What next for my studio mic arsenal?

Posted on

Member Since: Apr 11, 2007

I, like most other "engineers", am building up my selection of microphones for recording. Here's what I currently have;

(3) Shure SM57
(2) AKG C1000s
AKG D112
Audio Technica AT350 clip-on condenser

What should I start looking into for my next additions?

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Ultra Magnus
Member
Since: Nov 13, 2004


Apr 11, 2007 07:04 am

LDC sounds like a plan.

Prince CZAR-ming
Member
Since: Apr 08, 2004


Apr 11, 2007 08:01 am

Oh yeah, getting a LDC for vocals would certainly be a good next step.

Is your room treated for balanced sound? That will make a big difference too.

Member
Since: Apr 11, 2007


Apr 11, 2007 01:14 pm

Sennheiser 421.

Member
Since: Apr 11, 2007


Apr 11, 2007 01:53 pm

Yeah, I've been thinking about a good large diaphram condenser. Any suggestions? I'd like to stay under $300 if at all possible. Links appreciatied!

My recording space does not have any sound treatment. I'm using a finished basement.

Czar of Turd Polish
Member
Since: Jun 20, 2006


Apr 11, 2007 01:57 pm

At $300 I would check out the Rode NT1000, at least give it a look and demo one if possible.

Ultra Magnus
Member
Since: Nov 13, 2004


Apr 11, 2007 02:44 pm

You know, i hear about that mic a lot so i checked it out a few months ago and (not to rain on anyone's parade) i found it really really thin sounding, kind of cheap sounding. Odd.

Karyn
Member
Since: Jul 10, 2004


Apr 11, 2007 02:48 pm

Given your price range, MXL Magami edition might be an excellent choice as you don't have a large diaphram condensor yet. That should probably be your next logical move for your mic locker. It looks like you're pretty well covered for your drums.

Czar of Turd Polish
Member
Since: Jun 20, 2006


Apr 11, 2007 05:11 pm

I Hear great things about the Magami for the money.

You found the nt1000 thin rigsby? Odd indeed. Worth a test run at least.

Ultra Magnus
Member
Since: Nov 13, 2004


Apr 11, 2007 05:31 pm

Yeah, kind of one-dimensional, not thin as in lacking mid-range, though it had a peaky top-end. Actually you know, i've found this with a bunch of cheaper condensers, Rode especially as it happens, that they have an exaggerated top, seems like it's an effort to make them sound clean if that makes sense. Though the NT1000 wasn't at all brittle, just hyped on the top-end. To my ears anyway. Just didn't sound rounded.

You don't feel the same way?

Czar of Turd Polish
Member
Since: Jun 20, 2006


Apr 11, 2007 05:47 pm

I've played with one and liked it, personally I own the K2 though because I got in on Ebay for a steal. Now that you have clarified on the "thin" description I will agree the highs are hyped, I didn't find it a bad thing though.

I KNOW NOTHING
Member
Since: Jun 08, 2006


Apr 11, 2007 06:13 pm

I'm with "Rockulus" Senn 421.

As far as LDC's go, I've heard good things about the Studio Projects line. B-1, C-1. They're pretty affordable, too.

Anyone hear familiar with them? How they stack up with other $300 and under LDC's?

Member
Since: Apr 11, 2007


Apr 11, 2007 06:51 pm

I'd be curious to here what people have to say about the Studio Project mics as well.

The 421 might have to wait a while. I know some people who will be getting rid of a few dirt cheap in the next year so I've gotta be patient.

Member
Since: Mar 06, 2007


Apr 12, 2007 12:38 am

I now own nt 5's matched pair (awesome for stereo app. in any situation).I replaced my MXL mogami for a NTK.At first I was dissapointed(highs were too pronounced)but changed tube and WOW!!!.Much better than MXL even with a NOS Mullard,not even close(you can check out my thread. NTK tube upgrade if interested)for "MY" vocals,also sounds great for acoustic guitar.I use a 421 on my drummers kick(sounds perfect).But then again what the hell do I know?

Hold 'Em Czar
Member
Since: Dec 30, 2004


Apr 12, 2007 12:40 am

yeah, go for an LDC first, AT-4050 is the nutz, but if ya want cheaper go for the 4033.

as for dynamics, a 421 or two is NEVER a bad thing to have around.

Ultra Magnus
Member
Since: Nov 13, 2004


Apr 12, 2007 01:58 am

werd wyd.

Czar of Turd Polish
Member
Since: Jun 20, 2006


Apr 12, 2007 04:52 pm

I have the NT5 matched pair also, I really dig those alot.

Member
Since: Apr 11, 2007


Apr 12, 2007 09:39 pm

What do you guys think of the RODE NT1-A as a LDC? I've been checking them out and they're certainly affordable and nice quality. What applications have you guys/would you guys use them on?

Faze 2 Studios
Member
Since: Aug 15, 2005


Apr 12, 2007 10:33 pm

I had a pair of RODE nt1-a's. then sold them on ebay and got RODE NT1000's for as much as i sold the NT1-a's. For a while i had 1 NT1-a and both NT1000. to be honest there isnt TOO much of a difference in the sound of the 2 different mics. Having them back to back it was hard to tell which was which sometimes id liek the sound the NT1-a got better. I loved my nt1-a's great mic, i didnt find it harsh on the top end at all.

Id recommend it.

-melty

Member
Since: Nov 23, 2005


Apr 13, 2007 01:17 am

My $.02. I've played drums for a while and had some experience recording them myself, as well as in the studio. For the < $300 price range. You definately have a few choices, there seems to be a bit of a mic war going on with all these pop-up companies. I own a Studio Projects C-1 (only $200 !).

For vocals and all around, I must say, I'm really impressed. They say that the SP engineers tried to emulate a Neuman U-87, I wouldn't give it that high a grade, but not far off. The AT-4050's are astounding overheads.. pricy. Also, I own 5 - Sennheiser 421's.... Very boomy sound, for toms may have to roll off the lows a bit and boost the highs and mid-highs when mixing/tracking. Good Luck, choose wisely!

Czar of Turd Polish
Member
Since: Jun 20, 2006


Apr 13, 2007 01:08 pm

NT1-A is a tried and true mic at $200 and would be a great addition to any studio. Although you can definitely get a nicer more expensive mic I would at least check it out.

Prince CZAR-ming
Member
Since: Apr 08, 2004


Apr 13, 2007 02:03 pm

I have a Studio Projects B3, and a C1. I used the B3 on my sister's vocals, and it did well. I used it out front of a drum kit, where it really beefed up the recorded sound.

I need to give my C1 a more thorough testing, but I like it so far.

I also have a pair NT5, and like them too.

The C1 has been getting pretty good press, and my sweetwater guy was pretty positive about them. The B1 & 3 are more flat, and accurate, whereas the C1 & 3 are a little more colored, favoring themselves more to vocals.


Ultra Magnus
Member
Since: Nov 13, 2004


Apr 13, 2007 03:38 pm

Octava 319 and AKG C4000 are both nice. I've not tried the 319 on vocals but it rules on acousstic guitar and sounds pretty sweet with perc too. The C4000 is a killer male vocal mic and i've used it a bunch on cello, kick drum and acoustic bass and it too ruleth.

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