heck

I'll leave the mic recommandations to the more seasoned folk around here.
BUT I am curious, and I bet others are to, as to how much cheaper you can pick up mics for over there and if you can readily find the same brands and models there as here in the states here.

I'm lucky enough to get to China a few times a year. Frankly, I find that the best and most consistent Chinese mics are the ones you can buy in the US for about the same prices. The good factories like to sell only to qualified trading partners.

But look around... most big cities have "radio" districts with some hidden jewels.

I did get a kick ass price on a pair of AKG451's at the AKG distibuterin HK.

Remember with 6, you get egg roll.

Now I'm really showing my age.
Ms. Remy Ann David

We're not getting older, Remy, just BETTER! 8-)

As for the mics; yes, I would imagine it's like living next to an oil refinery. There's plenty of it in there, but they're not selling it locally.

Same with the mics in China; what's being made there is tageted to, and shipped out to, foreign (American/European) markets.

One of the problems with this that I can see....And I might be way off base....Is, the Chinese built mics that are marketed by companies here are simply outsourced to China for the labor costs of assembly and manufacture of certain parts. For the most part the electronic designs and any specialty voicing are done here. This is true with ADK I'm pretty sure others (SP? ??)...I would search the places for MAJOR name-brand mics that may be offered at a low number...As was said...AKG's...Beyer...Sennheiser...dare I say it.....Neumann (I dare)....