best mic PERIOD...for under $300

  • Thread starter Thread starter Magnum Pi
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Magnum Pi

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As the topic suggests, I would like to know what you all consider THE best mic for under $300.

Keep in mind I'll be using the mic for as many applications as possible: vocals, overheads, acoustics, etc..........
 
Actually I take that back...

...for that price, a couple of Shure SM57s and an SM58. You could do a heckuva lot with those...

Bruce
 
I agree with bruce..but he said THE best mic, so I was assumming one mic :D..
 
I tend to think that the AT4033 would be the most bang for your buck. I think that http://www.8thstreet.com sells "white box" 4033s for $300 w/shockmount - a bargain, if you ask me. Another candidate might be that Marshall MXL-V67 which I've heard nothing but good stuff about. It goes for around $200 I think.

Isaiah
 
An EV RE 16...fifty bucks used...(vocals, amps, etc. etc...) Pay up to 75.00-85.00--it's worth it...

2 EV 635a omnis...35 bucks used each on ebay right now...(drum overheads, room, amps)

An AT Pro 37A small diaphram condenser...120-130 new...(a sleeper--acoustic guitars and anything you would reach for a KM84 for...)

Keep the change...and keep the Chinese condensers...
 
I'm sorry guys...I was actually talking about condensors. I already have 2 sm-57s, a sm-58, 3 samson r-11s, and a couple even cheaper mics.
I'm wanting to get a condensor (or possibly spend a little more and get a pair) to record vocals, overheads, etc...
So....what do you guys consider THE best condensor mics on the market for under $300???
 
too good to pass up?

I just saw a brand new Rode NT2 for $299.....as this thread states, I'm looking for the best mic possible for under $300. Did I just find it?
 
Either or...

If you can A/B an NT2 and the AT 4033 at a music store, you will do well picking the one you like best. I have an NT2 that I really love, and many people swear by the 4033's in this range.

Either of those for $300 is a good deal and probably as good as you will do.
 
there is no best mic for under XXXX.XX, there is no best mic for under XXXX.XX, there is no best mic for under XXXX.XX, there is no best mic for under XXXX.XX.


There is a best mic for the job. For example, I was recording a female singer one time. First I threw up the U87. hmmmmm, didnt sound quite there. Tried the 414, nope. Russian tube? nope. Lets try an SM-58 for shits and giggles. FUCKING WOW! it sounded great for that particluar situation.

Get my drift?
 
That's an excellent phrase...

...shits and giggles....

Love it!

:D
 
one last question...I promise!

Ok, ok...I know it all depends on the situation.
BUT...all things considered: is the NT2 REALLY better than the NT1 or 3???
 
Re: one last question...I promise!

Magnum Pi said:
is the NT2 REALLY better than the NT1 or 3???

Yes. Like I said, I am not sure if it is better than the 4033, but it sounds better than the NT1. The NT3 is a small diaphraghm mic, so I may get one to mix with the NT2 on acoustic, but for vox, etc., the NT2 will sound better for most app's.

I A/B'd the NT1 and NT2 and heard a BIG difference.

Instead of asking all us strangers, I would suggest trying them out in person if you have the opportunity.
 
Re: Re: one last question...I promise!



Instead of asking all us strangers, I would suggest trying them out in person if you have the opportunity.

AMEN!
 
I actually compared 2 mics that i was interested in (Rode NT1 and AT 4033) by buying both and recording the same thing with each mic. I convinced myself that the AT was worth the extra $$ and returned the Rode. Maybe not exactly kosher, but it accomplished exactly what I wanted it to do - and actually the tech support people at MF had suggested that in an e-mail response. Hope this helps.
 
I basically did the same thing with an NT-2, an AT-4033, and an AKG C-3000. I decided the NT-2 worked best for my needs. You really need to try them out under the best circumstances you can manage.

Good Luck!
 
Thank you, one and all, for the input...you guys have helped tremendously.

I would love to be able to test the mics out for myself; unfortunately, I live in a sh@##y town with no access to such things. As far as ordering both and returning one...that would require more money that I'm budgeted to spend (although it is a great idea).

So...I've basically made up my mind on the NT2. Based on the things I've read here and the fact that I can get my hands on one for $300...you get the point.

I DO have two more questions (I know I said the last question would be the final one but I thought of something new)...

1) Keeping in mind that I need to record EVERYTHING...do you think I would be better served to buy ONE NT2 or TWO NT3s?

2) Does everyone agree that the Shure Beta 52 is better than the AKG D112?

Ok...thanks again everyone.
 
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