What would be a good all round microphone?

[Lukedrummer]

This summer I am planning to buy a new condenser microphone for my studio. (I am using a MXL990 right now) I am willing to spend $350 max but if it would be worth it I could probably spend more. I would like it to be as versatile as possible so I can get my money's worth out of it.

Things I would like to use the mic for:

-room mic for drums
-vocals
-acoustic guitar
-possibly recording a guitar/bass cab

What would be a good mic in that price range?

[djmukilteo]

A Shure SM7B would set you back $349 and I have no idea what you could do with the extra $1

[soapfloats]

RODE, AKG, AT. Search those brands and your budget.

[Boswell]

For versatility and all-round performance in an LDC in this price bracket, it's hard to beat the Rode NT-2A. You should be able to get one for $350 cash.

[llatht]

The Audio Technica AT4033 sounds good on just about whatever you put it in front of. I use mine for vocals and acoustic guitar, and I know for a fact there are many people who use them for drum overheads....Very silky on the top end without being harsh. They're $400 brand new but you could find one on ebay for less. I got mine for $260 a couple years back, and it'll definately hold that value for a long time too (which says alot). One of the best investments I've made since I started recording.
Many also speak highly of the Blue Baby Bottle in that price range. Use the search engine and you'll find all kinds of great info. Chances are, if a certain few mics keep coming up again and again in the threads with great reviews, it's probably a safe bet.

[Jeemy]

The Blue Ball microphone is the best "all round" mic I know of.

[Davedog]

The Blue Ball microphone is the best "all round" mic I know of.

Scottish Humor!

KSM32.

[FlyBass]

From my experience, I'd recommend either a Rode NT2a or an ADK microphone.

Usually the NT2a is $399, but like Boswell says, you should be able to get one for $350 if you bargain. Or get a Rode NT1a (it's like the NT2a, but with only one 5 um diaphragm capsule). There is a special anniversary pack for about $230.

But lately my "go to" mic has been an original ADK Hamburg edition; now it's reached the Mark 8 variant. The ADK Hamburg Mk8 (U-47-like character) and the ADK Vienna Mk 8 (C-12-like character) run about $350 a piece. I also heard some good reviews of the ADK S-51 Mk 5.2 (about $200), but I've never used it. You can read ADK's story on their website, ADK. No, I don't work for ADK or anyone who sells them, I just like my microphone.

[Lukedrummer]

Well I read the description about the adk vienna mk8 and its designed for all the purposes i want to use it for. I'll definitely do more research on it and consider it when I go to buy a mic.

[Lukedrummer]

I looked on ebay and saw a Rode NTK for about $250, and thats a really good deal considering its normally 600 i think. Has anyone here used it? It seems like a really nice mic that would work for everything that i want to use it for.