First Large Condenser Mic/Your Thoughts?

[Chordorganblues]

I'm about to buy my first large diaphragm Condenser Mic and am looking at a similarly introductory price range. I'm seeing a lot of good talk about both the Rode NT1-A ($230) and the Studio Projects B1 ($100)

Have any of you, experienced the difference between these two? While I would like to spend only $100, I don't want to be left feeling wanting and then just end up buying a better one in a few months. I'm sure there are other mics that deserve attention as well. I just want to hear some learned opinions.

I'd use it to record low to medium intensity vocals, and probably acoustic guitar and might try it on a few of my oddities (ukelin, hammered dulcimer, and maybe I'd try it on my xylophone or organ, who knows.) In fact, anyone have any experience with these mics and a jaw harp? (kidding. . . kinda).

Thanks and please.

 

[richardmac]

Can't speak on the B1 but I own the Rode. Here's my take.

I started out recording with a dynamic mic similar to the SM58. It was sorta lame, didn't seem to have any "air" to it. The crisp details I heard in commercially recorded vocals seemed to be not there. My next mic was a AKG C1000. It had more detail and could produce a serviceable vocal, but something was still missing. My next mic was the Rode NT-1A. At first I loved it - much more detail than my previous mics. But... even though it had better detail, there was a harshness to it, it seemed to me. I've still got it and am still using it, but I'm thinking I need to step up to the next level of mic. Like many, though, my budget sucks. Am thinking about the AKG C214. I used a 414 once and I liked it a lot. I'll want to hear it in the store before I buy it, though.

My advice, for what it's worth, would be to buy the cheaper mic, and immediately start saving for a "good" mic, OR just keep saving. I went through three different mics and am still wanting "better." Just like musical instruments, it's better to save up and get something good that will stay with you than to buy junk and then rebuy your way up the chain. But sometimes you have limited funds and need something NOW. I can relate to that.

 

[Richard Monroe]

For a $100 condenser, I personally prefer this to most alternatives:

http://www.8thstreet.com/product.asp?ProductCode=6458&Category=Microphones

Good luck-Richie

 

[Jim Lad]

I pretty well agree with what's already been said but I'll add my own thoughts too.
To my mind, the difference between a $100 microphone and a $250 is $150.
I don't think that you're going to find a good, large diaphragm, condenser microphone that you will love forever until you start spending more than $350.
At that point the price starts going up because of the quality rather than extra features and fancy packaging.
My suggestion would be to read the reviews and check the specs on as many $100 microphones that you can find and buy the one that most suits your needs.
You'll pick out a nice piece of equipment and you'll always have it but as Richard said, save your money for a really good one down the road.

 

[SouthSIDE Glen]

If you're working on a special project that's actually worth spending a few bucks on, you can rent a quality LDC for a week and get far more bang for your buck than with one of those inexpensive cans.

If you're not in a real instant need but just itchy to get yourself a condenser, buy yourself a tube of cortisone cream to take care of the itch and save the rest of your money until you can get something worthwhile.

At the same time, consider saving up your money for a quality, matched preamp as well.

G.

 

[darrin_h2000]

Why not go used...it is a soft sellers market right now and if you are looking on craigslist you can get a good mic that will grow with you.

Keep your eyes open for Shure KSM mics and Audio Tecnica 30 or 40 series.

Ive bought an AT3035 and an AKG c2000b for arround $50...and they are alot better than the choices you are considering in the original post.

 

[Sound & Vision]

Rode NT1

Hey Chordorganblues,

My first LDC was the Rode NT1 (NOT NT1-A) and I have actually been quite happy with it. I have used it successfully in many different spots such as acoustic guitar and vocals. Most of the time I think mic placement is more important than the brand of mic (at the same price range). I am not sure how the NT1-A is different, so take my general recommendation with a grain of salt. Also, I would not buy this mic for $230. That seems a little steep. You may want to do a little more searching or look for a higher end used mic at that price.

Just my 2 cents.

 

[vinegar8]

yep

I understand. Just thought I would throw this in, but do you really need a condenser? Maybe a versatile dynamic might do the trick. sennheiser 441 or shure sm7? I agree with the idea of buying 2nd hand. much better value and audio technica are a good bet. I had an Nt1 and found it a bit harsh. Try a ribbon mic even? I think its a good Idea to make a list of the mics you want to keep forever and just save for them as needed. Stick with the tried and true. 57, 58, 441, 421, 414 etc A well placed 57 will get results maybe better than a cheap condenser. Just suggestions.

 

[linoleum6]

From what i have heard this is really hit or miss.....but i have had alot of luck with my MXL90, you can get those for right under 100. (figured the price dropped about 40 bucks the week after i bought it.

but from reviews it depends on the mic you get. some people said it sounded like a tin can, then got a different one and it sounded great. i have been using it to record vocals for about 6 months now and I havnt had a problem

 

[cadbawdbawks]

I hear the AT2020 is a fantastic starter mic. Just in your price range as well. Good luck!

 

[dojo master]

I hear the AT2020 is a fantastic starter mic. Just in your price range as well. Good luck!

Can't beat the AT2020 in that price range IMO. Very decent.

 

[darrin_h2000]

Can't beat the AT2020 in that price range IMO. Very decent.

Yes you can beat the AT2020 in that price range...dont bite on the AT20 series and the AKG Perception and the Shure PG lines...

If you go used you can beat the snot out of an AT2020...its a toy compared to the mics mentioned above.

 

[LemonTree]

I've owned both the SP B1 and the rode NT1a for a number of years now. To my old ears the B1 sounds a lot more detailed in the high end than the Rode. Others may call it harsh but on the right source it is more detailed. The Rode takes EQ a bit better, infact, most times I can't get the sound I want using mic placement only on the Rode, I have to reach for the EQ whereas the B1 I can usualy get a good sound on right away.

YMMV

I'd buy 2 B1's and spend the spare $50 on something else or start saving with it.

I used to record drums with 4 mics, sm57 on snare, EV RE20 on kick and a pair of B1's as overheads. Fantasticly detailed, powerfull stereo image that setup gave me.

 

[dojo master]

Yes you can beat the AT2020 in that price range...dont bite on the AT20 series and the AKG Perception and the Shure PG lines...

If you go used you can beat the snot out of an AT2020...its a toy compared to the mics mentioned above.

The AT2020 is much cheaper than the mics you mentioned previously - brand new. If you're talking used then that's a different story, but buying new has it's benefits.

 

[darrin_h2000]

The AT2020 is much cheaper than the mics you mentioned previously - brand new. If you're talking used then that's a different story, but buying new has it's benefits.

I dont see why a new POS sub line mic is better than a used pro mic.
the cheap lines are just about as bad as the chinese imports...its much better to have the used AT4033 that you could buy for the same money as the AT2020.

I bought 2 AT3035s for $50 each...they are fantasic for the price...Id put it up against the PG shures and the Perception and the 20 series you would pay 3 times as much for...plus they make super overheads.

 

[witzendoz]

I dont see why a new POS sub line mic is better than a used pro mic.
the cheap lines are just about as bad as the chinese imports...its much better to have the used AT4033 that you could buy for the same money as the AT2020.

I bought 2 AT3035s for $50 each...they are fantasic for the price...Id put it up against the PG shures and the Perception and the 20 series you would pay 3 times as much for...plus they make super overheads.

Good advice, but one thing to remember Darrin is that not everybody on the Forum lives in the USA and not everybody lives in an area with a good secondhand market. So sometimes cheaper new is all they can afford.

Cheers

Alan.

 

[priyankeshu]

IMO try out with a cheaper mic, this way you can test if it works for ya.. if it does nt wait and get a real good mic. Thers is very fine line between good quality. Would also suggest you to read the threads in this about using the mics nicely