microphone suggestions....

[pk_hat]

I know it's a tired topic, but I could really use your mic knowledge here.
I'm about to buy my first "good mic", and by that I mean a few leaps beyond a Shure M57 or M58.

The one I really want is the Rode NTK, but I don't know that I can justify spending $500 on an NTK, when the reviews are so stellar for the NT1, which would set me back a mere $200.
(the truth is, I'd rather save the difference towards the A-Station synth at $550 [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img])

I just want to own one good mic (for now) to capture nice vocals and guitars, with the occasional odd noise sampling here and there.

I've borrowed an AKG C1000 and C3000B in the past and somehow I prefered the C1000.
The 3000 sounded a bit too 'boomy' and mid-range heavy. But then again, could have been the way it was set-up, the room, the instrument it was recording, etc. Many variables could have played a factor.

Here are the models I'm really looking at, perhaps that will help you comment on what you've experienced with them.

under $400:

AKG C1000S - $199
AKG C2000B - $199 (funny, I've never read any reviews on this one, ever, but I'd be curious to know, it sure looks nice)
AKG C3000B - $299

Rode NT1 - $199
Rode NT2 - $399
Rode NT1000 - $299 (this sounds like it could also be the one, anyone have one?)

Audio Technica AT4033SE - $299 (seems to be a classic)
Audio Technica AT3035 - $199 (very curious)


I'm leaning on Rode NT1 or AKG C2000 so far....


So there it is, I did as much research as I could on other sites but I couldn't find anything deeper than the simple "sounds really nice on vocals and guitars", over and over again.


Thanks a bunch!

pk

[da BaSsTaRd!]

i won't even bother to make believe i know anything about microphones, but i have the akg c3000b and i like it. if you're contemplating the 2000 or the 3000, you should know that a shockmount comes with the 3000 and not the 2000....

peace......

[Allen Hallada]

PK,
I did a microphone shootout with some of the mics you have listed there including the Neumman U87. The Rode NTK kicks some serious butt on male vocals and sounds great alone with the Digi001 micpres or with a clean preamp (grace101,Avalon,Mackie VLZpro,Manley).
I think you can still get one for 385.00 at www.bpmmusic.com if you ask for Dewayne and tell him that I bought two for that price and you want one too. He is great. The NT1000 is a great mic, not as good on vocals for my purpose as the NTK, but much better than the NT1. If you can't spring for the NTK then get the NT1000. I still have my NT1, and I thought it was good until I plugged these others in. No comparison. They cut out alot of the ambient noise in the room also where the NT1 picked up alot of noise that it shouldn't have.
The Soundeluxe condensor mics were nice too.
The winner in my opinion was the U87. That thing was just pure pristine. But the NTK was a good contender.
Good luck.
Allen [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

[phdumas]

I use an AKG C3000B through the digi preamps and I'm happy with the results.

Good luck
Philippe Dumas

[pk_hat]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:<HR>Originally posted by da BaSsTaRd!:
i won't even bother to make believe i know anything about microphones, but i have the akg c3000b and i like it. if you're contemplating the 2000 or the 3000, you should know that a shockmount comes with the 3000 and not the 2000....

peace......<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
S'up Brian,

I was gonna email you about this a few minutes ago but you beat me to it on the DUC. I do remember seeing the AKG 3000 in your studio, you even got great sounds from all those percussion hits you recorded with it!

Hmm....perhaps a 3000 then? [img]images/icons/confused.gif[/img]


pk

[murph16]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:<HR>Originally posted by phdumas:
I use an AKG C3000B through the digi preamps and I'm happy with the results.

Good luck
Philippe Dumas<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Me too.
Works great with the digi pre. Even better with my DBX 576.

[Aussie169]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think the C2000 is a small diaphram mic dressed up to look like a large. Bit like the CAD E200.
Mark

[Keith Lowdon]

Take a listen to a Marshall V67G - it might surprise you. YMMV.

[n.mathis]

as far as audio-technica i have not heard many but really like my 4051 for classic/electic guitar,drum overhead,trupet,harp,just a good general purpose condenser.it's capsule can be replaced with omni or hypercardioid.i've yet to record vocals with it,but i'm sure you could find a better condenser for that.otherwise it's a decent mic for instruments.i picked it up used for $250 ,and am pleased.i use a audio-technica drum mic kit,it's cheap but decent with a 57 and the 4051 makes a difference in the mix for sure.i'd like to hear it with a couple of those c1000's as overheads,and the ntk as the room mic on drums.i bet the ntk sounds good on vocals, i'd like to check it.audio-technica does make some decent mics though-peace

[Allen Hallada]

FREE AKG C3000 with the purchase of Lexicon MPX1 effects processor at Guitar Center right now. Whew, talk about a blow out sale. Lexicon priced at 699.99. I'd buy the Lexicon, get the mic, then sell the Lexicon if I didn't like it. Seems like a great deal to me.
Allen [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]