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anonymous 28 September 2004

So I'm looking to pick up a decent mic for my project studio and from reading reviews and getting several opinions these two mics come up the most as the best in my price range. Any thoughts? I'm stuck with a dbx 386 pre and a PreSonus blue tube, though of course I'll be looking to upgrade to perhaps something from UA when funds allow.
Any suggestions or advice would be appreciated.

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Comments

Cucco Wed, 09/29/2004 - 12:43

I've used both of these mics somewhat extensively (allthough, mainly the Rode). While both of these mics are decent, there are maybe another 50 in the price range that you should consider. Perhaps even 100 in a lower price range and of course several in a higher price range. Even though I like the Rode a lot, I couldn't recommend to anyone - "Buy this mic!" Not because it's not a good mic, but it is not the best mic for everything.

First, don't worry about upgrading the pre's. Again, not that you have great pres, but you're not going to get much better without spending a lot more. Take the money you would have spent on upgrading the pres and travel around to listen to these mics live.

If there's one thing I've learned over time, it's that reviews suck - they never tell you what you need to know and it is all based on what the reviewer hears. Don't fall into the hype of reviews. Listen for yourself and see what you like. Who knows, you may wind up saving a chunk of change.

--Jeremy

anonymous Wed, 09/29/2004 - 13:55

I just got a K2.. still putting it through it's paces - but so far, I'm very happy with it.

I've only tried it on my own vocals so far - through a Vintech X73i - and it's very present and clear, with no harshness that I've found in other 'budget' mics. My voice is kind of midrangey, and can often stick out like a sore thumb from a mix without a lot of work... my first quick test with the K2 and the Vintech - and it just sat nicely right in. Present, up front, but not 'icepick in the forehead'.

As I use it more - I'll update my findings.
"-)

KurtFoster Mon, 10/04/2004 - 12:21

I reviewed the CAD M9 .. you can see it in the Reviews section here at RO ..

I was very impressed with the sound quality of the M9 ... for the price, I think it's hard to beat .. It is built very well has a sturdy shock mount (unlike most offering in this price range) and comes with all the accesories and a storage case.

I used it on a variety of sources and found it to be flexible .. as a single mic in front of a drum set, I was amazed at the fullness of the whole kit ..

I don't see how anyone could go wrong with the CAD M9.

maintiger Tue, 10/05/2004 - 16:13

I've been using my K3 a lot for vocals lately- I agree with C9 on the fact that the sound cuts through the vocals and you don't need much eq... Lately is been K2s for most vocal aps except for when I want a mellow sound- nobody beats my RCA D77 for that! Of course if my friend Larry hadn't flaked out on me I'd still be using his two U87's from the 60's- those had a sound that it is hard to beat... the K2 comes darn close, though-

frob Thu, 10/07/2004 - 10:42

i dont know how mutch a step up it is as i consider them bolth in the same catagorey and have herd equaly good things about bolth mics. my point was the M9 is cardiod only and thus half the price so my purchace would be do you need figure eight and omni? if not get the M9 and save the dough for your UA.

anonymous Sat, 10/09/2004 - 05:27

though the m9 is only cardiod its still a good mic to have in a studio.
after i switched the cheap ass sovtek tube that was in it to a mullard cv4004 i think it was.. the sound of the m9 came alive.
it was a good sound mic but the sound was like.. using a behringer pre vs a great river, api, manley.. the sound changed that much
right now a lot of ppl have the m9 on sale for 299.
when i got my m9 i paid about 375 for it.

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