Carvin Mics on sale now, any Good?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Massimo
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Massimo

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Carvin is having a two for the price of one on some of their mics.

Their CM90E Condensor mic which usually sells for 114.00 is now 119.00 but you get an extra one free. This is a Unidirectional mic with a 30hz to 20khz range and a 132 SPL rating. Cardiod Polar Pattern.

Anyway I was wondering if these mics are worth a shit.

Oh and a couple of their dynamic mics are on sale also. Two for one.

Sale ends April 30th and no I don't work for Carvin I'm just curious if these condensor mics any good.
 
Massimo, I've never used any Carvin mics before so I can't comment about them... however, maybe someone here can help you find a good mic if you tell everyone more about what you want to use the mic(s) for and what your max price range is and etc. Just a suggestion. ;)
 
I heard alot of good things about C700. Cannot confirm it, though.
 
DJL's right (he's making a damn annoying habit of that right now) - tell us what you're after and watch the reccomendations roll in. It's safer to wait - we've all bought tat in the sales we go on to despise!
 
Usually stuff that's been around will get talked up at least minimally, I don't think I've read any post about a Carvin mic and I would suspect that they are cheap Chinese mics rebranded as Carvin. I haven't investigated though. There's so much stuff available on the cheap that has at least some decent testimony to it that I wouldn't bother with Carvin mics.

Seems to me Massimo's just looking for a good cheap mic like everyone else around the planet and maybe not anything specific.

?

War

Warren Dent
www.frontendaudio.com
 
Ok then - Massimo, the Studio Projects B1 is a good and cheap condenser. But if you want general advice, go to the Mic FAQ, which is made up from threads on this very forum.
 
Humm, well if he just wants a mic that never really sucks on anything... I'd recommend the Shure SM57 and he should be able to find a good used one for about $40.
 
Well I already own an SM57, SM58 and an AKG D 880 or something like that. All dynamic mics. But I'm ready to try something new like a nice large Diaphram Condensor mic. I'm looking to spend about 200.00 on a used mic, on ebay. I've had my sites on an Shure KSM27 and now maybe a Audio Technica AT4040. I want a good all around mic, something with a high SPL so I can record a guitar amp when I want to.

I know there are a number of mics that can do this in this price range and that everybody has their favorites. The thing is it's not like a guitar that you can go and try out first. So I figure I can't go wrong with good brand name like Shure or Audio Tech.
 
Most large music stores should have KSM27's and AT4040's in stock if you wanted to audition them before buying... call around in your area and find out. Also, call your local sound companies and recording studio's... you may be able to rent some before you commit to buying anything. ;)
 
Massimo said:
I'm looking to spend about 200.00 on a used mic, on ebay. I've had my sites on an Shure KSM27 and now maybe a Audio Technica AT4040. I want a good all around mic, something with a high SPL so I can record a guitar amp when I want to.

Click to expand...

Beware of buying used microphones as you never know how many times it's been dropped etc. You're on the right track with the KSM27 or the AT4040.

I did buy a used mic off of eBay recently, and had a Safe Sound Audio P1 plugged in (preamp that features a built in headphone amp) and ready when the UPS driver showed up. I ripped open the package and inspected the mic, then plugged it into the pre and it was all good. The driver was then free to go! :)

He was like "uh, I'm not supposed to let you open it before you accept it but OK go for it"...

Just be careful. If you buy used you may want to do what I mentioned or buy it face to face from someone locally. New in your price range the CAD M179 is a hell of a bargain and even assembled in the USA. Completely variable patterns and versatile sound = sweet mic.

Cheers

War

Warren Dent
www.frontendaudio.com
 
I bought a pair of CM90Es about 12 years ago, the head capsule
looks different on the newer version, but I think it's still basically
the same mic. After looking over and hearing my Carvin mics, one
of the local studio techs in my area speculated that the capsules
were probably made by Audio Technica. This was long before all of
the cheap Chinese mics came onto the market, so there wasn't many
choices out there for inexpensive condenser mics.

They worked ok for me as my first pair of condenser mics, but now
that I've expanded my mic collection considerably, I hardly ever use
them. I found they weren't so great when used close in on most
instruments, but sounded ok when backed off. Since these mics
can run off of internal batteries, I used them a few times with
a portable DAT machine that didn't have phantom power. They
also worked passably as cymbal overheads, or on high hats.
Ocasionally I still use them as a secondary tight in spot mic on
the body of acoustic guitars. On guitar amps and bass amps, they
sound dreadful. Overall, I'd say they're decent mics for a few
applications, but not very versatile. Since you're looking for a
multi purpose mic, I think you would be happier with a CAD M179
or an AT 4040.
 
Yescalero, ha cool name.

Yeah, I've been checking out the AT 4040 looks like a good mic. Now I'm thinking maybe a SP C3 for it's versatility.

Adee yos
 
Carvin Mics

Hey, Mass.

I've got a good bit of Carvin gear, and I'm a big fan EXCEPT the mics. I ordered some and they were OK for what I needed them for (cheap mics around children). I was on the phone with Carvin about something else, and I asked, "Do you make your own mics?" "No, it's too noisy here for testing." "So who makes them?" "Nady"

Uggh! If I'd only known, I'd've saved my pennies for Shures!

apl
 
I bought a bass amp from them which sounds great. But I guess their amps and other stuff are different then their mics. I've ruled their mics out altogether.

Thanks!
 
I'm looking at a classified ad - 6 mics @ $20 each, among which is a pair of CM90Es. I guess I could hardly go wrong for that kind of money and if these things are battery powered I might even be able to put'em to good use. Ya think they're worth $20?


Nady makes'em eh? Bummer.
 
EddieRay said:
Nady makes'em eh? Bummer.
Click to expand...

To be fair, I was talking to them about a wireless at the time. So I have a wireless that's discontinued and a couple of CM68 (SM58 knockoffs).

I can't say who makes the 90s, but for $20 somebody else is not impressed. On the other hand, for $20 a piece, how wrong can you go? You might be able to ebay them for more!
 
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