Yeah I have.Several different models.Sessions with them.Owned them.more later.They really are very good.

I got the twin pack (A-51 & SC-1) about 2 yrs ago - when they were almost giving away the things...the A-51 and the SC-1. Great mics, even for the cost. Only used the SC-1 on a handful of things like percussion and guitar, and didn't really A-B it to anything else. It did the job fine. (I feel like this one was almost "Free" with the deal I got, anyway).

The A-51 has really surprised me all along the way. I use it almost exclusively for voice-over work in my studio; it's got a semi-permanent home in the VO area, in a shock mount, always ready to go. It has yet to let me down or prove itself unworthy, and I've thrown a lot of different voices at it, mostly male. I get plenty of crsip top end (not overly sibilant) and there's always enough bass when I need it for "Deeper" voices. (I use a popper-stopper as well; it's not overly sensitive to blasts or plosives, but I don't like taking chances with VOs that get done and finished before I even check the playback.)

I look at it as a low-cost alternative to the AT-4040, and for the $ I spent on it, I'm quite happy. I don't have to think about it; it's there, ready to go all the time, and the results are totally pro. The VO's we've used it for have been on radio, TV and lately some DVD soundtracks/VO beds.

Dunno how it holds up if you beat the hell out of it day in and day out, or with screechy vocals, but for a basic, meat & potato LD microphone, you can't beat it. Give it a listen, at the least. (I'd imagine the more esoteric models - like the Vienna, etc. - are worth a listen, too.)

I've got a set of A51 Series III (purportedly modeled after the U67 in performance...close, but no cigar)...but...

I use them for drum overhead/3 mic work, live concert recordings in ORTF, voiceovers, backup vocals, some lead vocals, acoustic guitars for pop things, guitar amps for squeaky clean jazz stuff, and the like...paid $125 each, and I have only 2 regrets:

1. I didn't buy 5 more at that price when I had the chance
2. The model has been discontinued.

There were many variants of the A51 line...the IIs were OK, the IVs OK, but the IIIs were almost magical...if you EVER see them anywhere, get one, and if its in working order and you don't like it, contact me...I may know someone to take it off your hands.

As to the newer line or the SDC, I haven't had any experience.

when i was just starting my condenser microphone collection i bought the ADK SC-1 and A-51 kit for a little under $275. It came with a shock mount for the A-51 and basic mount of the SC-1, aswell as 2x 30' foot XLR mic cables. The large diaphragm A-51 isn't anything special, it does have a pretty crisp response, especialy for its price. but the lipstick style A-51 small diaphragm sounds great, even comparable to the AudioTechnica 3032.
i still use these 2 mics together for stereo miking on acoustic guitar, its a nice kit...

ADK Microphones

I use the ADK TC (Tube Cardioid) Mic for practically all of my vocal recording. Definitely worth $600.

Their is a lot of information about the ADK Mics at http://www.adkmicrophones.com.

The AUdiophile Series stuff from ADK is rather nice. Many different items in the series, from the vintage tube sounding A48 to the smooth CE. The inexpensive Hamburg and Viennas are exceptional for the price, really exceptional. I'm looking forward to hearing the new SC-T SD mics with interchageable capsules.

here's a funny thought: maybe those A-51 - III's will become a collectors' item someday.

I too paid about $250-275 for the pair & the cables at the time. GREAT deal, no batter how bad they might have sounded.

Seems like it's a bit of a 'sleeper" mic that few want to admit they have and use.

I've Got a few A51s and use them all the time. they are now my first choice for micing guitar amps live and theve held up to some prety harsh abuse live. they sound far better than a old sm57 and cost about the same here in australia.

JoeH wrote: here's a funny thought: maybe those A-51 - III's will become a collectors' item someday.

I too paid about $250-275 for the pair & the cables at the time. GREAT deal, no batter how bad they might have sounded.

Seems like it's a bit of a 'sleeper" mic that few want to admit they have and use.

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

Maybe so...maybe so. I did talk to my 'guy' from whom I purchased the Ser IIIs; he advised they have been reintroduced as the GC2, but at a lower cost than the originals...I am planning on picking one up in a few weeks, just to see...

That said, I am somewhat intrigued by the ADK preamp...anyone seen/heard it yet?