budget small diaphragm condensers? opinions?

[CMEZ]

I'm going to be doing some pre-production demos on analog 1/2" 8 track. For pres, I'll basically have only the allen & heath console (although I may borrow a buddy's Vintech for some things).

I've had a pair of Rode NT5's before, and I'm fairly familiar with them. I felt they were a little 'darker' than, say, 451's-but I found them to be pretty good for drum OH's and workable for acoustic guitars.

I need to come in as low as possible so that I can also pick up a decent LD condenser soon. I DO have acess to several mid-level LD's, such as Neumann TLM 103, KSM 44, Rode NTK, etc. No pairs, though.

Are the MC012's comparable in quality and sound to the NT5's? Seems I could pick up a pair a little cheaper than the Rode's. The Marshall 603's seem a little too bright to me, but I guess could work with EQ. Any opinions or other suggestions in the sub $300 category?

Thanks!

[Bobalou]

understanding your budget restrains, i think the MC012 will be just fine and the last I heard Guitar center is doing 2 for $99.00 so you cant beat that....as far as the rodes are concerned I dont think the differences are that big anyway, certainly not as important as the drums, drummer, room, and performance...just make sure when you pick up your octava's you do a real thurough job of inspecting them to make sure the mic cords snap in properly, the 10db pads both work and the mics sound as close as possible (given the inexact science of an instore A/B session) I'm happy with mine but did have to go through 5 mics at the store to get the two favorites.

I havent heard the MXL's but I've read on forums where most seem to like em but still prefered the MC012's for whatever reasons.

good luck

[CMEZ]

Hey, thanks for the reply.

Problem is, there is no Guitar Center in KC, MO. In fact, there isn't one anywhere remotely close!

In fact, other than a Musician's Friend outlet, there is no big-chain store in KC, and mostly they have 'returned' items. So I'm basically stuck with ebay, and buying things 'sound unheard', just going by reputations.

Really, really sucks.

FWIW, the drum kits that I'll be miking (one for pre-production for an original roots rock band, one for a booking demo for a 60's soul cover band) are:

A newer Gretsch four piece w/ 18" kick, one ride, one crash, one hat

A custom five piece (similar to a DW) w/ a 20" (24" deep) kick, one ride, two crash, one hat.

I was thinking spaced pair OH's, kick, snare and maybe a FOK for 'whoomph'.

Drums are my primary concern, although I'll also have to mic an acoustic guitar (Gibson J-185) for the roots rock band and a Leslie 122 for the soul band (stereo if possible.) The rest is standard bass and electric guitars (P-bass, telecasters, etc.)

The MC012's sound like they'd work, but I'm unable to audition them to find a decent 'pair'. May be forced to spend the extra money for the Rode's-which sucks, because they may or may NOT be 'better' mics-but they should be a better 'pair' without testing.

Chris

[Bastiaan]

Get those oktava's. They sound great, and are impossibly cheap. If you get them new from an online store, i am pretty sure they will offer full warrenty on them.

I live in the netherlands, and just got a pair of them (matched they say...), and i am really blown away. They look like nothing, price isnt in the range to be taken seriously, but the way those mic's sound is very serious.....

I like my Oktava's...can you tell?

[CMEZ]

alright....but I'm holding YOU responsible! LOL!

No, seriously, I've heard a lot of good things. I'll let y'all know how it turns out.

Chris

[Jay Kahrs]

What about the Studio Projects mics? I think they're about $350 for a pair with swapable omni & cardiod capsules. Seems like a decent way to go if they sound good.

[sonic dogg]

I'll second that one...The C4's are a very good mic for the money...As are the ADK SC-T's and for real bargains the SC-1 is a nice mic.

[SureShotStudio]

Hi there,

Has anyone tried the se electonics se-1's ? those are pretty cheap at 240 euro's per pair. and Bastiaan where did you buy those octava's? i've been looking for a store in holland (or online on mainland europe) that has those mic's.

greetz,

thomas

[Bastiaan]

http://www.netzmarkt.de/thomann/thoi...19bc8bc19b1035

This will take you to their shop with 19 % BTW already added.

then search for "Oktava"

[Jason A]

I live in KC too.

Send Russ Gaines an email at homestudiomusician@hotmail.com He is in Olathe and I'm pretty sure he has an MC-012 or two he will either let you hear in his small, in-store studio or rent to you for a reasonable price.

If you do tell him Jason Aldrich sent you.

Jason A.

[maz[music]]

For my taste, the 603 (MXL) are nicer than the Oktava's I tried FOR THE APPLICATIONS I USUALLY USE SD'S FOR. Meaning, I like the bump in the highs and would rather roll some off on things like Ac. Gtr / Overheads, then try and get rid of the big slab of mud that was in my Oktavas.

To be fair, I have only tried one pair of the Oktavas, and I have heard they are notoriously inconsistent.
YMMV

[CMEZ]

Jason,


I know Russ! We go way back.

I'm leaning towards just picking a pair of the Oktava's up. I wish I could take advantage of the Guitar Center deal, but I'd blow the savings in gas, I'm afraid-St. Louis looks to be the closest Guitar Center to KC.

Guess I've gotta take my chances.

Chris

[hrn]

mc-012's are great SD mics. the problem is when the price is low, people starts thinking they are bad. if the price would have been $500 each, suddenly they would have "sounded" better also.

The prices I've seen mentioned is like "stupid low" or it's not the same mc-012 that I have. mine is awesome (have the 3-capsule one and the -10dB pad with the wooden box)

www.hagen.nu

[OzNimbus]

Go with the Oktavas. Get a matched pair, and get them here:
http://www.sound-room.com/

Taylor is a great guy and has wonderful quality control over his Russian imports. I can't recommend him enough.


-0z-

[Ruphus]