Rode NT2-A, Audio Technica AT3035, Studio Project C1 or Sterling Audio ST55,66 etc?

**rainsong23** · 11-30-2010, 06:28 AM

Also I'm thinking of taking my interface and computer and 58 into the music store and recording a tiny little bit of something with each one so I can go home and listen and get some other input from friends as well. Oh, and which models from ADK would you suggest checking out?

**FlyBass** · 11-30-2010, 06:52 AM

I own the original ADK Hamburg Edition and I've been very happy with it - I'm not sure if it still available; I use it mainly for vocals. Accurate overall sound; warmish tone, but not dark. On the budget side, I've read good reviews of the A6 and S7. YMMV

I can't give you total guidance here, because only you know all your needs. I'd stick to the "A" line unless you intend to record some loud sources. Personally, I enjoy using my SM57 on guitar cabs, so I don't need another mic for that right now.

**rainsong23** · 11-30-2010, 08:28 PM

Thanks Fly. Still wondering whether I'm better off to look at second hand stuff?

**Davedog** · 11-30-2010, 10:23 PM

Looking used you will encounter one of two things.....someones mistake or someones problem.

For $600 budget you will find AKG 414's by the truckload, an occasional Neumann 103, and many $1k plus mics. THIS is your best bet and will last you throughout your time you wish to spend in semi-pro usage as well as far into professional.

Look into this and get back to us with your findings.

BTW. Love the ADK line. I own several.

**rainsong23** · 12-02-2010, 07:18 AM

Thanks Davedog, by the way, am I reading this correctly, when you say I can find those in the $600 budget, did you mean second hand? I was a little unsure based on your words of caution for buying used, ie., mistakes and problems.

**rainsong23** · 12-02-2010, 07:28 AM

Oh, and has anyone anything to say about the Neumann TLM102. I've seen it new for $699 on Sweetwater. It's a lot cheaper than the other Neumann mics. Is it still up to quality or have they lowered their standards to make an affordable mic? I'm still thinking that the 414 might be my best choice though, since the different pick up patterns would make it more versatile and perhaps save me money in the long run because of that. Still I'd like opinions on the 102 from anyone who has used it and compared it to some of the standards like other Neumanns or 414s and such.

**Davedog** · 12-02-2010, 02:53 PM

My suggestion is about buying used. While its not always true, theres a better chance of a used $600+ mic at new retail price being well cared for than not....Its the with real cheapies that generally are bought and abused by real novices that you'll find problems in the used market.

**rainsong23** · 12-05-2010, 09:45 PM

I've tested the cheaper AT3035 from Audio Technica. Has anybody here had a chance to hear that and the 414 next to each other? What difference in sound might I expect from the 414? I'm starting to lean towards saving a bit and going for the 414 as it seems to have a good reputation and as a multi pattern mike might be useful in more ways.