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JoeH 25 June 2007

I just got offered a good deal on a Sony ECM-999, (MS mic) and was wondering what, if any, opinions are out there on this mic.

Always on the lookout for a good stereo mic system, I like to keep my eyes open for deals, new products, etc. ... (Someday I'll buy another AKG 422 or 424!)

Also, anyone yet tried out the 'new' L2D2 from Studio Projects? The Rhode NT-4 also comes to mind, which I own & like a lot, then there's the AT 825, which I don't own.

I don't have the owners manual that comes with the ECM-999, but it's pretty clear this is an MS-specific microphone package, and the price is right; for $100, seems like a mimimal risk.

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Comments

Thomas W. Bethel Mon, 07/02/2007 - 04:44

For a number of years we had the ECM-990 which was a very good microphone. I really LIKE the Rode NT-4. Shure also makes a Stereo Microphone called the VP88. You can also sometimes find AKG C-24s or 422s for sale on ebay but these maybe above your price point.

Honestly for the money I think the RODE NT-4 would be a hard microphone to beat.

JoeH Mon, 07/02/2007 - 06:13

Thanks, Tom. I did pick up the Sony ECM-999, and will use it on something serious when the timing is right. I also have the NT-4, so I'm covered on the mid-price point mic. I'm always looking for someting new. (The Royer SF-12 and SF-24 are wonderful, but I have access to one and don't need to buy - yet. I wonder how the Cascade stereo ribbon sounds as well...it would be nice to do a shootout between them someday.)

I've seen C-24s, 422's, etc. on Ebay; pricey indeed! A couple of years ago, our AKG 422 "disappeared." Never found out how or why; it had been in a road case with all the other mics out on several gigs, and we were never sure where/when it got "lost". It's possible it was left behind on a remote, and it's also possible it was pilfered from the case during a very busy setup for a HS musical. My suspicion was the latter.

By the time it was confirmed missing, it was way too late to do anything about it. :cry: The mic & clip were gone, but not the cable or the selector box. I tracked Ebay for a few months back then hoping to find just a mic & clip for sale, but no luck. Someone somewhere may even have it, but not knowing what it is or does. Nowadays, a fully functional used 424 or its newer equivalent goes for at least $4500 or more. :x

Cucco Mon, 07/02/2007 - 11:45

My first stereo mic was the Nt4 and I have to admit, it sounds friggin fantastic! I'm not generally a fan of XY configuration, but damn if this mic doesn't sound fantastic.

I've used it MANY times now alongside mics costing 15 times as much (per channel) and have NEVER regretted it. It's a smooth mic with plenty of warmth and detail and it works with just about any kind of mic preamp you could throw at it.

My next stereo mic was the SF12. Hmmm...I REALLY dig this mic. I can't imagine a mic as smooth and lovely as this mic. It's convenient as hell to. I know Dave S. likes his pair of Coles a little better, but no matter how much better they sound, the advantage of a single, easy-to-mount, skinny mic is worth it to me.

Of course, you have to be mindful of the pre used with the Royer. My favorite pre so far with it is the Millennia HV3D.

Joe - if you're interested in trying the NT4, let me know. I'll send it to you for a couple weeks.

JoeH Mon, 07/02/2007 - 12:04

Thanks Jeremy, but I do indeed have one. Have had it for over a year now, and LOVE mine as well. It's great for many things. Has never let me down yet.

Actually, I think you make better/longer stereo cables for that mic, don't you? I was asking about one a while back, and forgot all about it....

Cucco Tue, 07/03/2007 - 07:11

Dangit! I was just talking with the guy about shipping to the US!

I was going to sell some stuff to come up with the $$.

Oh - one more thing about the topic though -

I would really not recommend a stereo mic to 80-90% of the recording public! Only if you have enough quality mics in the locker and the mic is really only being used for specific tasks. A stereo mic is a great tool, but it is not the most versatile tool in the closet.

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