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Cakey2
New member
I have a C-3000 (original one, not the C-3000B). It's the best mic I have, but that's not saying much. I find it gives me accurate vocal reproduction, and a full guitar sound. It has quite a busy top-end, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. A few people on the bbs would say that the C-3000 is one of the poorer mics in it's price range, and would recommend the Rode NT1 instead, but I've never used that.
If you are looking at an original C-3000, I wouldn't pay more than aroung £140. The C-3000B is probably more like £199.
G'luck,
matt
If you are looking at an original C-3000, I wouldn't pay more than aroung £140. The C-3000B is probably more like £199.
G'luck,
matt
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Hot Rocks
New member
I sold my C 3000,15 mins. after I bought/tested it on my 4&8 track. I was so unimpressed that I listed it on ebay.Just thought it would really knock my socks off.Also,alot of people here including R.E. don't think much of it either.I think my 4 track voice test would have sounded better with my 58, well almost....I bought the NT1.All the mic this home recording guy will ever need.Way bigger/better in my opinion. My Mics..1 ShureBG4.1 3 sm57's 1 sm58 1 sm48 1 Rode NT1
Track Rat
Just Your Average Sized Member
I have a 3000 and a lot more expensive mics as well and its a fine microphone. The C-3000B has a lot of improvments over the 3000. I would NEVER get rid of mine.
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Recording Engineer
Moderator
As Hot Rocks pointed out, I would take an NT-1 over a C3000 any day; especially for vocals and acoustic guitar.
But I've never tried the C3000B. But at the price range of that, you can get an AT4033 or a Rode NT-2, so... Go listen...
But I've never tried the C3000B. But at the price range of that, you can get an AT4033 or a Rode NT-2, so... Go listen...
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Cypher
New member
The C3000 is not a bad mic at all. I've used it on a couple of occasions to mic live performances for recording, and the recording have come out fabulous!
A lot of people rag on this mic because they use it to try to record vocals, and their recording comes out showing the "true" sound of their voice! Then, they hitch up a "vintage" sounding mic and go "WOW!". What you're hearing is the mic coloring the sound. That's not a bad thing! You just have to know when to use what mic. I would not mic a live performance like a choir with a Rode NT1, but I wouldn't hesitate for a second to mic a vocalist or guitar with it. That's what it's good at.
The C3000 is a great mic as a live mic, overhead drum mic, guitar cabinet mic, taper mic (live concerts), etc.. etc.. There are just as many people raving about the C3000 as are ragging on it. That should tell you something. As always, your ears are the best judge.
J.R.
A lot of people rag on this mic because they use it to try to record vocals, and their recording comes out showing the "true" sound of their voice! Then, they hitch up a "vintage" sounding mic and go "WOW!". What you're hearing is the mic coloring the sound. That's not a bad thing! You just have to know when to use what mic. I would not mic a live performance like a choir with a Rode NT1, but I wouldn't hesitate for a second to mic a vocalist or guitar with it. That's what it's good at.
The C3000 is a great mic as a live mic, overhead drum mic, guitar cabinet mic, taper mic (live concerts), etc.. etc.. There are just as many people raving about the C3000 as are ragging on it. That should tell you something. As always, your ears are the best judge.
J.R.
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Recording Engineer
Moderator
But that's just the thing. So many people here are looking for a mic in the $200US range and it will be THE mic for most everything for quite a long time.
Yes EVERY mic might be for occational applications, but most people around here are looking for an all-around mic for those other applications you mentioned. Give me an Oktava MC-012 from The Sound Room only for $280US and I'd take that over a C3000 or a NT-1 any day. With all the versetility and option for upgrading and buying an RTT M1/M3 for it, you CAN'T beat it for the price (IMHO).
Yes EVERY mic might be for occational applications, but most people around here are looking for an all-around mic for those other applications you mentioned. Give me an Oktava MC-012 from The Sound Room only for $280US and I'd take that over a C3000 or a NT-1 any day. With all the versetility and option for upgrading and buying an RTT M1/M3 for it, you CAN'T beat it for the price (IMHO).
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Cypher
New member
I agree, and I understand where you're coming from. However, I haven't personally heard a mic yet that I'd use in every situation. I guess you just have to evaluate what you're going to be using the mic for most of the time and go from there.
I don't have any experience with the Oktava, but I've heard good things about it. If it can truly give you "vintage-warm" sound and also crystal-clean clarity, by swapping a capsule or something... that's great! Everyone should own one.
Personally, I'm very happy with owning both the NT1 and a pair of C3000's the mixture of mics really gives me what I feel to be a mic kit for all situations. When I get the cash, I'll probably buy a TLM103... or maybe hold out for a U87. (I'm dreaming)
J.R.
I don't have any experience with the Oktava, but I've heard good things about it. If it can truly give you "vintage-warm" sound and also crystal-clean clarity, by swapping a capsule or something... that's great! Everyone should own one.
Personally, I'm very happy with owning both the NT1 and a pair of C3000's the mixture of mics really gives me what I feel to be a mic kit for all situations. When I get the cash, I'll probably buy a TLM103... or maybe hold out for a U87. (I'm dreaming)
J.R.
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Recording Engineer
Moderator
"If it can truly give you "vintage-warm" sound and also crystal-clean clarity, by swapping a capsule or something... that's great! Everyone should own one."
You truely can. I doubt you'll hear anyone tell you the Oktava MC-012 preamp body from The Sound Room in combination with an RTT M1 cap doesn't have a ""vintage-warm" sound and also crystal-clean clarity".
I guess that means everyone should own one.
You truely can. I doubt you'll hear anyone tell you the Oktava MC-012 preamp body from The Sound Room in combination with an RTT M1 cap doesn't have a ""vintage-warm" sound and also crystal-clean clarity".
I guess that means everyone should own one.
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BigKahuna
New member
I have an orginal C3000, which I bought used for around $200 or so about 2 years ago. I think it's a pretty good all around mic, but I don't think it does as good as a small diaphragm on acoustic guitar. Also, I think it has a little bit exaggerated high end, which can be a little annoying at times.
I do like it better than my Oktava MK219 NSR for vocals if I EQ out the sizzle. But on acoustic, I think the MC012 SRO does way better than both the C3000 and MK219 at reproducing the details.
I think RE is right on with his MC012/M1-M3 advice. If the LD capsule is as good as the SD capsules, then it would be well worth the money.
I really can't ever see myself spending the large amounts of money for a hi-end mic ... So it's either the M1/M3 capsule or another so-called 'budget mic' for me. I've heard the AT4033 is also worth consideration. At $350, that's not a bad price either. And then there's the NT1/NT2.
If I were to get another one right now, I'd look at one of these 3 options before considering a C3000 again. Even a C3000B.
Just my opinion.
I do like it better than my Oktava MK219 NSR for vocals if I EQ out the sizzle. But on acoustic, I think the MC012 SRO does way better than both the C3000 and MK219 at reproducing the details.
I think RE is right on with his MC012/M1-M3 advice. If the LD capsule is as good as the SD capsules, then it would be well worth the money.
I really can't ever see myself spending the large amounts of money for a hi-end mic ... So it's either the M1/M3 capsule or another so-called 'budget mic' for me. I've heard the AT4033 is also worth consideration. At $350, that's not a bad price either. And then there's the NT1/NT2.
If I were to get another one right now, I'd look at one of these 3 options before considering a C3000 again. Even a C3000B.
Just my opinion.
R
Recording Engineer
Moderator
BigKahuna:
Go for it... Go for the M1-M3. I'm telling all. It's as ""vintage-warm" sound(ing) and also (as) crystal-clean (in) clarity" as you can get compare to ANY mic for this price range (next would probably be an AT4047/SV) and holds it's own as compared to "highly regarded" mics up to 3xs its price range (IMHO and others whos opinion I highly regard).
Go for it... Go for the M1-M3. I'm telling all. It's as ""vintage-warm" sound(ing) and also (as) crystal-clean (in) clarity" as you can get compare to ANY mic for this price range (next would probably be an AT4047/SV) and holds it's own as compared to "highly regarded" mics up to 3xs its price range (IMHO and others whos opinion I highly regard).