Just got my first condenser

[SonicClang]

Well I just got my first condenser mic, an MXL 2003, yesterday. I've had a couple chances to record with it, and I must say, it's amazing. "Amazing" doesn't even cover how it is. It's like comparing a Honda Acord to a Ferrari.

The clarity in the thing is something I never thought a mic could get. I've been using SM57's for so long I just didn't really even realize how good a condenser would be.

I just can't wait to use it on my drum set. Although, since I only have one it won't be as great as if I had two. One more 2003 will be my next purchase I'm sure.

For $150, the MXL 2003 has my vote. Although, it is my first condenser so I don't really have any basis for comparison, but from what I hear so far, it's a great mic.

[Monkey Allen]

Hey, sweet as mate! I recently got my first condenser and I know exactly what you mean.

All the very best

[northsiderap]

That this is not an advertisement. Check out these threads:

http://homerecording.com/bbs/forumdisplay.php?f=35

I love the one from Mystery Records about 'Christian.'

Ahhhhhh I do remember my first condenser. I'm a condenser addict now. Careful, or you'll end up like me: pushing a flight case of condensers around in a shopping cart, living in a VAN down by the RIVER.

[PhilGood]

I remember my first beer!!


Wait... no I don't!

[chessrock]

Give it some time, and it'll wear off, and you'll start complaining that your recordings sound harsh and annoying in the high end.

Then you'll be back here asking how to make your recordings "warmer." You'll go through all that song and dance, and eventually, you'll stock up on ribbons and good dynamics.

It's a natural progression, so enjoy it while it lasts.

[SonicClang]

Ahh yes, the pessimism of an experienced producer. Gotta love it. :P

I'm sure I'm going to continue to love it. And if the feeling wears off, all I need to do is compare all my old recordings to my new ones.

[guido #2]

God help you when you try a high end condenser! HaHa


Really. use it. wear it out. it's only then that you will be able to make real decisions about expensive high end condensers and really apprecite them.

Also, buy two more, cause when you ARE over them, you can use them for tom mics
Cheers!

[sleep over jack]

i've found the 2003 to be almost unusable on everything i've tried it on. vocals? that mic SIZZLES in the ~9-11k range.

[Lambo]

Originally Posted by chessrock

Give it some time, and it'll wear off, and you'll start complaining that your recordings sound harsh and annoying in the high end.

Then you'll be back here asking how to make your recordings "warmer." You'll go through all that song and dance, and eventually, you'll stock up on ribbons and good dynamics.

It's a natural progression, so enjoy it while it lasts.

How true; you see the wrinkles on this face, I've been down that road before.

[Herm]

For all you boys out there trashing his mic, Did you ever think that just maybe for his voice it is the right mic and just maybe he knows how to use a mic better than you do?

[chessrock]

I was only half-serious, fellas.

The 2003 is probably something you'll always have uses for. But like with any other condenser, it has it's place. Down the line, you probably won't use it on as many things, but there will be instances and situations where it's the perfect fit.

[SonicClang]

Oh I'm positive within a couple years I won't be using it on vocals or acoustic guitar. But at this point it was all I could afford, and up until now I've been using an SM57 for vocals. Just TRY to tell me I was better off before. haha.

Hey, I love the mic, so poopy on you!

[PhilGood]

The 2003 isn't a bad mic. It certainly isn't terrible! Plus there are a few ways to make it sound better, but you need some electronics skills.

Do a search on mods for the 2003. Look for advice from Marik, Flatpicker and Gus.

[Adobian]

I have an AKG condensor. I love its clarity, but sometimes I feel like it could go out of control. Recently I bought a preamp that has a cheap dynamic mic included., And even though the sensitivity and clarity aren't there, I feel as though my voice can be controlled better with this cheap no name dynanic mike. It's weird.

[Lambo]

Originally Posted by Herm

For all you boys out there trashing his mic, Did you ever think that just maybe for his voice it is the right mic and just maybe he knows how to use a mic better than you do?

Whoa, no ones trashing the guys mic, it's just that we've been down that road before, hence the acute case of G.A.S. For the most part everything I have in my studio has been the source of bliss, however short lived it was, definitely blissful experience nonetheless. Case in point: I have a BeyerDynamic M500 which back in the day was THE mic for me being a pretty decent ribbon mic. Now I reach for it just for a change of pace. Variety is the spice of life, right?

[BigRay]

Congrats on the purchase.I hope it continues to work out for you. Mics purchases aren't something that cant really be classified as "right" or "wrong" its all subjective, trust your ears. Your ears are the best judge. What is good for the goose aint necessarily good for the gander . Opinions vary widely,and there are so many different colors and textures of mic...I for one like "warmth" but a lot of people dont. I quickly became a microphone addict, it is inevitable, I think. I went from a pair of studio projects c-4s(excellent pair of mics btw, unbeatable for the price) to my mics now:
DPA 4061s, AT4050s(pair, excellent on everything), 2 pairs of MG SMS2000 bodies with 2 pairs of m20 caps, 2 pairs of m21 caps and 1 pair of m27 caps, a pair of Neumann U89is and a pair of josephson c617 with MG MK221 caps.

It will steal your time and your money , this love of mics. Buckle up.

[brandondrury]

Give it some time, and it'll wear off, and you'll start complaining that your recordings sound harsh and annoying in the high end.

Aint that the truth. I'm in the dynamic phase again. It's a little more fun because you can buy a new mic every couple of weeks instead of waiting a couple of years per condenser mic.

These guys are right. Wear the damn thing out. Your brain will get so accustomed to using it that your head will explode when you hear your next mic do something different. (probably not better...just different)

Brandon