condenser mics.....help

[macgyver]

hey guys, newbie to tha forum.......... some questions,tho -
i need a good, all-round condenser mic. i guess primarily for vocals and acoustic guitar, but if i could use it on my drums that would be cool, too. $300 is about my limit - i've been looking at the rode nt1 & nt2, akg c1000s & c3000, shure sm81, and the A-T 4033. any rants or raves on these mics would be hugely appreciated. also, i know this isnt really the place for it, but mackie vs behringer..... what's the big diff ??(besides about $150)

 

[foo]

Hi macgyver,

You just missed several in depth rants/raves/assorted discussions on this very subject.

Use the search function for microphones and you will find enough information to keep you confused for about another month.

You will find the AT 4033 highly recommended (and someone just posted $289 at http://www.8thstreet.com), but everyone has their favourites.

Depending on what you're used to, (and this was part of one extensive thread) any upgrade is going to make you go 'Oh Yeah!' but after a while you begin to hear limitations.
Large diaphragm condensers are recommended for vocals, and small diaphragm (stereo) for acoustic guitars, but *your results may vary*

There appear to be three main contenders in the large diaphragm arena in your price range:

Rode NT (1 or 2?)
AT 4033
AKG C3000

I recently did a test (not empirical - ie no recording, just listened to my voice through them) of all three and my conclusions:

Didn't like the Rodes - seemed harsh to my ears, but lots of signal!
Liked the AT 4033 - super clean and 'bite/definition'
Liked the AKG C3000 - darker-sounding than the AT, and most importantly, looked much cooler (just kidding)

(Flame me now guys if I didn't include your fave

Of course, with your name, a couple of wire coat hangers and some gum wrappers will probably be all you need.

(c:]
... and welcome.

foo

[Edited by foo on 08-08-2000 at 11:00]

 

[Guest]

I would say the AT 4033, it sounds awsome for both acoustic and vocals and it is very well built. And you are right foo the rodes do seem a little harsh.

 

[James HE]

I do find the Rhode NT1 harsh for acoustic guitar, but for vocals, it's got a very good sound. The Rodes all seem to be especially sesitive to off axis placements- the differences in a few degrees are surprising. As a drum overhead, I like the NT1, but I find it hard to get just the right sound for that very reason, but when it's there it there! But I just haven't seemed to find that sweet spot for acoustic

-jhe

 

[kikling]

Easy answer,
go for the akg c1000, I recently posted a similar question, i was wondering if i should get the nt1 or c1000, i need it for vocals and drums. People suggested the c1000 because it is good for acoustic (wasn't good advice for me, because i didnt ask about acoustic geetar), and is also only $200. I heard its a great all around mic, but not the best for vocals. Now the NT1, (also about $200) as far as I know, is great vocal mic. Don't know about instruments. Well if this got you confused, hears what i say you should do. Save up the extra $100 (or $150, to compinsate for the mic cables and stands) and go get both mics. You will be a lot happier. And $100 more is not much more to save (for me it is though, only 14 years old, but your probably an adult with a paycheck). So go for it, get both mics, and so if my advice was incorrect on which mic to use on what insturment/vocals, you could experiment with 2 mics, instead being stuck with mine.


And o yeah, don't know much about behringer vs mackie, just know that for cheap things, like a little 8 channel mixer with stereo outs (behringer 802a, coinicidently i have the same mixer), the behringer is a good value. Only $117. And if it breaks, no major problem. But if you are going for the expensive eqipment, like a 24 channel, direct out, 30 band equalizer blah blah blah, go for the mackie because they are made with more expenisive parts, (or are made better, don't remember) and you don't want your $1200 mixer to screw up.
Cool Hope this helped

the kik-miester

[Edited by kikling on 08-09-2000 at 20:06]

 

[DaveO]

I have an AT 4033 and an AKG C1000S and I get better results with the AT on both acoustic and vocals. I bought the AKG first, planning on using it mostly for acoustic, and it was a huge improvement over my SM57 and SM58. However, after buying the AT I found that it works even better on my acoustic than the AKG. If I had to pick between those two my preference is the AT.

The only other mics you listed that I played with were the Rodes, which I thought were also good mics. However, my experience with them was just a short test in the store and I liked the AT a little better for my needs. Not sure how it would perform as a drum overhead - never tried it. If you can arrange it, demoing the mics at home would be a great way to make a decision. I don't get much recording time, so I would have needed months to go through them all. I was kind of limited to what I could do in the store.

Another suggestion is to do a search on Oktava mics in this forum and then contact The Sound Room. We have one person who started recommending Oktavas from that store (they do extensive and apparently necessary QC on these mics) and it seems like a lot of people are starting to like them also.

 

[The Axis]

In this price/performance category, it seems like the AT4033 is a STRONG contender (only $289 !!!...that's a great price). Foo and Shakes gave excellent advice, above.
I have an AKG-C3000B, an AT-4033, an AT-4041 and a CAD C400S.
They all sound good, but slightly different. The CAD C400S is only $160 at Guitar Center. Make sure to listen to it compared to some others. It is a little more "midrangey" that I liked for acoustic guitar. The Rode NT3 was also EXCELLENT (and only $160). The NT2 overemphasizes the high frequencies: good for vocal, makes guitar sound "tinney".
Peace,
Rick

 

[Prism]

I'd have to say that Behringer and Mackie are my two most favorite mixer manufacturers. Allen & Heath also makes good stuff, but I don't really dig those Alesis mixers, or all those other weird ones. Personally I like Mackie the VERY best, and then secondly Behringer. Their mixers are fairly similar in certain respects. But they're both very well made. Tough and durable, too.

Isaiah