Author Topic: Cheapest Condenser Mic w/ Quality (Read 11643 times)

JEM hole · « **on:** April 29, 2006, 06:06:00 AM »

Guys please help find a decent but cheap condenser mic w/ quality.

JEM hole · « **Reply #1 on:** April 29, 2006, 06:08:43 AM »

particularly vocal condenser mic.

KitC · « **Reply #2 on:** April 29, 2006, 12:07:38 PM »

Try the Audio Technika AT2020. I'd recommend trying out some MXL's but I don't know of any local supplier.

mariuo · « **Reply #3 on:** May 01, 2006, 10:00:51 AM »

how about samson usb condenser mics? i think they're around 4k in audiophile

KitC · « **Reply #4 on:** May 01, 2006, 01:28:27 PM »

Quote from: mariuo

how about samson usb condenser mics? i think they're around 4k in audiophile

I've been fairly discreet about this for some time now, and no disrespect to Audiophile, but google the samson usb mic and how to monitor it's output. AFAIK, this applies to all usb mics. (Used to have a similar problem with my Terratec Phono Preamp USB which is now virtually unused.)

pinoymusika · « **Reply #5 on:** May 01, 2006, 03:47:46 PM »

Quote from: KitC

I've been fairly discreet about this for some time now, and no disrespect to Audiophile, but google the samson usb mic and how to monitor it's output. AFAIK, this applies to all usb mics.

Kit, could you be more specific? Are they difficult to use?

KitC · « **Reply #6 on:** May 01, 2006, 05:46:05 PM »

Quote from: pinoymusika

Quote from: KitC

I've been fairly discreet about this for some time now, and no disrespect to Audiophile, but google the samson usb mic and how to monitor it's output. AFAIK, this applies to all usb mics.

Kit, could you be more specific? Are they difficult to use?

Actually, these mics are the epitome of ease of use. Just plug them in and start recording. Now comes the hard part, try monitoring the output as you are recording... you will find that you can't unless you are using antiquated MME drivers with terrible latency. Realtime monitoring? Nada. Usb audio devices use the same port/device for realtime monitoring. Now where's the audio output on a usb mic? :-#

BALDO · « **Reply #7 on:** May 03, 2006, 01:10:50 AM »

NO SUCH THING.. SORRY~~~ in my honest opinion, concerning condenser mics - quality and affordability doesn't go hand in hand.

BALDO · « **Reply #8 on:** May 03, 2006, 01:16:07 AM »

My suggestion to you is buy a decent vocal mic..say an SM 58 then use a mic modeller ( program like the antares mic modeller) to model it like an expensive mic like the Neumanns, AKG's, etc..

KitC · « **Reply #9 on:** May 03, 2006, 03:14:40 AM »

Quote from: BALDO

My suggestion to you is buy a decent vocal mic..say an SM 58 then use a mic modeller ( program like the antares mic modeller) to model it like an expensive mic like the Neumanns, AKG's, etc..

Modelers can come close, but nothing beats hardware.

I dunno, dude. The SM-58 is like what? $99 while the Antares modeler is $199 (quoted from Sweetwater). Except for the SM-57/58, I personally think the 'magic' point for affordable, good-sounding condensers begins at the $199 mark. Examples are the Rode NT1-A, AKG AT-3035, and Studio Projects C1 which have gotten good reviews from users (and mags too but I don't put much weight in those).

Stepping up to the $300 mark, which is the total for the SM58 and Antares, we have the AKG AT4040 and MXL V69, and for about 4 Hamiltons more, the sE 2200a and Sennheiser MD421 II(which isn't a condenser but is almost legendary). From a user POV, these mics sound more than good for the money and in most cases, will not disappoint. Sure they're not like Neumann U87s, Microtech-Gefells, Langevins or Manleys, but they do sound good for the money. And with the going exchange rate here, getting the most bang for your buck is the name of the game.

EDIT: Typo.

Sound Weavers · « **Reply #10 on:** May 03, 2006, 05:16:35 AM »

MXL condenser mics are cheap and sound good.

Btw, you already know that condenser mics require phantom power right? Just asking.

HTH

Gerry

KitC · « **Reply #11 on:** May 03, 2006, 11:19:44 AM »

+1 on the MXL's. I have a cheap and cheerful MXL V63M which cost me only $69. I was actually gunning for an Oktava MC-012 or the Blue Ball but I concentrated on my software and soundcard first. I often find myself reaching for the MXL more instead of my SM-58. Condensers have that airiness that's hard to find in dynamics.

Sound Weavers · « **Reply #12 on:** May 03, 2006, 11:32:03 AM »

Quote from: KitC

Oktava MC-012

s

I call them my "precious" pair

KitC · « **Reply #13 on:** May 03, 2006, 11:45:44 AM »

Quote from: Sound Weavers

Quote from: KitC
Oktava MC-012
s

I call them my "precious" pair

Aha! Next time nasa Makati ako, I wanna pass by your studio. I just want to ogle at those Oktavas.

EDIT: Typo.

balta · « **Reply #14 on:** May 03, 2006, 12:20:47 PM »

+ MXL i am a proud owner of 2 mxl's!!! the secret to it though is to use a mic preamp for ultra results which i don't have yet haha but tried.

KitC · « **Reply #15 on:** May 03, 2006, 12:43:44 PM »

Quote from: balta

+ MXL i am a proud owner of 2 mxl's!!! the secret to it though is to use a mic preamp for ultra results which i don't have yet haha but tried.

I put my V63M thru my ART Studio V3 and it just blossomed. I wonder what the V69 will sound like since I heard so many good things about it.

What model MXL's do you have, balta?

balta · « **Reply #16 on:** May 03, 2006, 07:59:13 PM »

Quote from: KitC

What model MXL's do you have, balta?

i have the mxl 990 and 991 . sucks though it didn't include a shockmount... u guys have extra ?? hehe

how is the V63M?? did u order it from the states too??

KitC · « **Reply #17 on:** May 03, 2006, 08:17:06 PM »

Yup! It's the Mogami edition, 1" LDC, came with shockmount. "El Cheapo" as I like to call it , but it came out surprisingly good.

I was doing a voice-over demo for some MassCom studes thesis. First thing I reached for was the SM-58 plugged into my ART (like who could go wrong with that combi?). The take was kinda okay... then I did a what if? Plugged in the MXL, turned on phantom... and the airiness I was looking for was there! That mic even figured in a VO flash commercial for the Kitchie/Rivermaya concert in Araneta last year.

Oh, and the MassCom studes? Their demo came out tops beating out other groups who had their demos produced by "professionals".

Chito · « **Reply #18 on:** May 03, 2006, 09:50:40 PM »

I agree about the MXL's. I have a V67G and it works pretty well for what I need it for. I also have the Samson C1 but not the USB version of it. I think for the money you pay for it, it is decent.

starfugger · « **Reply #19 on:** May 05, 2006, 06:05:39 PM »

AT4040 - affordable, decent sounding, teeny weeny bit less "open" than the shure KSM32, but close. these japanese made LDC's are very ruggedly built.

jplacson · « **Reply #20 on:** May 10, 2006, 12:14:04 AM »

A budget condenser might not sound as good as a good dynamic.

I've read that AKG has like a budget mic kit... it's called the Project Pack. with C1000 or something and a budget vocal condenser. Just checked the net, it's the C3000 large condenser.

Dunno how these fare.

Shure also introduced their KSM27... the most affordable among their studio KSM line. It's tailored unlike the 32 which is relatively flat. Targetted more for live apps... it's still a KSM, so it's better than an SM58... but then again, each mic gives it's own tonal characteristic so it really depends on what sound you're after. I know some rock vocalists in the US use the SM57 as their vocal mic.

What's your budget? Usually, when you hit the "condensers for vocals" level... you kinda have to be prepared to spend... so when you say "cheapest"... what do you mean by it?

Everyone has a different concept of "cheap"... "cheapest" condenser for a studio owner in the US is in a different price range than "cheapest" condenser by someone recording into an SB Audigy. I'm just trying to see what your budget is. We all might be recommending things that are above or below your price range.

Sound Weavers · « **Reply #21 on:** May 10, 2006, 01:26:24 AM »

Quote from: jplacson

I've read that AKG has like a budget mic kit... it's called the Project Pack. with C1000 or something and a budget vocal condenser. Just checked the net, it's the C3000 large condenser.

C1000s + C3000s project pack kit is not budget. Great for acoustic guitars, vocals and overheads.

AKG's budget line is the Perception series.

jplacson · « **Reply #22 on:** May 10, 2006, 01:51:41 AM »

I stand corrected. I just saw it on a website as a "starter pack" recommendation.

Shure has their budget PG81 (runs about P6-7k I think) but this is NOT a vocal mic. It's fine for classical guitars and other strings... even cymbals and hi-hats. It does have a decent dynamic range and decent detail for a real budget mic... but again, the PG81 is NOT a vocal mic. Shure claims it can be used on vocals using their optional windscreen... but vocals might come across as bright and a bit harsh.

You may also want to consider the Shure SM86. It's an end address condenser...and it's not as expensive as their KSM line.

(As you can tell, I'm partial to Shure mics mainly due to their rugged construction and fairly good price/performance ratio..not to mention Audiophile's support in terms of spare parts and all)

Sound Weavers · « **Reply #23 on:** May 10, 2006, 03:55:00 PM »

SHURE microphones are standards, in the studio or on the stage. I haven't tried the newer KSM lines but the old standards I've got such as...

- SM57 (can't live w/o this one)
- SM7
- Beta52
- SM81

but SHURE ain't cheap.

KitC · « **Reply #24 on:** May 10, 2006, 04:20:00 PM »

SM-7 - underrated secret weapon of some...

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Author Topic: Cheapest Condenser Mic w/ Quality (Read 11643 times)

JEM hole

JEM hole

Chito