Which Mic?

[Neil Ogilvie]

Should I buy:
A) An AKG C3000

B) An AKG C2000

or

C) A Rode NT2

I'll be using it for vocals mainly, but probably miking up guitar cabs & Brass instruments too.
Also, how does the Sennheiser 609 do for vocals, even though it's a guitar cab mic?

[Track Rat]

I know it's not on your list but in that price range, I have to recommend an AT-4033. For what your stated purpose this would be the mic I'd reach for. I own a C-3000 and have had a lot of experience with the 2000, none with the Rodent but you can't go wrong with the 4033.

[chessrock]

Of the ones you mentioned, the NT2 is a much better choice. My ears started to hurt the second I started reading "akg 3000."

[Richard Monroe]

I have a C2000B, and I use it when nothing else is quite right. It's good for vocals with a clear voiced singer with excellent technique, but will show off the ineptitude of an inexperienced singer in spades! I didn't really intend to buy it, but when the price point reached $100, I said, "What the hell"?. For your uses, I think you should seriously consider Oktava MK319. It's cheap, versatile, and flattering to a wide range of voices. It wouldn't make a bad room (ambient) mic for a cab, but I would most likely stick with the old standard, AKG D690 (my standard) or Shure SM57 (everybody else's standard) for close mic'ing a cab. For the price of a C3000B, you could buy the Oktava, a good dynamic, and dinner.-Richie