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anonymous 2 February 2006

I am in the market for buying a good sounding stereo microphone which will not break the bank. I record electric rock music including mellotrons,
vocal harmonies and would at times like to use it as OH's for the drums. Are there any stereo mics out there that can withstand high spl's yet catch the smoothness of a 4part vocal harmony or capture the full range of an acoustic guitar?
I am using the PreSonus firepod (2) with various tube mic preamps as well
Thank you!

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JoeH Thu, 02/02/2006 - 20:29

Yes, the AT mic is model # 825. Never owned one, but I've had clients bring me DAT tapes done with these, and when used properly, they're ok. Not fabulous, but OK. (in one case, it was a brass ensemble. Not bad for this at all.) You can get it with XLRs or the 1/8" version. (More $$ for the XLR version of course).

I've been wanting to try out the Studio Projects LD2's for a long time now, and I'm told they've taken that one off the market with a newer version to come soon.

I did get a Rhode NT4 recently (as part of an elaborate trade deal), and I like it, like it a lot. It's a great "point and shoot" mic, and I've had great results with it for small ensembles, wind sections, heck, even a glass harmonica (during all these local "Ben Franklin's Birthday" gigs going on around here lately!) It's not adjustable, though, so its uses are limited.

Anything beyond that, it gets very pricey. (the SF-12 and SF-24's are of course in a class of their own, from price to implementation.)

I agree that you may be better off getting a good pair of everyday-use mics, AT 3035's, 4040s, AKG 414s', Shure KSM series, etc. It's a buyer's market out there for LD and SD mics.

mdemeyer Fri, 02/03/2006 - 00:38

Clarification on the AT mics... there is an 822 and an 825. The 822 is unbalanced out, mostly for camcorder and minidisc type recorders. The 825 is balanced out. Both can be powered by internal AA batteries and (if I remember) the 825 can also be phantom powered. But my memory might be weak on that point.

Had an 825 for a while and it was handy. Sounded decent for the $250-275 I paid for it. Pretty neutral, but in the end rather bland.

That said, I agree that seperate SDC mics are a better investment for the versatility alone.

Michael

JoeH Fri, 02/03/2006 - 09:17

You're absolutely right on the AT stereo mic, Michael; I knew there was a difference - hence the 822 and 825 - but I'd forgotten it's actually a model number as well as the unbal/balanced wiring. (It makes a price difference, too, as I recall.)

It's still a good point-and-shoot mic, and in the middle of a brass or wind section, in a lager mix with other mics, it could be useful. Ditto as a room ambience mic, strapped to a camcorder. I just don't think I'd rely on it as my "only" mic for things. Too many other good choices out there.

Simmosonic Mon, 02/06/2006 - 06:56

jimmy67 wrote: I am in the market for buying a good sounding stereo microphone which will not break the bank.

How quickly do you need it? How long can you wait for it?

No doubt, if you keep saving and wait another six months, you'll be able to put yourself in the market for a much better sounding stereo microphone (or stereo microphone pair, whatever...)

Sorry for being preachy, but the reality is that most people who are in the market for something new now will be in the market for something new again in six months time. So, why not wait that six months and channel all the money into one great product instead of two so-so products? You've gotten by this long without it...

Unlike computers and digital products, a good microphone doesn't suddenly become obsolete or outdated, it doesn't suddently drop in value, and it will remain a useful tool for as long as you care to own it. A worthwhile investment, IMHO, and one worth waiting a bit longer for.

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