1k range Tube Mic

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lank81

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Hi Everyone,
I'm looking to invest in a tube mic or at least a higher end mic than my Rode NT1-a for Vox and maybe some other applications. I was thinking about the Rode K2 and maybe replacing the valve or going with the Mojave MA-200. Does anyone have any suggestions for tubes or solid-state in this price range for vox and if possible some other accomodations like acoustic instruments? Thanks.

Lank
 
Used Gefell M71 or MT71s. Both excellent mics for vocals and instruments. Not tube, but wonderful mics nonetheless. Used GT MD series (MD1, MD2, MD3 and the "a" models as well). Excellent tube mics and a relative bargain at current prices. You might also look at the Pearlman mics. The TM-2 is in your price bracket. Lots of options out there in your price bracket.
 
Thanks

Thanks everyone. I'm newer to the game and really just have experience on reading up with the well known names Rode, Neumann, Shure, AKG, AT, etc. I appreciate all the suggestions so far and will check everything out.
 
AKG 414 can be very nice, Mojave MA-200 is one of my new favorites. a pair of them if also very nice as overheads on drum kit when you want a "Warmer, more kit sound" they are also nice on a acoustic guitar.

not sure how much a U47FET goes for, but I'm thinking used they are in your range.
 
lank81 said:
Hi Everyone,
I'm looking to invest in a tube mic or at least a higher end mic than my Rode NT1-a for Vox and maybe some other applications. I was thinking about the Rode K2 and maybe replacing the valve or going with the Mojave MA-200. Does anyone have any suggestions for tubes or solid-state in this price range for vox and if possible some other accomodations like acoustic instruments? Thanks.
Lank
Click to expand...

...I have both mics you mention (the K2 has an $80 Siemens NOS tube as well) and I would give the MA200 an edge in quality and versatility between the two...BUT...I would probably recommend taking your money and buying a few lesser expensive mics (or maybe a better mic pre as well)...with the upgraded K2 and Mojave MA200 in my mic cabinet, my Shure SM7 and my KEL HM-7u (a U47 Fet type mic) get more use for vocals...I'm waiting on another KEL (HM-2d) as well, and expect that to also get use based on it's specs...I'd rather have a selection of great useable mics than one or two great ones...don't let the KEL price tags fool you...great mics for cheap!...and tight cardioid patterns to limit room noise as well (and the SM7 dynamic ignores ambient noise quite well too)...

...if I were to pick two items to get great vocal tracks from, I'd go with a used SM7 and the Safe Sound P1 preamp/expander/compressor/limiter...you should be able to get both for around a grand or so (ask Warren for a deal on the P1)...great vocals with ease...works for me! ;)
 
lower cost mics

Hi Guys,
Yes, if I can get a lower cost mic that stills sound good and versatile for vox such as the soundelux or sm7b I would then have more money to put in to a pre such as an UA or Neve. I was looking to go 50/50 like 8-1k / 8-1k but if I could go 500/1500 and get better results I'm all for it. I'm pretty new to this so word of mouth, reading up on books / reviews is my knowledge other than some acoustic rock recording. Thanks.

Lank
 
lank81 said:
Hi Guys,
Yes, if I can get a lower cost mic that stills sound good and versatile for vox such as the soundelux or sm7b I would then have more money to put in to a pre such as an UA or Neve.
Lank
Click to expand...

...there's some great pres for much less...don't get caught up in the hype...check out the Black Lion Auteur dual mic pre and read the reviews online...gets great reviews from pro engineers on Gearslutz...

http://www.blacklionaudio.com/auteur.html
 
I own and love the MA-200, but there are a bunch of great mics I'd probably get first...like the SM7, for instance. The KSM44 is fantastic as well.

Frank
 
Look past the Name.

kidvybes said:
...there's some great pres for much less...don't get caught up in the hype...check out the Black Lion Auteur dual mic pre and read the reviews online...gets great reviews from pro engineers on Gearslutz...
Click to expand...

I'll try not to get caught up in the hype. I guess from growing up in a marketing world you hear and see those flashy names and think immediately that I need to go that route. I'll check out the Black Lion for sure. Other than GearSlutz any other great places I can go to really get a good review on things? I do receive TapeOp and they just gave a pretty quality review on the new ShinyBox 500 Mic Pre. It's 500$ and they say it sounds like a quality vintage Neve. Thanks.
 
I have a bunch of pretty decent LD condensers. AT-4050, Gefell M-71, MT-71s, and M582h, GT MD1a and MD3, Beyer MC834 and MC734, Neumann U87, among others. For vocals, my SM7 gets the most use by far. I'm now up to three of them (2 x SM7s and one SM7b) because everyone I work with wants to use them for vocals - and that's after trying the other mics. So, unless you know that the voice(s) you are recording definitely work best with a particular LD condenser, I'd strongly consider getting an SM7 first and then filling in with other mics as the situation requires.
 
Sm7

Pohaku,
Thanks for some more advice. Quick question though, is it ok to go with an SM7b instead of the SM7 as they seem more accessible? What is the major difference if any?

Lank
 
sm7 / ma-200

i bought an MA-200 from sweetwater when they first came out and i have loved it from the start...Very warm Very Clear Very upfront.
I just recently got my first SM7b, and i find my self reaching for it for vocals more than the MA-200. Now the MA-200 will work in many more places than the SM7b, but for vocals alone i would suggest the SM7b.

I run my SM7b to a Blue Robbie and i love it.
Also had great results with the M-200 to an SSL Alpha.

i have 17 mics, and if i could only keep one it would be the MA-200 without a doubt.

-mike-
 
lank81 said:
Pohaku,
Thanks for some more advice. Quick question though, is it ok to go with an SM7b instead of the SM7 as they seem more accessible? What is the major difference if any?

Lank
Click to expand...

Yes, you can get the SM7b. The SM7b has better shielding and a better mount. Switches are more accessible (I run mine flat anyway). Sounds the same IMHO. I've bought all of mine used and the SM7s were cheap - $200 each - when I picked them up. I think I paid $275 used for the SM7b (including shipping).
 
I tried out the Mojave lately and absolutely loved it!

But...

Make sure, if you can, to also try out the Studio Projects T3.

I'd really have to have a pro AE pick between the two on my voice-they both sound so good IMHO. BTW I find the Marshal V69 too "thick" for my tastes. YMMV.

Chris

P.S. Pokahu certainly has some cool condenser mics!
 
there's some great pres for much less...don't get caught up in the hype...check out the Black Lion Auteur dual mic pre and read the reviews online...gets great reviews from pro engineers on Gearslutz...
Click to expand...

sure

fully balanced transformer-less circuits found in highly acclaimed recording consoles = cheap opamps and no character

There is no hype about quality transformers and discrete op amp designs they simply are a better quality audio path and cost money to make heck even to build a preamp with input and output transformers and a single discrete opamp will run 250 in parts.
 
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