THE BEST CONDENSER MIC FOR UNDER $150?

Posted on Dec 14, 2004 07:06 pm
pato
Member Since: Dec 03, 2004

Studio Projects B1, B2, Behringer B1? Good, bad experiences with either one?

TheTincanbug
sloppy dice, drinks twice
Member
Since: Aug 05, 2003

Dec 14, 2004 07:41 pm

I love my Oktava MK012, personally... great mic for right around that range. It really likes my acoustic guitar, many various hand drums, and vocals...

Walt
Chief Cook and Bottle Washer
Member
Since: May 10, 2002

Dec 15, 2004 11:40 am

Sorry Pato, no such thing.

The best mic I have for under 150 for vocals is an Oktava MK-319.

The best mic I have for ".." for accoustic guitar, drums, piano strings, is the MK012 (ditto TinCan)

The best mic I have for room ambiance / live recording for ".." is the Behringer B2 (same as B1 but with omni switch).

The best mic I have for brass / woodwind spot micing for ".." is the Shure M57.

Now add the "no rules" caviot and the "per my perception" caviot, along with the "per my budget I have not tried any Studio Projects products" and you have a real matrix.

If you can pop for another 50 the Rode NT1 is a fine mic for 200. I consider it to be a world class "clean" contender. Other mics of higher cost have their own "color" which may appeal in situations but the NT1 will capture the sound and capture it faithfully.

pato
Member
Since: Dec 03, 2004

Dec 15, 2004 02:34 pm

Thanks for the reply on the Oktavas guys! Haven't thought of them before!
Hey Walt, what about the MK-219, is it any good?

Walt
Chief Cook and Bottle Washer
Member
Since: May 10, 2002

Dec 15, 2004 07:31 pm

Can't say Pato. Never tried one. I too get leary when prices are too low, and at the time I purchesed the 012's and 319 the 219 was really inexpensive. Turned out the 012's and 319 were exceptional purchases.

I had also seen a lot of positive chatter here at HRC about the 012 and 319 and never anything on the 219. I doubt you could get hurt buying one, but I just don't know if it would be the exceptional value it's brothers are.