Choosing 2 HighEnd Mics- 1x Utility & 1x Character

[dismaus82]

I want to buy 2 (two) new microphones to add to the collection at the studio. I'm looking for one to be a character/colorful microphone, and the other to be a utility 'one size fits all' kind of microphone. Versatility!

Looking for a/an condenser(s) and/or ribbon(s). Have a good selection of dynamic microphones already.

Functions include but aren't limited to- Drum OH/Room, with close micing capabilities as well (can handle a reasonable amount of SPL), as well as guitars and vocals. Acoustic instruments too. Pretty straightforward.

Just as a frame of reference, I'm mostly recording rock subgenres - punk, hc, post punk, glam, powerpop, indie rock/pop. Essentially, NOT Jazz/R&b/etc and very little Metal.



* LOVE vintage sounds-- but I'm tracking on 2" --so I don't necessarily NEED something that normally would be bought by a digital engineer to specifically soften/"warm" (hate that word) up the digital recordings.

I have access to a good, treated room, and my outboard selection is fine.

This is coming from a real, independent engineer who hasn't committed to any higher-ticket items in the mic department yet.
This is because I've had access to a good list of rental mics in the past and haven't worked consistently enough in the past to justify spending in the quadruple digits on microphones.

Cost of microphones is not a concern, just some straightforward advice on a character mic (higher end) and a utility mic (higher end as well).

Thanks in advance friends!

[j2dafo]

a bit predictable, but C414B-uls and U47 fet (or any of a number of modern takes on it).

[dismaus82]

Originally Posted by j2dafo

a bit predictable, but C414B-uls and U47 fet (or any of a number of modern takes on it).

I'm assuming the fet47 would be the 'character' mic of the two? Thanks

[joeq]

hard to beat the 414 in the "utility" category, IMO

I love my old EBs

AEA R84 is a favorite character mic of mine
it might be a bit too much character for some

this would be assuming you have one more LDC with more character than the 414, but maybe not so specific and unique as the AEA

[dismaus82]

Originally Posted by joeq

this would be assuming you have one more LDC with more character than the 414, but maybe not so specific and unique as the AEA

To your *ears*, which LDC's fall into that category? Just trying to gather up as many educated opinions as possible.

[j2dafo]

Originally Posted by dismaus82

Just trying to gather up as many educated opinions as possible.

try a search for "mics with character"

[Earcatcher]

Character combined with very, very high sound quality (no noise, superb sensitivity, high SPL): Brauner Valvet X. It has a very upfront sound with airy highs and deep, transparent lows. A rare beast.

And yes, AKG C414 is a real work horse in almost every field. If you can do with cardioid-only, a Violet The Globe will work in a lot of situations too.

[dismaus82]

Originally Posted by j2dafo

try a search for "mics with character"

I want to interact with people directly instead of flipping through pages of opinions that turn 180º from post to post. I already know about tons of character mics. I want to get advice from real engineers who understand my criteria and situation.

[j2dafo]

Originally Posted by dismaus82

I want to interact with people directly instead of flipping through pages of opinions that turn 180º from post to post. I already know about tons of character mics. I want to get advice from real engineers who understand my criteria and situation.

try listing a specific microphone then. tons of mics have "character." your post is so broad that it is hard to establish a discourse. it would be easier if you narrow down your lists to a half dozen or so of each category, consider the applications you want to use them in, and post specific questions or do specific searches about those mics.

ps. a budget for each would actually help narrow the field quite a bit.