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I'm looking at the Shure KSM27, AKG 3000 b and a Studio Projects TB1 Tube Mic. Has anyone had any luck with the TB1? Reviews say its great and supposedly near the quality of the high-endmics. I'm using it mostly for vocals but would like it to be more than a one trick horse. Are there any disadvantages to a tube mic? I've always used them in other studios but never owned one. Im afraid the ksm27 and 3000b might not be very warm. I'm using a Firepod, so I'm hoping a tube mic might warm my sound a bit.

Any opinions?

Thanks
Justin

Comments

anonymous Tue, 05/24/2005 - 12:45

Agreed ... at this price point, it's probably a matter of personal preference. It seems at times spending $100 or $200 more isn't going to get you a big leap in quality. You'd have to spend $1000 more to see a big difference, so you might as well save some scratch.

Let me be a jerk and also suggest that, to really improve your signal, you'll want to look into a nice channel strip for your front end.

AG

Guest Tue, 05/24/2005 - 15:15

poprocks wrote: Let me be a jerk and also suggest to look into a nice channel strip for your front end.

Yeah I'll be a jerk as well, and suggest you get the nicest pre-amp you can afford. My first one was a single channel, and I paid only $350 (it usally sold for $700), but I still love it today. But the more you spend, the better you will sound, (in most cases).
Just try to do quite a bit of reading about good quality pre-amps Vs great quality pre-amp's.
FYI---someone :roll: on here said that the "GT Brick" sounds good on a lot of various mic's. I don't own one however

TeddyG Tue, 05/24/2005 - 17:53

The only problem with a tube mic is the tube inside... Most of the lesser quality tube mics(If this costs less than several thousand, it would be "lesser" quality...), also use lesser quality tubes... Wait on the tube mic until you can get a real goody. I, also, would seriously investigate the Shure, of the 3 - though I wouldn't go with any of them myself, as I believe they are all rather too mid-range, price and quality-wise. I would either get a truly cheap mic(Because I'm cheap) or get a somewhat better one, because my wife gave me the money...

TG

anonymous Tue, 05/24/2005 - 18:38

I'd pick the Sure

I own a c3000 which I'd be happy to sell you for 100 dollars. They are not bad, but they are scooped, and a bit brash, and don't seem to take much spl, and lack clarity. The pattern switch is the only reason I keep it. Just in case I need a hypercardoid. My ksm 33 has its issues (I assume its a lot like the 27?) but its a fine workmanlike mic. Very "sure" with that midrange bump, but great detail, quiet, etc. I auditioned the SP tube mic in a store and I thought it sounded nasty. Not smooth, and not flattering. Nothing against SP - I love the C4's, and C1's for the money. You'd be much better off with a c1.

Comparing a tube mic to an fet mic is tough. Go for uncolored, clear, and quiet with pattern switching and you'll have a more useful tool. Tubes have as many issues as they have benefits imho.

frob Wed, 05/25/2005 - 14:48

so far ive not heard a good sounding MXL mic.

i would sujest the AT4040. its in youre price range and it seems to be a bit more versitile of a mic then the others mentiond. also it sounds good on most pres you hook it up to. if for some resone you have something agenst AT or you just want us to stick to the list, go with the shure. this ether the sure or the AT it will be a mic that you will whant to hold onto.

omaru Tue, 07/12/2005 - 05:10

Kurt Foster wrote: Or an ATM 4033 ... the best "all around" condenser ever made IMO ... You canuse these things on almost anything with good results ...

I haven't used that one but I do like muchly the KEL HM 1.

They're not as sensitive as an SM81 for distance work but closeup - they are great.

omaru

anonymous Tue, 07/12/2005 - 07:26

Kel is great! I picked up three obviously upon Kurts recommendation :) So thanks Kurt.

I also just picked up an AT4040 on ebay for $199. An excellent deal I think and there is one left...perhaps.

They are $1000 over here in OZ! I am amazed that I can grab one from the states for a total of $290 AUD, this including delivery etc. Unbelievable!