Get a Shure KSM44. You'll use it on everything. Best bang for the buck IMO.

If you want a really nice tube pre, get a Groove Tubes Brick.

beta-52 for kick drum

I would get a Senn 609. I like that mic a lot on guitar amps. A good all 'rounder type large diaghram condensor like an AT4040 or an ADK Hamburg or Vienna would be good choices.

If you can swing the rode nt2A instead of the nt1a, get it- the nt2a has the new capsule, like the one in the K2 and its quite superior to the one in the nt1a, imo. I haven't taken the nt1 out of the closet since I got the k2.

I use the AT3035 and AT4050 a lot. The 3035 is warm without being muddy, and about $185. The 4050 is multi-pattern, transparent and often reffered to as a "poor man's" Nuemann U87, about $500. I just picked up a couple of the AT2020's, haven't had a chance to track with them yet, but for the price and based on field tests I've read, I'm probably going to like them. $99.

jonyoung wrote: I use the AT3035 and AT4050 a lot. The 3035 is warm without being muddy, and about $185. The 4050 is multi-pattern, transparent and often reffered to as a "poor man's" Nuemann U87, about $500. I just picked up a couple of the AT2020's, haven't had a chance to track with them yet, but for the price and based on field tests I've read, I'm probably going to like them. $99.

Been looking at an AT or two myself. Likely a 4040 but I am curious to hear your thoughts on the 2020.

I'll never have stash of U87's but a nice collection of quirky but cool mics is the dream

I'll have two chances to track with the 2020's in the coming week, will post some observations soon!

I would pass up the Art Tube preamp. Anything in that $100 range of pre's isn't gonna do much for you sound wise. The only cheap pre I'd consider at this point would be the Dmp3 by maudio other than that the next cheapest I'd go for is the Brick. Problem with cheap pre's is if you ever get a good pre you'll quickly realize the cheap one isn't much more than a $100 paper weight. Don't buy cheap shit because its all you can afford, save money and make due with what you have if you save the 100 on the art and save up a couple hundred more then you can get the brick and you'll probably wanna keep it forever. And one last thing don't go get an expensive mic if you're just going to plug it into a crappy pre, it won't do the good mic any justice, get the good pre first then get a good mic.

I agree about the $100 ART, but if you can find a used Pro MPA for a couple hundred and put good NOS tubes in it, you won't be disappointed.

Thanx heaps for all that!

Plenty of info to chew on!

I totally agree about saving up that bit extra $$$ to get something that you will be happy with from the start! I have so far been doing that...just a long, slow process! But hopefully in the end it will be worth it!

I think I will def. go with the brick, but it is a little hard to find in Australia. Can any1 recommend where to buy it from???

Thanks heaps again!

Just wondering what ppl thought of the AKG C3000B as a vocal mic???

Is a NT2A still a better option?

Haven't used the C3000B, but if it's anything like the original C3000 then I'd pass. I used to have a C3000 and it was harsh and brittle. Maybe useful on some sources, but not for vocals. I sold mine 2 weeks ago and bought a Rode K2. (still waiting for my NOS tube :( )

I think the lower level AKG mics are waaay overpriced. Go for the NT2A or an AT. Some people over here really seemed to like the KEL mics too.
Very cheap and I think you can send them back if you don't like them?
(somebody please correct me if I'm wrong)

I also have an ART tube MP which (like jonnyc said) makes a nice paperweight since I got my Brick.

Hope this helps

G

Grooveteer wrote: I also have an ART tube MP which (like jonnyc said) makes a nice paperweight since I got my Brick.

hehehe...thanx for the help Groove...I think I'm going to go with the NT2A.

And then save up for the brick.

Thanx again!

You're welcome.

Actually I would recommend doing it the other way 'round: If you already have a decent mic (like a 57 or 58 ) you may want to go for the pre first (it's called pre for a reason 8) ).

I know a big mic will look sexy, but a good pre will do more for a decent mic than a good mike will do for a less than stellar pre.

Just my 2 euro cents of course

G

Hmmmmmm...

If only I had more $$$$$ :cry:

Oh well...guess I will just have to prioritize well!

So do you think that a 57 would make a better vocal recording with a brick as a pre, then a NT2A in a crap pre???