I use a set of MC012's for overheads currently, and am ready to graduate up to some Studio Projects C4's. I heard someone somewhere describe the MC012 as sounding like a condensor version of an SM-57, and I now echo that sentiment somewhat. The pair I have are from GC, so it's possible that I got a bum pair - but in general I'm not very happy with them. They lack any sort of "sparkle" and are super-sensitive to wind noise, etc. Using them without shockmounts is pretty much out of the question, imo.

I know nothing! Nothing! about the Nady mics.. The company doesn't have a tradition for making great mics. Their main claim to fame was in wireless mic technology early in the game. They used Shure mics and built the transmitters and receivers. Their new line of studio mics doesn't seem to be creating much buzz and I have seen a lot of them on blow out from dealers.

The MXL mics have a reputation for poor quality control with a lot of units failing in the field and having to be sent back to the manufacturer for repair or replacement.

You saw idjiits reply on the Oktavas. Another company that has QC problems. Very inconsistent production. The quality of different pieces of the same model varies widely. Difficult to get two that sound the same and have the same output level.

My opinion is that the Rode and Studio Projects versions of these mics (many of these mics are manufactured in the same factory in China) are the better of the bunch. You pay a bit more for them but they QC them before packaging and seem to set higher standards for the O.E.M. to meet.

If you’re looking for budget conscious mics, Studio Projects C3 multi pattern large diaphragm and C4 small diaphragm mics perform admirably at their price point. I have both of these models here and have been using them in place of Neumann’s and AKG's that are many times the cost.. Kurt

Obviously, I agree with Kurt here... But I will add that there are also companies that try to "match" some of these mics for situations where you require a stereo pair. This does not necessarily mean that the units won't break down quicker than a Studio Projects (or Neumann, for that matter) mic - but in general the sound you get should be better. Personally, I'm skeptical of how good a "good" Oktava MC012 really sounds - but there are plenty of fans on this board.

Thanks all

it's amazing the difference in opinions re: mics...I guess it's time for the ole Overhead Mic shootout...contenders are....

Don