Decent SDC matched pair for under $300

Posted: Sat Jun 14, 2008 2:34 pm

Right now I'm using an AT3035 and an AKGC1000 for overheads. I'm in need of some new mics. I'm looking for some small diaphragm condensers for under 300 bucks. I'm thinking about buying a Rode NT2-A to replace the 3035 (vocals, room, acoustic guitar). I'm also looking at a bluebird. I want to use a pair of SDC's for overheads, like a normal person, and I'm looking for something relatively inexpensive, since I'll be spending 400 - 500 dollars on an LDC. I'm basically looking for something to replace the 3035 and the C1000. These are the only mics I've ever used for overheads and I'm not exactly sure how they hold to up to something like an MXL 993 stereo pair. I'm guessing that the MXL's aren't great, but I don't have a good frame of reference. If somebody could point me in the right direction, I'd appreciate it.

Thanks!

Posted: Sat Jun 14, 2008 3:15 pm

im far from experienced with respect to variety of equipment, especially mics, but it seems to me that if you're not able to afford more than 300 for a matched pair then you may as well just get another C1000?

otherwise i can say that im pretty happy with the rode nt5's i just picked up yesterday...i was planning on getting oktava mk-12s but GC had the nt5 pair for less than i was going to spend on the oktava's, plus no shipping factor, and that money was REALLY burnin a hole in my pocket lol..nt5's ran me 448$ after tax.

previously i had been using a studio projects C1 LDC for a single mono overhead and while it never was that great, it was always at least something, and once i got my presonus adl 600 i actually got some pretty sweet recordings with it, but now i have the 2 nt5's and a d112 and sm57 that ive been using for the bottom of the snare since my OH channel always got enough attack on the snare for my taste <shrug> i know most ppl say mic top and bottom or top before bottom but i figure the top is at least there, the bottom isnt picked up by any mic REALLY <Shrug>

Posted: Sun Jun 15, 2008 2:43 pm

Having a pair of small diaphragm condensers is always a good thing to have. I'd be more inclined to go with the Rode microphones over crappier Chinese or Russian devices. I've used a few at a couple of other studios and quite liked them. They sounded quite adequate as drum overheads. Although I must submit, I like the smooth sweetness of the SM 81 by Shure than the more metallic sounding others. Just my opinion.

You can never have too many microphones as they're like underwear.
Ms. Remy Ann David

Posted: Mon Jun 16, 2008 2:28 pm

Do you think the difference in quality of the Rode NT2-A and the AT3035 is worth the 400 dollars, or should I invest into something a little more expensive?

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