New Mic for Christmas?

[EddieDingle]

Hey Guys,

I was looking to get a new mic for Christmas, I was looking at Shure KSM44, Neumann 103, AKG 414, a Blue mic, or a Rode NTK.

I was leaning more for a multi-pattern mic, so I could use it for any array recording situations.

I am primarily using it for male vocals, but I would like to use it for a room drum mic, or miking a guitar amp.

Any ideas?? I have heard some good things about the Shure KSM44 and are leaning towards it. I have heard although the Rode's are Australian mics, the capsules are made in China and are kinda cheap. But as for that, I have no clue, I have heard really good things about them, and I don't know where or how well the caps are made.

Thanks for the info guys,
Chris

[fifthcircle]

Why don't you check out the Microtech Gefell M930? It is a first rate microphone with a sound that isn't too different than some of the older U87s. (not as bright as the really new ones, but not as dark as the original vintage ones).

I do a lot of recording of acoustic music and it has sounded great on everything I've put it in front of from vocalists (female and male) to piano to french horn to woodwinds and strings...

I also have TLM 103s, I use 414s, etc... I also use a lot of esoteric mics in my recordings and this is probably the most useful all-around mic I've come across.

My $0.02 FWIW

--Ben

[Bloux]

Originally posted by EddieDingle:
Hey Guys,

I was looking to get a new mic for Christmas, I was looking at Shure KSM44, Neumann 103, AKG 414, a Blue mic, or a Rode NTK.

I was leaning more for a multi-pattern mic, so I could use it for any array recording situations.

I am primarily using it for male vocals, but I would like to use it for a room drum mic, or miking a guitar amp.

Any ideas?? I have heard some good things about the Shure KSM44 and are leaning towards it. I have heard although the Rode's are Australian mics, the capsules are made in China and are kinda cheap. But as for that, I have no clue, I have heard really good things about them, and I don't know where or how well the caps are made.

Thanks for the info guys,
Chris

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">Chris those are all great mics you mentioned. each one has a unique strength.

As a vocalist myself (tenor) I've used the TLM103-didnt like where it sat in the mix, it was missing that mid range bite, very sweet sounding though.

the shure was pretty nice seemed a bit fuller across the spectrum, didnt sound bad-but didnt freak me out either.

the 414 will probably be the most versitle. sounds great on so many things including drums.

the NTK will be your tube mic. probably the most colored one there on your list. the blue's have so many models to choose from and they have there own unique sound. (this is the only one I've yet to hear on my voice, I need to hear one)

I really like the 414TLII vocal version (gold and black). thats what I'm eying at the moment, it has sounded the best on my voice thus far.

I've read some great reviews on the Studio Projects Mics: the C1 is an omni pattern mic that is compared to the U87 believe it or not. Its lists for about $229.00... their C3 is a multi pattern mic (same as the C1 but multi pattern) and is compared to the AKG C12. the C3 goes for about $349.00.

I will be checking these mics out as well before making my decision.

sometimes I think you just gotta get "that mic" the one that sounds best with your voice no matter if its useless elswhere (which I doubt)
theres so many budget mics that work so well with instruments..but the voice is so unique.

good luck to you

[The Mighty Burner]

Hello Mr. Dingle -

for what it's worth, I own a Shure KSM32 (the cardiod version of the 44) and I love it....a real bang for the buck mic...resonably priced, and sounds great. It's probably worth mentioning that I mainly use it for vocals, and it makes a nice vocal mic (I use Shure SM81s for intrument mic'ing).

Good Luck,

Rob

[Styles Bitchly]

One more "hoorah" for the KSM32! It may not compare to the high dollar mics, but it's every bit as good as any $1000 unit I've heard, and for $500 you can't get a better deal. I've used mine for vocals, and guitar (as well as recording some great ambient room noise, my G-4 fan, and my 2 year old grandson screaming from the next room - all of which sound spectacular). I also have a BLUE baby bottle, which is great for particular applications, but my favorite is still the Shure.

[Morningstar]

Audio Technica 40 series mics are always a great 'bang for the buck'.

[English Jim]

I have the Shure KSM44, the Rode NTK, the Neumann TLA 103 and I just got rid of a Blue Baby Bottle and AKG 414. I would say the TLM103 is the most flexible. If I could only have one (condenser) mic out of those listed it would be the Neumann. Having said that all 3 get used on a regular basis but for different applications. Didn't care for the Blue - a little dark and not much presence. I found the 414 to be a little harsh and prone to sibilance on vocals - depending on the singer of course. Great for drum overheads though if you like large diaf. mics in that context. Just my opinions.