Best Condenser Mic Around $500?

**chef13007** · 03-05-2006

Hey guys. I'm looking to buy a new condenser mic for recording vocals, acoustic guitar, and maybe some marshall cabs also. It'll be running into my Digi 002

I've looked at the Blue Baby Bottle, Blue Bluebird, Rode NTK, Rode K2, Shure KSM44 to give you an idea of my price range. I'll probably be buying on eBay.

I was wanting to know if there are any others that any of you would suggest.
How do you feel about these mics? Any experiences/problems/loves?

Thanks!!

**Sonic Idiot** · 03-05-2006

No such thing as "best". These are all good mics - try them all and go with what YOU like.... and then record really really good musicians and take credit for "their sound".

**ermghoti** · 03-05-2006

The correct answer for all mic questions is the AT4050, for as long as 8th Street is selling the refurbs for $350. It is rather awesome on acoustic in figure 8, works on many vocs, I haven't been overwhelmed on cabs yet, but I haven't explored much.

**Scoop** · 03-05-2006

Hey Chef,

I bought an NTK about 6 months ago and have been using it for the exact same things you want to use it for. I love mine mine on vocals, acoustic, even room mic for drums (still prefer a 57 on guitar though).
BUT! I haven't tried the others.
I'm just letting you know that I dont regret getting the NTK at all...

Scoop.
Starplayer A-OK

**chef13007** · 03-05-2006

hey ermghoti, where are you finding the 4050s for 350?? I checked the 8thstreet.com website and couldn't find it other than new.

**mjau** · 03-06-2006

This is limited to mics I've either used or been around while being used...
Used: AKG c414 - the old ones occasionally come up around 5 bills
New: at4047, at4050, ADK Hamburg - I'll take those over the Baby Bottle anyday, which is a fine mic but (to me) a bit too imposing.

**nuemes** · 03-06-2006

I've noticed that the Baby Bottle seems to sound best on female vocals; I avoid it for male vocals. It's pretty darn good on acoustic guitar; second only to a C414 of the mics I use. It's a strange mic. Smooth sounding next to a AT4033 (which I love) and picks up more detail than I like compared to a MXL V67. The Baby Bottle gets the least use of all the mics I own.

My guess it a Rode or Shure on your list might serve you better for the price range.

**ermghoti** · 04-01-2006

Originally Posted by chef13007

hey ermghoti, where are you finding the 4050s for 350?? I checked the 8thstreet.com website and couldn't find it other than new.

They must've dried up. Best deal is back to $399 on eBay.

**Gnash5150** · 04-01-2006

AT4050

$479 at AMS! Musician's Friend will price match.

**Raw-Tracks** · 04-01-2006

I would seriously consider an AT4047 if I were you. I have a pair of them and absolutely love them. They work great for many different types of vocalists as well as a/gtr's and e/gtr's. Since I have a pair, I like to use them for overheads or room mics on drums as well.