best mic under $600

[c9-2001]

i'm looking toget a new mic within the next month or 2. i can't spend over $600 for the mic..
i'd like it NEW but if someone is selling a good mic i'll buy it used.
the mics i've been looking at(not in any order)

$299 PPA LD2ube
$299 Studio Projects TB-1
$599 Studio projects T3
$350 Studio projects C3
$499 rode NTK
$299 Equitek e-200
$495 Equitek e350
$460 Audio-Technica 4050

fell free to add any mics to this list.. i'm going off mics i've used or heard..

 

[littledog]

Two essential pieces of missing information:

1) What mics do you already have?
2) What will be the primary use for the new mic?

 

[chessrock]

*CAD M-9

*Electrovoice RE20

*Shure SM7


(I like the AT 4050 idea, by the way)

 

[c9-2001]

Two essential pieces of missing information:

1) What mics do you already have?
2) What will be the primary use for the new mic?

tlm-103.. doesn't get use over here.. its at our larger studio...this is gonna be for my stuff... my own equipment, i don't want my parter putting in on any of this stuff thinking that half this stuff is his.. its mine......
i have a se5000 right now as my main vocal mic and sometimes our akg solid tube, but its usually at out larger studio...

primary use, Rap and R&B vocals...

 

[c9-2001]

the
*Electrovoice RE20
*Shure SM7
aren't they broadcast mics? how would they compare to the other mics listed?

 

[chessrock]

the
*Electrovoice RE20
*Shure SM7
aren't they broadcast mics? how would they compare to the other mics listed?

Really well. Probably kick their little asses in the dirt in a lot of cases.

 

[memriloc]

Personaly I'd go for either of the AKG 414's if you can get them that low....

 

[Robert D]

The RE-20 is a great R&B mic. Bonnie Rait sings through one on her records.
RD

 

[Richard Monroe]

I'm only really familiar with C3 and NTK, as well as the Solid Tube you mention. Of that bunch, C3 is a versatile monster of a mic. I'll second memriloc's comment on the 414's, but the price point is usually higher. One thing for sure, if you care about customer service and support, Studio Projects/PMI is absolutely the best I've seen.-Richie

 

[darrin_h2000]

sennheiser 421 hasnt been mentioned and theres dynamics discussed.

 

[Bowisc]

I got my 414-TLII at $729, with a free pair of AKG 240M headphones. Now that, is a deal. And I got it from a ver reputable local... B&H, Manhattan.

I have a C3 and it is an excellent mic at $300. Excellent.
Excellent. Did I say, "Excellent"?

Bowisc

 

[c9-2001]

how about waiting 2 months and spending 800 on a mic...something like a 4060??

 

[c9-2001]

i can get the414-TLII for 689.00

 

[CyanJaguar]

Personaly I'd go for either of the AKG 414's if you can get them that low....

 

[Michael Jones]

A great mic for R&b vocals?
For less than $600?

In my opinion: Hands down, far above the rest, (at least the rest that I have) is the Shure SM7.
Its hard to refute the success of this mic in that application. It was used for the vocals on the biggest selling album of all time.
Michael Jackson's Thriller.
I have 2 of these, and they sound "like butt-ah".

I think 8th Street has the SM7B for around $330.
I also have the T3, and while a fantastic mic in its own right, it definately has a coloration to it; suitable for some vocalists, but not all.

 

[littledog]

You'll probably want to do a comparison test on a typical vocal application before buying. Develop a good relationship with a real pro audio dealer, and getting loaners to compare shouldn't be a problem.

In addition to all the other fine mics mentioned, you might want to check out the Shure condenser line: KSM 27, KSM 32, KSM 44. They all meet your budgetary constraints, I think.

 

[c9-2001]

i don't want a ksm, they aren't anything special to me.. i've recorded with a ksm44, its a nice mic.. but the 4050 sounded much better

http://www.stonerecording.com/review.html#z5600
what do yall think of this..BS?? i don't know if that z5600 mic is that good...its only 559 though...i have a se5000 now.. it was hyped.. its not that great of amic, but it does sound better than the solid tube thogh

 

[c9-2001]

M147 Vs a 4060.. which mic would you get? and why.. i got offered a 460 for 899 used.. and a m147 for 1000...

 

[chessrock]

In my opinion: Hands down, far above the rest, (at least the rest that I have) is the Shure SM7.

There is just so much to like about it. And the good thing is that the better my ears get . . . the better my gear gets . . . and the more I refine my skills, the more I like it, and the less I like others.

My only complaint is that you pretty much have to use it with a good pre in order to fully appreciate what it brings to the table. I have yet to fully realize the beauty of this mic, but I've gotten a real good taste.

 

[Michael Jones]

...My only complaint is that you pretty much have to use it with a good pre in order to fully appreciate what it brings to the table...

While that is true, I would not consider it a short-comming.
A good pre will help you appreciate a lot of other mics too.