If you could only have 1 condenser mic?

[scottboyher]

If you could only have one condenser mic at your disposal and it couldn't be any mic over $200, what would your choice be and why?

[H2oskiphil]

So, is what you're asking:

What's the best mic under $200?

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

It's called a search function...use it, love it.

Not trying to be a prick-someone pops this question about every 2 weeks...

This topic has been discussed ad nauseum multiple times. Type that question into the search engine, and you'll see more answers than you dreamed of.

[chessparov]

Studio Projects B3.
They make excellent stuff, and the B3 is a multi-pattern microphone. And it's under $200.
Website is www.studioprojectsusa.com

Case closed!

Chris

[Gidge]

why does it have to be just one...if i had $200, id get

a marshall mxlv67,a marshall mxl603,and a Behringer ECM8000......

[chessrock]

That one's easy.

I'd hop on ebay and get me a used Audio Technica 4033.

If it had to be new, then I'd probably go with an Oktava MC012 with a capsule or two.

Why?

Because the 4033 would always be at least pretty good on anything and everything from kick drum to tamborine to guitar to vocals.

The mc012 I'd take as a an alternate for all the very same reasons. I'd be a little iffy using it on vocals (or perhaps kickdrum), but I'm sure if it were my only condenser, I'd find a way to make it work.

[chessparov]

You can get good vocal results with an Oktava MC012.
However...
A pop screen is mandatory (usually) because they "pop" easy!

Chris

[darrin_h2000]

Ill chime in on the C1, it would be my choice on most things even if I didnt have like 10 condencer mics allready.

[littledog]

Originally posted by chessparov
You can get good vocal results with an Oktava MC012.

I can't.

[chessparov]

The best positioning of the MC012 for me has been to have it at
about forehead level pointing downward towards the signal source AKA Chris' big mouth, and approximately 8-9" away.
That seems to give the best results IMHO.

Chris

[littledog]

I've found the best position for recording vocals with an MC012 is to leave it in the box!

(but I'm glad it works for you, Chess. I'm just messing with you, not trying to start a fight... although I meant what I said about the box! )

[Meshuggah]

Based on my limited knowledge, I'd go with a MC012. Sounds good on everything, even vox.

[chessparov]

Littledog that's perfectly fine.
Although the Audio-Technica 4033 works for many singers,
as another example, it just never "did it" for me either.

Chris

[ozraves]

studio projects c1 or audio technia at3035

[Dot]

If "only one" is only for vocals, then SP C1 – no questions.

If "only one" is for vox, acoustic, amps, room mic, toms, piano, percussion – and it's gotta' be under $200 – the SP B3 – no question. IMO, the SP B3 is the most versatile mic for under $200.

While we're at it...IMO...

Most versatile mic under $400 is the new SE Electronics Z3300.

Most versatile mic under $600 SP T3.

Most versatile mic under $1000 AKG C414B TLII.

------------
Dan Richards
Digital Pro Sound

[Freudian Slip]

I really like my AT-3035 for $200.00. that's about all I can tell you

F.S.

[littledog]

Originally posted by chessparov
Littledog that's perfectly fine.
Although the Audio-Technica 4033 works for many singers,
as another example, it just never "did it" for me either.

Chris

Yeah, I agree. The 4033 would be, at best, my eighth or ninth choice for vocals out of my collection. But I've heard some very nice tracks that others have done using it. There's a beautiful CD called "Cowboy Songs" by Peter Calo where all the vocals (male) were done on a 4033 through an Avalon 737. But I would guess the 737 was contributing mightily to the sound.