Which Microphone to purchase??

Posted: Tue Jun 10, 2008 8:18 am

I have set up a sort of home recording studio in my bedroom and am looking for some small condenser mics to round out my collection for now. I have an AKG perception 400, and a d112, and 2 sm57s. I plan to get 2 small condensers to use as overheads, and also for acoustic guitar possibly. I am in need of some advice on what options I have. I have tried to do some research but it is hard to come by a lot of examples of what people use specifically for drum overheads. My price range is not small but I am not willing to buy 2 akg c414s or anything really expensive. I was looking at a matched pair of AKG c 451 Bs or RODE nt5s, but im not sure how important a matched pair is for stereo micing. Is a matched pair neccasary? What other brands and models are there? Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Also considering Shure sm81, akg c1000s etc

Posted: Tue Jun 10, 2008 8:45 am

Forget about the AKG c1000
Shure SM81 good for overhead
Rode OK
Older 451 ok

Posted: Tue Jun 10, 2008 12:26 pm

I love the sm81 and would say that if you can afford it a couple of those is a great choice to add to your mic collection and will serve you for many years to come. However if you are on a low budget I would recommend trying the Samson C02 pair which is very inexpensive and surprisingly well made, they sound pretty good too, I've used them for drum overheads, acoustic bass, and acoustic guitar.

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/C02

Posted: Tue Jun 10, 2008 1:44 pm

when i was in search for stereo overheads I found 2 that were in a budget price range but seemed to be the best for the money.

Studio Projects C-4
http://www.zzounds.com/item--STUC4

AKG C1000's
http://www.zzounds.com/item--AKGC1000S

I personally would go with the c4's, and honestly the mics i use right now for overheads which give me a satisfactory results are just a pair of 60$ behringer c2s

Posted: Tue Jun 10, 2008 3:01 pm

the c1000s was my first mic ever. i used it to mic my didgeridoo into a looper. fun!

anyways, it's nice because it's versitile as hell. but if you're spending $200 on the mic, you're only getting a $100 sound. the other $100 goes to the polar pattern adapter, presence boost adapter, 9v integration, etc.

i'll actually be using my c1000s tonight to record a band in a room. they're paying me $100, and since it's got 9v phantom power then it's paid for its $100 slice of versitility. hooray!

anyways, it's a bit brittle on the high end. but i've had GREAT success using the c1000s and a dynamic vocal mic in coincident to record vocals. again, versatility.

i've heard AWESOME things about nt5s or beta91s. get one of those i guess.

Posted: Tue Jun 10, 2008 5:11 pm

i've got a pair of nt5s and i love 'em, especially for overheads. very good for the money, nice tight sound to 'em. granted, i haven't tried any other sdc mics, but then again, i have no desire to after buying these mics. if you look online, you can usually find a cheap online dealer, then take that price to the local sam ash or guitar center and make them match it. i did that and got a matched pair from sam ash for $350.

Posted: Tue Jun 10, 2008 6:07 pm

Small diaphram condensers tend to be a very personal choice. Even more than the LDC's and dynamic mics in general. I think its because they are voiced all over the spectrum from one manufacturer to another.

I have used a LOT of different ones and havent come up with a do-all-be-all set yet......I had a cheap set of ADK's. SC-1's. Sturdy, tight pattern...they ONLY sound decent on a drum kit. And they are on an equal to a LOT of mics 4 times the price....but still a one-trick pony. They belong to my drummer now and are in the live rig only. They do very well on stage.

The SC-T is a bit better. They have a good sound for acoustic instruments, but again they work well on a kit.

Older AKG 451's are splendid. You dont need a matched pair for bedroom recordings. Unless you can fit an orchestra in there......

The Rodes are very high quality mics. I think they have an upper mid honk to them.....

If you want a mic that you can record ANYTHING on and expect it to be a reasonable facsimile of the source, the SM81 is THE set of SDC's to have. Its my favorite for acoustic guitars. Its agressive and upfront and its fairly flat. It will last you as long as you maintain a mic locker. This is a mic you'll keep forever.

Posted: Tue Jun 10, 2008 6:49 pm

wow thanks for the responses evryone that really helps. I think ill go for the rode nt5s or 2 shure sm81s. ill see which is cheaper and reccommended at the store! Any thoughts on the Oktava MK012s?

Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2008 6:31 am

If you are considering a matched pair of the NT5s, go the bit extra and get the NT55s. The versatility of having the cardioid/omni interchangeable capsules, the filter switch and the pad switch make them well worth it.

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