Mic. Advice
Home > Home Recording Forum > Recording Techniques > Mic. Advice
Posted on Apr 19, 2002 01:03 pm
Sonico
Member Since: Apr 19, 2002
Hi folks!!
I'am new here and I think this site rocks. Unfortunately, I'am not a master in the recording topic but if I can help anyone I'd be glad to do it. Ok, this is my situation:
I don't have experience with condenser mics, and I'am buying one for recording vocals mainly.
My budget is tight and my wife is not my gratest fan so I'd apreciate your advice.
I have a list of prospects in two categories, $200 and $300, if you know of any mic that's not listed, feel free to mention it.
Categories:
$200
Oktava MK-319
Audio technica AT3035
Groove tubes AM52 Class A
AKG C2000B
$300
Rode NT1000
Audio technica AT3525
Shure KSM27
AKG C3000B
Audio technica AT4033/SE
Sennheiser MD421 MKII U4
I don't know wich one is special for vocals.
Thanks in advance
[ Back to Top ]
Apr 19, 2002 01:15 pm I am not a huge condensor mic user (yet) I use them when friends bring them over :-) However, I can tell you that this forum is full of people that love the Oktava MK-319 and the Audio Technica AT3035. Which also happen to be in your lower price bracket :-)
Oh, and thanks for the kind words about the site...We work hard at it...if you want to help support the site, check the prices on these mics at Musician's Friend:
Audio Technica AT3035 - service.bfast.com/bfast/c...mp;bfmtype=gear
Oktava MK-319 w/shockmount - service.bfast.com/bfast/c...mp;bfmtype=gear
Oktava MK-319 w/o shockmount - service.bfast.com/bfast/c...mp;bfmtype=gear
Apr 19, 2002 01:46 pm i love my oktava. its a very warm sounding mic and has a good range on it especially for the price that its offered at.
ive seen it compared to the rode mics and the oktava actually sounded warmer and the rode sounded a little too crisp and dry (who knows maybe some people are looking for that).
just an opinion but you asked for them =)
SonicoMember
Since: Apr 19, 2002
Apr 19, 2002 04:24 pm Thanks for your comments and beleive me, they are pure gold for me at this stage in the recording world.
BTW, the prices I listed are from Musician's Friend and definetly I'am going to buy the mic and some other gear from them.
Apr 19, 2002 05:11 pm Glad to hear it, buy through these links and you are helping support us too!
Glad we could help ya out!
MSHARCMember
Since: Apr 05, 2002
Apr 19, 2002 07:53 pm I tested both the At3035 and the MK-319. They were both the same price I thought they sounded almsot the same. The MK-319 might be warmer I can't swear by it, but I can say that the AT3035 handles a little more SPL I believe and that made it a good buy for me since I am poor and wanted to get as much use out of a mic as I can. I use it on kick drums even. But, I have ben very happy with mine so far. I think you'll probabaly be happy with whatever you get though as I think both are good.
Marc (da Sharc)
LokiCone PokerMember
Since: Apr 07, 2002
Apr 19, 2002 10:18 pm I really like the Octava mic. I haven't bought one yet, but I play with em all the time at the music store, and compared to some of the other stuff they have in the mic room the sound is really nice, not to crisp
stupeMember
Since: Apr 03, 2002
Apr 19, 2002 10:42 pm the at3035 looks better aesthetically. ive heard good things about the mk319. but why stop at low prices. Get a NEumann tlm 103!!!
Apr 20, 2002 05:20 am Well, stupe the guys goal was to stay under a few hundred dollars...I checked that Neumann...whoa, $750! Oooooooo dat's a lot of cake...
stupeMember
Since: Apr 03, 2002
Apr 20, 2002 10:19 am db you are right, im a gear head :P
Apr 20, 2002 12:10 pm stupe, you and Noize2u are nuts...ya both probably have great gear that I drool over (I know Noize does), but your both still nuts...freakin gear whores ;-)
hehehe
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Apr 21, 2002 12:48 am Ok, Gear Hore yes, Crazy, maybe. But I have a great affection for my319. It not only gives me warm fuzzy's, but it really does have a colour and warm tone that are near and dear to my heart. The Rode is a bit sterile, but still a very good mic, and yes the AT3035 handles a bit higher SPL's but, I can't here the same warmth on vocal's, almost though. The Oktava is also completely hand built in Russia, and that my friend's get's it for me.
georgeContributor
Since: Apr 14, 2002
Apr 21, 2002 07:52 am Hi Folks. Don't forget about the Rode NT1. Sounds just like an AKG3000B (a great mic) with a little more bottom, and at a hundred bucks less. I'm the resident AT nut, and I would recomend the AT3035. It's a little warmer sounding than the AT4033. I can vouch for the SPL handling of the ATs. I use my 4047s on guitar cabs, (as well as everything else) and I'm not exactly a quiet guitarist. Stupe, I'm surprised at you. The Neumann 103 is one of the quietest mics on the planet, but also among the crispiest. But, people will buy 'em since it is a Neumann. Good luck, George.
Apr 21, 2002 08:16 am Ya, you can see the NT1 right here service.bfast.com/bfast/c...mp;bfmtype=gear I didn't realize what a decent price point it has...I am going to be getting a condensor soon I may have to look into that, though I think I will get one from Gus' mic man custom made with a couple cool little features, if I don't the NT1 is definately one I will check into as well...
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Apr 21, 2002 08:43 am And being the big gear hore I am, I also am going to have them do one up for me, maybe 2 or 3. They build some pretty cool looking stuff. I checked out the site rather quickly but saw some pretty impressive stuff. And like I've said before, there is a lot to be said about hand built goodie's. From what I see, they incorperate some pretty good material's and are oriented mostly toward instrument mic's. But like I said, I didn't get all the way into the site catalog. I will be calling for a complete breakdown on Wednesday so stay tuned as I think both I and dB will be steering everybody their way. At least for a look anyway.
Apr 21, 2002 02:39 pm For anyone who is interested (since george asked for it), the custom mic place Noize and I are talking about is www.appliedmic.com/ you can request an information brochure be sent to you, and in the comments field be sure to tell them dB Masters sent ya...we want them to know who brings 'em the traffic...
I haven't gotten my brochure yet or any pricing information, but I have a request for them and left a message with the CEO and will hopefully talk to him early this week and see what they can do for the mic(s) I want...
WaltChief Cook and Bottle WasherMember
Since: May 10, 2002
May 11, 2002 01:24 pm Love my Oktava 319; Rich, warm, full, & forgiving!
NT1 is very crisp and detailed. Must use a pop filter! Not at all forgiving and watch room noise it will all be there!
NT3, believe it or not! Although a small condenser it offers a compromise between the 319 and NT1. It also has a tighter patern for the singer who knows how to work a mic. Again pop filter a must! Any Rode will probably need some tube either pre-amp or maybe a little da-tube (Steinberg) post effect.
May 11, 2002 10:04 pm man these oktavas are getting pretty popular hehe
glad to see some other people that will never give theirs away =)
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
May 12, 2002 11:30 pm Give it away? I wouldn't even sell the latest 319 I picked up. It is a bit older, which is what I have been looking for, and man I will tell you it is warmer and fuzzier right from the git-go. I do not even have to think about warmen it up since it is so warm stracight up. This one and my POD will go to my grave with me.
