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Hey guys!

Just got myself a new portable MD recorder. One of the reasons was also to do some basic field recording. What I would like is a fairly decent microphone, to do some quality recordings. Looking at a budget of $100. (but if it's REALLY good, I might stretch it)

After some research I found the following main options:

Sony ECM-MS907: I've used it, sounds ok, has switchable stereo (90-180) for amazing stereo recordings and good price. Unfortunately has only a freq response of 100-15k.

http://www.Sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&productId=11035340

Edirol CS-15: Has lots of accessories such as a handheld clamp. Unfortunately has no specs, fixed stereo and is quite pricier.

http://www.roland.com/products/en/CS-15/

Audio-Technica Pro 24: Fair price, somewhat better freq response (100-17k) and is an Audio-Technica (!). Again, no switchable stereo.

http://www.audio-technica.com/cms/wired_mics/5f7e96b21f21e6b3/index.html

Also found some homemade stuff. The Reactive Sounds Delta 1. Great price, very compact. It also boasts a 20-20k freq response (which might be +-10db if you ask me) as well as a recording example online (but you know how that is).

http://www.reactivesounds.com/dt1.php

So you see I'm in limbo. There is not one mic that would combine all of these great specifications without some sort of drawback. I really like the switchable stereo on the Sony, since it makes AMAZING binaural recording. But I like the freq response of the Audio-Technica better. But I like the accessories of the Edirol... I like the look of the Delta, but I simply don't trust them.

What I'm looking for is some help in making a smart decision. This is for field recording, to be used for sound design, student movies, Electroacoustic compositions etc... Does anyone have any other recommendations?

Cheers!

Comments

Boswell Wed, 09/19/2007 - 03:22

The Rode NT4 beats any of the mics you mention. It's a higher price, but still excellent value for money. As well as running battery-powered with a minijack connector, it can be used as a conventional phantom-powered XLR mic when you are using pro recording gear.

You could also look at the Sony ECM-MS957 as a considerable step-up from the 907, but it's still a bit light in the bass when run into the medium-impedance input of an MD recorder.

mark_van_j Wed, 09/19/2007 - 09:53

Boswell wrote: The Rode NT4 beats any of the mics you mention. It's a higher price, but still excellent value for money. As well as running battery-powered with a minijack connector, it can be used as a conventional phantom-powered XLR mic when you are using pro recording gear.

Now THAT, I did not know! Will definitely check it out...

edit: Man, that mic is 4 times the price of any of the others... I doubt I want to invest that much. Still looks to sound amazing though!