what is the preferred entry-level LD these days?

[jnorman]

my work is typically all instrumental, so my mic cab is filled with a variety of nice SD condensers. on an upcoming CD project, however, i will be tracking a pair of young girls singing some celtic ballads, and would like to pick up a reasonably good, not too hyped LD condenser for those tracks. i know a while back harvey gerst was enthusiastic about the marshall mxl v67, which can be had for $99 now. however, there are lots of budget LD mics around now, and i am pretty out of touch with what is what. can you guys please recommend a few good buys for my consideration? everthing goes through HV3 preamps. thanks.

[OVERNIGHT]

The AT 4040 is about the safest general purpose cheap LDC in my book. Nothing fancy but very workable.

[Soundog]

Other ones to consider are :

- SE H3500 - this is brilliant on female voices - especially sopranos and mezzo sopranos.
- ADK Hamburg or Vienna
- SE Z2200a

[warhead]

One of the biggest "believe it or not" nice sounding mics for super cheap is the Joemeek JM37DP. Very cool mic, very all purpose but has a nice clear midrange and present upper mids with a nice top.

The new MXL V67i with dual capsules is a must have for the low end mic nut. Very different sounds coming off of both sides of that mic, and very useable. Need more of a clear sound with more top? Flip it around. Need a thicker mid / attenuated top? Flip it around.

ADK Vienna / Hamburg = hell yes (do a search), the Hamburg "probably" being a better fit on most ladies.

sE Electronics SE2200A is extremely all purpose with a clarity and realism hard to find in its price range. For female vocals I am tempted to say try this one first though as the top is particularly well suited to this and "flatter".

Another good one = CAD M179 / M177. Very flattish mic with a beautiful midrange and smooth / natural top. Hmm...maybe that one is a top pick too!

War

[ozraves]

Originally Posted by OVERNIGHT

The AT 4040 is about the safest general purpose cheap LDC in my book. Nothing fancy but very workable.

I think that's a fair description. Yet, it's amazing what that extra $100 gets you versus the $199 and under crowd.

[audiothings]

kel hm1 should probably figure in this discussion.

.0@,
self.

[dingo]

So you don't think any of your good SD condensers would be suitable for the task?

[bing81]

Originally Posted by warhead

ADK Vienna / Hamburg = hell yes (do a search), the Hamburg "probably" being a better

I use both extensively, find them great mics even alongside more expensive offerings.

but .. if I may disagree, always turn to the Vienna (think 414/C12 etc.) for females and kids (voice overs etc.). For more ballsy women (!), yes, I go the Hamburg .. just as for lighter men, I go for the Vienna. I find the Hamburg can be a bit thick/heavy on lighter voices. As always YMMV.