Best Multi Purpose Mic=

[Kottke]

Let's pretend $ is no issue.

You want to record all kinds of voice and acoustic intruments.

But you can only buy one mic.

Which would it be?

 

[Big Kenny]

BLUE Bottle with all the heads

 

[slobbermonster]

I've got 2 Blue Bottles with all the capsules. Pretty darned incredible. Get your wallet out though. Korby has a cool one also with swappable heads. On the Bottle, changing the head is like changing the mic but the cool part is you can change them hot so no extra mic setup, 3 seconds and your done.

 

[chessparov]

Three way tie.
Telefunken Elam 251, Neumann U47, or U67.

Chris

 

[DigitMus]

A few years ago I asked myself the same question. I answered it by buying myself one of these
http://www.mercenary.com/brvm1klheed.html
for my 45th birthday.

 

[noisedude]

That's quite a birthday present! Was it worth it?

 

[sdelsolray]

One mic to rule them all. Hmmmm. Earlier posts about the Blue Bottle and Korby Convertible don't count, 'cause of the multiple capsules.

My choice: Microtech Gefell UMT800 (or it's tube sibling UM900).

 

[cavedog101]

A Klaus tuned U47 might just do the trick....but these elderly mics are just that...elderly...I'm sure theres a perfect one in somebodys collection somewhere....At the price point that such a machine would be available, it becomes a matter of personal taste....and dinero.

 

[slobbermonster]

so far all the mics listed are pretty cool. but Allan Hyatt told me the C1 was it.

 

[sdelsolray]

so far all the mics listed are pretty cool. but Allan Hyatt told me the C1 was it.

Cardioid only. Rather bright, in that Chinese capsule kinda way. I wouldn't want to be on a desert island with one.

 

[King Louis]

A bag of SM57s, cant go wrong.
but depends if ur live or studio, but its still pretty damn good. almost useful on jus bout anything, excluding a BD.
Peace T

 

[Track Rat]

Back to the real world, how about an AT-4033. The swiss army knife of mics.

 

[noisedude]

I was going to say the AT4050 - multi pattern, roll-off and pad. I'm still a beginner but I haven't come across what I would hear as a crap sound yet.

 

[Harvey Gerst]

Let's pretend $ is no issue.

You want to record all kinds of voice and acoustic intruments.

But you can only buy one mic.

Which would it be?

The problem with that question is that it assumes that there is one mic can do all those things well; there isn't. For certain voices and instruments you want a flattering sound that only mic coloration can provide. For other things, you want accuracy. Those two goals are in direct conflict.

 

[OneArmedScissor]

Harvey, I think he is just asking which mic people think would be OVERALL the most useful for a lot of stuff if the price did not matter.

 

[Flatpicker]

...Those two goals are in direct conflict.

Also, Kottke didn't mention what pre he was going into. Go here and listen to the AT4050 clips from Session 1. Notice how they sound very different depending on the preamp being used and you'll see my point.

 

[sdelsolray]

The problem with that question is that it assumes that there is one mic can do all those things well; there isn't. For certain voices and instruments you want a flattering sound that only mic coloration can provide. For other things, you want accuracy. Those two goals are in direct conflict.

I agree, particularly when two of the applications are vocals and acoustic instruments. Nonetheless, some mics are better suited for many tasks, and other mics are great but only in certain limited situations.

I would suggest a multi-pattern large diaphragm condenser, relatiely flat and uncolored as a good choice for an all around, versatile mic.

 

[Kottke]

No assumptions were being made. Just a straight forward question. That is, what mic would you choose for a variety of acoustic intruments and voices. Whatever price you want. Whatever pre you want.

Now, narrowing down:

Price is an issue. (Damn you, sweet capitalism.) About 1200 or less. And I am looking for a LDC, but I am inexperienced with which provide a flatter response for a variety of sounds, if that's what you suggest. Primary tracks will be bass heavy guitar and a really soft, warm (closest thing would be Nick Drake) male voice, so something that can capture that well (not interested in 'balancing it out' with brightness).

The 414 keeps coming up from a number of people. So do a couple Neumanns (although someone told me that Neumann is not what it used to be for the prices). Feel free to suggest two mics in that range, too, if that's your recommendation. I'll work on my pre later. Talk mic preferences. I appreciate quality craftsmanship and am willing to pay more for a brand that is known for it. I'm all ears, so please expound your experience upon me.

 

[tdukex]

The AT4060 might be an excellent choice in that price range.

 

[slobbermonster]

maybe you could find a used higher end mics?

I've heard a few people rave about the Rode K2. I have not heard it so i can't say what I think.