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i just got a delta 1010 system for christmas (been using a 788 portapotty way too long), i have a set of matched pair SP condensers, Shure drum kit mics, and some spare 58/57s around, but i've still got some left over christmas money to burn on a nice microphone. i figured a large diaphragm was probably a good choice for my next mic. i was looking to keep things reasonable in price, $500 perhaps. i was also told a mutli polar pattern mic was the best choice for someone like myself who doesn't have a wealth of mics yet. i'll be going into a 1604, out the inserts, into the 1010 to record.

any information about the characteristics or personal experience with the type of mics i'm looking for is greatly appreciated. if you need to know anything else about what i'm using, equipment or instruments just ask.

thanks.

Comments

CoyoteTrax Sat, 12/30/2006 - 07:40

It's true a multi-pattern LDC is really nice to have. The AT 4050 is a beautiful tool to have and versatile enough to use for vocals and acoustic instruments, with a definite 'signature' sound. On the tube side I have an Aphex 460 modded by Dave Thomas at Advanced Audio that sounds fantastic IMO (only $325 fully modded). The stock version isn't bad either if you swap out the stock tube for a nice Philips 12AT7 or a GE 12AU7 or AY7. If you run the 460 into a passive DI box before hitting your DAW it adds a nice discrete "sound". Very versatile.

jonyoung Sat, 12/30/2006 - 16:11

I agree with CoyoteTrax, the 4050 is a poor man's U87, very versatile mic in your price range. I'm awfully glad I own one but.......I own 2 AT3035's and use them on more stuff than the 4050. I guess my ears just like them more, and you can own two for slightly less than one 4050. God's honest truth, I can count on one hand the number of times in a year I use omni or figure 8 on a session, and I do it full time. My 2cents.

moonbaby Wed, 01/03/2007 - 08:05

Very good recommendations here. I have a couple of AT4047s and love them....about $550 US street price. They aren't multi-pattern, but do use a dual-diaphragm arrangement like a m-p, and they have a great vibe. I think that AT has discontinued the 4050, might want to jump on one if you can. And the venerable RE20 (I have 2 of these, too) is a great mic to have around ANY studio. My feelings are that the 4047 is a nice "warm" (I know, I hate that term, but...) sound and works well on all sorts of vocals, the RE20 is more "flat", and while it is widely used for voice-overs, it really shines on low-end instruments...Have fun!