Are there any "budget"/lower cost tube mics that are any good?

[Blue Jinn]

The budget mics do use the 32mm K67 capsule and the 12AX7/ECC83, the tube because it's cheap and plentiful. The Dave Thomas mod I mentioned above, replaces the capsule with his own branded C12 clone, replaces the 12AX7 with a 12AY7/6072, lowers the B+, replaces/eliminates a few capacitors, and replaces the transformer. I have a couple of those unbranded APEX 460s that I'm going to do that to, with capsules I already had on hand. --C12 knockoffs.


Also, the Gyraf is designed for a C12 capsule, and uses an EF86. I built a simpler point to point single sided version of that. The BigUgly is based on the 2001 "RoyerMod" using a 5840 triode strapped. The actual BigUgly is a multi pattern with the G7 pattern scheme, and the Royer circuit (which is a lot like the SELA and U47 circuits. I've only done a modified single sided version of that too. I also built a version of that with a 6AK5 and a knock off K47 capsule, and pleased with the results.

[Blue Jinn]

Here are some links to the BigUgly mics:

BigUgly Microphone - Blue Jinn

The BigUgly can probably be built point to point, I don't know if PCBs are available. (I don't have any left). It's designed for a MXL 2001 body.

Impulse buy broken MXL 2001, Now I have two "BigUgly RoyerMods"

[witzendoz]

I can recommend a real dark horse here.

Look for a secondhand CAD Tron 8000. I picked one up cheap (actually very cheap) and it sounds great on vocals.

https://www.cadaudio.com/images/uplo...Spec_Sheet.pdf

Cheers
Alan

[vbass]

I've used a Rode NTK for a long time. It can get a little hairy on loud SPL applications, but it sounds great on a lot things. I've tried changing the tube in it for a more "vintage" sound, but preferred the original.

[PDP]

I feel like I got pretty lucky I found an sE z5600a MK II in mint condition for $475.00 on Ebay and it was also the newer model. The mic sells for a grand. So deals are out there if your patient. I also changed the tube which made it a bit smoother. Its basically a U47 clone. I love the mic.

[jimistone]

Here is a tube mic that is $399. It has great reviews. I have never used the studio projects TB1 but I have one of their LDC C1 mics that I REALLY love.
I can't believe the TB1 tube mic would be bad.

Here is a vocal I did with their C1 mic.
Listen to If Youre Gona Do Me Wrong do it right remix by jimistone on #SoundCloud