Condenser Mics

[Sisko41]

What are some good condenser mics under $200? I have been looking at the Audio Technica AT2020, and it seems like a good mic for the price, but it has it's flaws here and there.

What can you recommend?

[Big Kenny]

http://homerecording.com/bbs/showthread.php?t=53878

[zebra]

spent a little more, i learnd in the process that good gear delivers good work. and u are satisfied too. also i u fed up with it and u want to sell it, you get more money back.

[hairylarry]

Sisko41,

I have a pair of cardiod condenser MCA SP-1 mics I bought for $40 each from PSSL. They were recommended in TapeOp magazine so I thought I'd give them a try. I've used them recording the room live for a fairly quiet acoustic duo placing them about 6 feet in front of the stage. I was not disappointed. Clean and detailed would be my description. These were originally sold in blister packs at music stores but now they are discontinued. They are made by MXL.

I can also recommend the Superlux CM-H8c mics. These are multi pattern with omni, cardiod, and figure eight patterns. More than once they have saved my butt recording live music. When the other mics gave me crap the Superlux track sounded great. They can be had new for around $200 but I bought mine for under $100 on eBay.

My top recommendation is the Audio Technica AT 4054. This is a stage condenser in the 4050 series. They can be found on eBay for $150 frequently and sometimes can be purchased between $110 and $150 used. This is an absolutely fantastic mic, great on vocals and acoustic guitar.

All of these mics will hold their value. The SP-1s because they start dirt cheap and are quickly becoming legendary. The Superlux because it's multi pattern. And the Audio Technica because it's a 4050 series mic and the 4050 series is not cheap and it's well thought of.

The SP-1s are also candidates for modding. According to the TapeOp article another $250 a pair in mods will turn them into really exceptional microphones.

Thanks,

Hairy Larry