallygaudy]

First post as a slut!

I am looking to expand my mic collection of one 57
First I'm looking to buy a pair of versatile multi-pattern mics to be used as drum overheads, room mics, as well as acoustic guitars and piano.

I want to get something of quality and don't mind paying extra for something that I will have a use for forever

I have been reading up on a lot of mics, the sputniks seem very popular on this forum, also considering the AT4050, Rode NT2A, CAD Trion, Sterling Audio ST79 and Studio Projects T3

If anyone wants to help me and make a suggestion?
Thanks

[Renegade Prod]

AKG 414's ....

love em, great for everything you listed,
about $1200 rrp each i think?

[themikesonata]

Studio projects stuff is great!

I recently heard a bunch of soundelux mics, I REALLY dug what I heard I wish I had the pockets to be able to afford them.

[Renegade Prod]

very true, look into both of those
Soundeluxe
and 414's

[lord_bunny]

a pair of 414-buls can go for $1400...

[Renegade Prod]

Thanks for that, was not sure if it was around 1200/1400 for 1 or a pair


Twice as much reason to look into them

[DCtoDaylight]

I think AKG has quietly and unofficially made the 414 a less expensive mic by allowing dealers to sell via eBay at prices that are well under the usual level. Sweetwater sells the XLS for $1k, and it's often available for $700 or less on eBay from authorized dealers. Over the last 10-12 years, they've seen competitors multiply like rabbits.

And to the OP's question: +1 on the 414 as a large-diameter choice. It's very versatile, and sounds decent across a lot of different situations. And there are lots of used ones around.

You might also consider a pair of small-diameter condensers (SDCs) - in several of the applications you mention, they would be what a lot of people would try first. This was my first step beyond the '57, and I haven't regretted it; again, it's versatile and can be very sweet-sounding.

There have been a couple of recent discussions here about SDCs; if you look back in this forum you should find 'em....you'll see that some of us even admit to using them as vocal mics!

Another possibility would be to get one of each; this would be a great combo for acoustic guitar, and possibly piano, and for mono use separately. But a pair of either would be something you could use for a long time.

[tINY]

A pair of Earthworks SR25 would be a good choice. They are very accurate and can be used in a lot of situations. They'll never be a bad choice for a stereo pair (though they might not be the best on everything once you have a couple dozen mics...).

Some people like variable pattern LDC pairs, but they can be a little funny on drum overheads sometimes. For less money, a pair of CAD179 will do 98% of what the 414UBLS will for $400/pair. If you have clients, the AKG is the way to go because it's recognized, but you won't be handicapped with the CAD and you'll always find uses for them.

If you plan on micing guitar cabinets or hand percussion, a Heil PR30 is a nice mic to have.




-tINY

[wallygaudy]

thanks everyone
all good stuff

what are recognised as differences between the CAD179 and the AKG414 apart from the reputation
I would feel crazy if I got the AKGs when the 179s were 98% as good

[Mayor999]

Check the Avant Electronics mics...

The CV-12 is amazing, I have put it up against many thousands of dollars worth of mics (Telefunken 251 ELAM, Neumann U67's, U87's, C800G) and it still comes out in the top or near the top.

Their whole line is great!


Lots of users on this forum!

[Corran]

In terms of your original suggestions, I personally would go with the AT4050 pair. I love Rode mics, but the NT2 series has disappointed me time and time again except on one female vocalist. The others seem to be more low-end alternatives.

As for the M179, I don't have any experience but everyone says go for it. I personally already have plenty of LDCs - Oktavas specifically. And they just came out with a multi-pattern version, the MK-220. If you want a different mic that will have a different "flavor" than anything in main-stream use (414s, various budget Chinese mics) you should seriously consider a pair of those (and they are pretty cheap). Just had to throw that in there

However! From the uses you describe I think most would go for an SDC. I would reach for a pair of Earthworks or my trusty Oktava 012s in those situations.

[Dog_Chao_Chao]

Ive tried and own a few. At, cads, SP, are nothing like a 414 uls.

I think a pair of 414 b uls´s is something you can use for the rest of your life on whatever source and situation without even having to be concerned if its going to sound right, as long as the source sounds good and you´re not recording jets

There might be better mics for a given application but I just love the way everything sounds natural and good enough through that mic. Also you get 2 low freqs. cut, 2 pad and all the polar patterns, for an affordable price.....

Man I sound like Im selling this stuff.... I just like them a lot.

[jeep]

Originally Posted by Renegade Prod

AKG 414's ....

love em, great for everything you listed,
about $1200 rrp each i think?

+ 1
i got a 414 BXLII off ebay for about $600 brand new

it was the second mic i ever bought after a 57
i use it on everything

highly recommended

[nickolo]

You can find 414s for about 400-450 uk pounds now!!SE electronic mics are proving popular choices here in the uk.I have a 2200a cardioid.They make a multi patterned one for a few bob more.It is a very usable mic.Not harsh-great on vocals.Many rave about Studio projects mics.These might be budget friendly mics but they are well made and will give good results with most mid priced pres...GD LK...