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Captjono 8 August 2005

Hi All,

I have just about got my home studio to a stage where I can begin doing some good recording, but am still missing a vital link...mics.

I'm prob. going to get a couple of SM57s, but need some help with what other mics will go well, and are not too expensive. (I guess I am aiming at mainly band type recording but also small classical type ensembles as well)

The 1st mic I was looking at getting was the RODE NT1-A. I was going to also purchace an 'ART Tube MP - OPL' preamp to go with it.

What do people think about this equipment?

Would you suggest anything else?

All help greatly appreciated!

Thanks heaps!

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Comments

jonyoung Fri, 08/12/2005 - 15:45

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.

TheArchitect Fri, 08/12/2005 - 15:57

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

jonnyc Mon, 08/15/2005 - 12:37

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.

Captjono Wed, 08/24/2005 - 17:31

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!

anonymous Tue, 12/27/2005 - 23:02

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

anonymous Thu, 12/29/2005 - 04:34

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

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