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I'm putting together a basement DAW studio ON A BUDGET. I already have the computer I'll be using (PC, dual core), software(got for free, huzzah for good, or rich, friends), a phonic mu 1705 mixer(got a screaming deal), and now I'm looking for a mic. My first mic. I've done a lot of research, but you can only learn so much without actually talking to people.

So, I'll be doing mostly guitar for now, acoustic and electric, and some other strings. I want to break that "sterile" feel of what I've been screwing around with so far, plugging straight into the mixer. I've bounced from the obvious SM57s everyone seems to love, to a studio projects B1, to a Sure PG81, to an Oktava mk 319, to the ADK Hamburg/Vienna mics(a little out of price range...), to a Sure KSM27 (also on the pricey side), and now I'm almost settled on a Cascade Fathead. Almost. Almost.

I've heard a lot of good things about it, including some hands on tests comparing it to Royer ribbon mics. I'm not stupid enough to believe that they are equal for a second, but for $159... I mean, the price is right. Does anyone here have hands-on experience with these? Is it suited to my needs? Should I even be looking at a ribbon as a first mic?

Comments

AaronP Sat, 12/22/2007 - 06:15

Well I know that. The AD converters in this one probably cost the manufacturer about 50 cents and work just the same. Remember, this one came with the computer, no upgrades there.

After Christmas I'll probably have about $150+ to work with for the next component. You've promoted getting an interface, so I will start looking more thoroughly into that.

As for what I payed for what, I will brag about saving a dollar fifty. I enjoy shopping like a Jew. If I get a good deal, you'll hear about it.

bent Sat, 12/22/2007 - 09:05

I enjoy shopping like a Jew.

Sorry, I can't resist - using your terms here:

You may enjoy shopping like a jew, but when the result is a cheap purchase of gear like a Phonic mixer, you actually wasted the money.
:roll:
If you shopped like a jew, and ended up getting a Mackie or Yamaha for that price, then I would commend your accomplishment!

moonbaby Sat, 12/22/2007 - 09:31

Hey,
My mother is a Jew, and I'm getting PISSED off that there are people associating that religion with being penny-foolish. There's a BIG difference between buying a quality product at a bargain price, and just buying the cheapest piece of shit you can find.
Furthermore, Aaron, you have a lot to learn about LISTENING, and associating how you WANT to sound with HOW to get there. So far, all I've heard spewed from your posts is ignorance, arrogance, and crappy sound. Clean up your act or hit the road, kid.