Note: I have done some searching on this site and found a lot of good information, so I've edited this post to get to more specific questions. I want to be able to do rather minimalist analog recording for singer/songwriter types, jazz combos, and maybe even classical quartets and such. Here is what I have:

I am looking to buy one (maybe a matched pair?) primarily for recording acoustic instruments and wondered if you could help me understand the various polar plots that I have seen.

For example AVENSON AUDIO STO-2 shows this plot (from Mercenary):

Hey guys, a friend of mine here in Baltimore is likely going to be opening up a boutique music/pro audio type store in the next year or so. I was talking to her about how she should carry more hard to find stuff that places like guitar center and such don't carry. I was wondering if you guys knew of any of these elusive FMR audio et cetera type small business/garage workshop type operations.

Hi,

Hi everyone,

I've been looking for a pair of small diaphragm condensers that would work well with an acoustic guitar and for drums overheads.

Some people have suggested the SM81's for me. Any alternatives I should consider? They are within my budget, no problem, but I wonder if they are the best option (they seem to be a studio staple around here).

Thanks.

just seeing what you folks usually use and why. I've been using small diaphragms for years but would like to try something new. also, my snare doesn't pick up well in the overheads even when they are very(too) close.

I'm looking into replacing my current DDA-console in my production studio. I need something compact since space is an issue but I don't want to compromise in sound, at all. I also do more and more final mixes in my studio (although it's mainly for production) so I'd like to bring up the quality as high as possible.

Any experience with them?
More useful in a studio environment?

What do you think?

I'm looking for a pair of small condenser mics, which will be an upgrade from some AKG C1000s's. I would spend as much as 800 for the pair. Any suggestions? Thanks,

Anyone can give me an advice? i have to buy a matched pair of condenser mics...what do you prefer: RODE NT5, AT 30 series, Oktava? yeah i know the KM184 are way better, but, this is my budget... ;)