If you can go a whisker higher, the M-Audio Solaris crushes the three listed (IMHO, YMMV, etc.).

thanks for the tip. But...

A bit higer is not it. The solaris is a whole 180USD more expensive here. it's over 500USD. Almost as much as the C1 (a little more) But if im gonna be wasting money with the other mics. Ill sell some stuff. :(

lemme know. I need to order in the next 24hrs.

Sidhu

p.s. I no longer have the NT1 I mentioned.

In your list above, I'd pick the Studio Projects B1. I haven't heard the M-Audio mic, but I have heard the NT1A. There are a couple of other options, including the [="http://www.audio-technica.com/prodpro/profiles/AT2020.html"]Audio Technica AT2020[/]="http://www.audio-te…"]Audio Technica AT2020[/] and the [[url=http://="http://www.kelaudio…"]Kel Audio HM-1[/]="http://www.kelaudio…"]Kel Audio HM-1[/].

I havnt yet been abpe to locate a AT dealer around here. And the AT website states none. I find the flat response of the Solaris inreasting. Can it also do as a measuring mic ? In omni mode ? the specs state that it cover a 20-20 range with no more than +/- 1dB variation.

And French ? Do you prefer the B1 over the NT1A ? The B1 is bout 50% cheaper, and thats better news.

Sidhu

Ah yes, you're in India. So what kind of music is going on in India right now?

I wouldn't trust those Solaris specs.

Yes, I prefer a B1 to an NT1-A.

Well, I just came back from 'remembring Shakti' concert.

John McLaughlin, Zakir Hussain, Shankar Mahadevan and all... Too bad L isnt there with them anymore. And Sting is coming next week. But mostly CRAP !

John, If I were to muster enough courage to spend close to 500USD. Should it be the C1 or still the Solaris ?

It's crazy how little 500 bucks gets you down here. I envy you ppl. :evil:

Im lost. I think ill just get the B1 for now and move on. But there is no gaurantee it would be in stock. So I need a second opinion.

NT1A
Luna
Behringer B1/B2

Or I bite a fatter bullet and :

Solaris
C1
NT2A

final decision pending on you ppl. thank you all once again.

Sidhu

NOT Behringer.

My second choice (more like first choice) would be the NT2A, although I heard John's 'miracle' Solaris recording and was quite impressed. Who knows how it would do on close vocals though.

I finally got a chance to try it on some vocals... Quite nice. Made the 414 sound boring on a male vocal with a lot of "Burl Ives" air and did justice to a less-than-stellar female vocal.

Live, I can't find anything it sounds bad on... I put one on a harp at an outdoor amphitheatre with a "pops" band (50 people or so). 30 mics on the orchestra and the harp stood out like a sore thumb - In a good way...

I am a little surprised to hear no one preferring the SP C1 as a first. I have read soo much about it.

I think ill order the B1 tommorow (todaz a national holiday)

Very Bad news for me. None of the SP or rode mics are in stock. at least 10 daz wait. Ill just have to go with the M-audios. Is the Luna not worth it ? Only makes sence to spend money on the Solaris ? Help!

If I pik up a luna for now, and soon aso add the B1 to my closet, am I correct in assuming that I will be adding versatility ?

Also available is the CAD M177.

and thank you all for your help.

Sidhu

Be sure to post back with results and audio examples if possible!

Hi french, im not too sure I understood you correct. Which results are you referring too ???

Sidhu

ih other words, let us know about the recordings you make with your new mic.

David French wrote: ih other words, let us know about the recordings you make with your new mic.

Thatrs what i figured.... sure :)

Just located a Rode NT1A. Im ordering that. Feel more comfortable about it. Let you guyz know.

Thanks a ton.

sidhu