Good/great Mic for under 1200.00?

[RCory]

Hey all -

I'm looking for recommendations on a good all around mic for under 1200 -1500 bucks?? I say all around because I'd be recording vocals and guitar with it - and possibly some percussion - but not much -

Thanks all -

Cory

[chrispick]

No direct answers from me. I'm on a similar quest. In fact, here's the thread with some suggestions. Maybe this'll help you:

http://www.motunation.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=22574

[Resonant Alien]

Mojave Audio MA200 (if you want a tube condenser). AKG C414 (if you want a FET condenser).

[Dwetmaster]

Brad?
Where are you???

[jmoore]

I've got a C414B/ULS and it works great on acoustic guitar and percussion, but I'm not wild about what it does on vocals. I have read that this is one of those mics that works best with a character preamp like a Neve. Unfortunately I've never been able to test that for myself. I use mine with my Seventh Circle Audio J99.

I've heard nothing but rave reviews of the Mojave MA-200. If you go that route, know that dealer cost is right about $700 (I've got a VERY reliable source), so don't believe your sales rep if he says he can't work on the price a little bit.

Good luck and make sure you let us know what you decide to do.

[jon]

Hey all -

I'm looking for recommendations on a good all around mic for under 1200 -1500 bucks?? I say all around because I'd be recording vocals and guitar with it - and possibly some percussion - but not much -

Thanks all -

Cory

I love the Earthworks TC30 on guitar, percussion, strings and also a very good spot mic for concert hall vocals. Even though they are Omni(s) when you get just close enough they sing and don••™t break up when an instrument or vocal peaks suddenly. They go for about $800 a pop and work great as a pair. For vocals I like a BLUE Baby Bottle $600. My chain is a Baby bottle to a Grace pre 101 to a RNC1773 then Motu 2408 then to a Macbook or G5 Tower. You have a larger budget so explore the possibilities but I am finding that a large assortment of Mic••™s in your locker make any occasion special.

[James Steele]

I'll say it yet again... the Red Type B. I have a C414/ULS that was modded by Audio Upgrades, and the Red Type B blows it away...

http://www.vintagemicrophone.com

[BradLyons]

Brad?
Where are you???

I'm here But my lips are sealed at this point sorry

[monkey man]

Brad?
Where are you???

I'm here But my lips are sealed at this point sorry

Dang. It's bean-spillin' time, isn't it Brad?

[David Polich]

The M-Audio Sputnik is fantastic. Sounds a lot like a Neumann U47. Very smooth and lots of bottom, detailed mid and clear but not edgy highs. Three patterns (cardioid, omni, figure eight), roll-off switches, attenuator switch, power supply and it all comes in a James Bond style aluminum case.

It even makes ME sound good.

[Phil O]

I've got an AT 4050 CM5 that I think is very under rated. I've used it on a wide variety of stuff with great results. Love it for baritone vocals. About 600 bucks. I would also check out the Royer R121 and i've heard good things about the Blue Woodpecker although I haven't had the chance to hear one yet (ribbon mics). Earthworks makes some great stuff. They have a few offerings in that price range. You can't shop for mics without checking out Earthworks.

Phil

[BradLyons]

Earthworks makes wonderful mics, I own some myself--but I'd not recommend as an vocal mic or even an all-around microphone as they are really more unique than that. As much as I love the Royer, I'm not a fan of them on voice. I'm the first to admit though it's because I like a fat, warm sounding mic on vocals!!

[Phil O]

Earthworks makes wonderful mics, I own some myself--but I'd not recommend as an vocal mic or even an all-around microphone as they are really more unique than that. As much as I love the Royer, I'm not a fan of them on voice. I'm the first to admit though it's because I like a fat, warm sounding mic on vocals!!

Well, at least I got you to speak up!

Yeah, I got a little off topic there with the Earthworks, but I do like the Royer on vocals.

Brad, have you heard the Woodpecker yet?

Phil

[BradLyons]

Yep, I was about to buy one but realized I wouldn't be using it for several months as I'm about to start a long construction process on the new studio---so I did something I normally don't do, I showed restraint I'd say GREAT mic, but that might be interpreted as "selling"....so, I'll not comment on what I like about it here.

[James Steele]

I'd say GREAT mic, but that might be interpreted as "selling"....so, I'll not comment on what I like about it here.

No, it wouldn't, Brad. Since you persist on dropping little verbal zingers about you're persecution here, you've compelled me to say something.

I said, I'd prefer it if you did not answer most questions about gear with links to items on Sweetwater's web site, that's all. So please drop the victim thing if you don't mind. You want to recommend a mic or tell someone the rough price of something, that's fine. You even want to PM someone that you can get them a deal... that's fine too. I never said you couldn't give opinions, Brad, so please get that straight. What I objected to was the trend of more and more posts being answered with a Sweetwater link. That's all. Thanks.