ADK Vienna vs AT 4040 vs Rhode NT2 vs ??

[Zed10R]

I tried to make a poll so it would be easy for everyone to respond and see what wins, but I guess I suck at this internet thing.....maybe it will work, maybe not....

Anyway, I am getting another mic next week and I am wondering, out of the choices in the title, which one most people would reccomend, or if there was something similar but better. What I want is transparency, smoothness, flat response, low noise, and high detail. I would be using it as an all-around mic for vocals and instument micing in my small home studio, and the budget is $300.00. Just to try and save some of you the effort - I know that I could get a beter mic for $5 billion, but I'd rather get just a decent one and work with it as beat I can.

THanks!!

 

[Bob's Mods]

Kel Audio HM-4

I love this mic. It's A+++ quality construction and sounds as good as its built. I have never seen quality on this scale for $200. Try it for 21 days. Its a top load however rather than side address type. Off axis is easy if your looking for varying shades of grey. The price even includes shipping. I recommend this one to anyone starting out, and I've tried a fair number.

Bob the Mod Guy

 

[Zed10R]

Cool!! Thanks!! I've never heard of that one...I'll try to find one to try out....

 

[Bob's Mods]

Let us know what you think after you've given it the once over.

Bob

 

[Clit Torres]

I love this mic. It's A+++ quality construction and sounds as good as its built. I have never seen quality on this scale for $200. Try it for 21 days. Its a top load however rather than side address type. Off axis is easy if your looking for varying shades of grey. The price even includes shipping. I recommend this one to anyone starting out, and I've tried a fair number.

Bob the Mod Guy

I'll have to agree with you about the quality of the HM4, it most definately is a deal at $200. It is a nice vocal mic, and quite different from the others in the crop of budget chinese LDC's, but IMHO it sounds like ass on acoustic guitars. Haven't tried mine on percussions just yet though.

 

[cavedog101]

I like the Kel also. It does a lot of things that condensers arent really known for..Its more like a condenser 57!
As for the all-arounder, the ADK is a superb mic. There isnt a lot that this mic cant capture quietly and completely. It sounds like its source with a little attitude thrown in. It is NOT a hyped or toppy sounding mic like a lot of the Chinese mics tend to be. It is smoothe and clean. It can withstand loud singers though I wouldnt put it up for a screamer.

The AT mic is much the same only different. It will sound a bit brighter but is also accurate and quiet.

This is one of those deals where hearing is believeing.

 

[kidvybes]

Anyway, I am getting another mic next week and I am wondering, out of the choices in the title, which one most people would reccomend, or if there was something similar but better. What I want is transparency, smoothness, flat response, low noise, and high detail.

...I have to recommend what I believe is the best $200. mic I've found, the discontinued, but still available MXL V77s tube mic...this mic is really terrific!...and there's a seller on ebay that still offers them new...read these reviews first:

http://www.proaudioreview.com/october00/Marshall-Web.shtml
http://www.hr-faq.org/micpage.php?mic=20040403174911
http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/jan01/articles/MXLv77.asp

...if you're interested, check out this seller (Shreve Audio is a very reputable pro audio retailer):

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=41466&item=7331914376&rd=1

http://www.shreveaudio.com/mxl.html#v77

...call their 800 number and ask if the mic is still available at the ebay price...it will be the best $197. purchase you will make for a quality tube microphone!...I have 2 and they are truly worth much more than the cost...they are as you request...smooth, transparent, flat with very detailed clarity...they are much more natural/nuetral sounding than the SP C1, ADK Vienna/Hamburg or the NTK...I own all of those mics and the V77 smokes them (they are all nice but very "coloured" or bright)...get a real classic sound for a bargain price...no joke!...