How is the SP C1 today?

[Robert D]

A while back, the Studio Projects C1 had a bit of a buzz going for it (not the 60 hz kind). Since then there's been a lot of developments in the project studio mic world. How does the C1 stand up today. How would it fit in together with an NTK and a MK-319 (not my only mics, but the LDCs I've been using most often lately).
There's a used C1 for $129 in a local shop, looks like it's been treated ok. Is that a fair price? It's in the original case with the shockmount and big foamy thing.

thx,
RD

 

[ozraves]

C1 is a bright mic.

$129 is a decent deal for a used one in good condition.

The good thing is that if you can get it at that price you won't be losing money if it comes time to sell.

 

[Strave]

It's ok... you'll do just as well quality and sound wise with some of the other budget condensers recommended around here. I think $130 is a great price as I generally see them go for $150-160 used.

 

[darnold]

Its still in my mic locker. Not used very much. I had two and sold one of them even. Its really not a bad mic for the money at all. And with some voices it actually works really well. Besides being bright it is just a little edgy and harsh sometimes. You just have to be careful with it. But im not planning on selling mine soon.

Danny

 

[mr. produca]

c1 gone to the other side

c1 srardom has seemed to die down for the most part,in the early times (2001 maybe?)people were comparing this mic to a u87.since then talk of this mic has died down gradually.i think it has gone through its grace period with most of the home recordists here,for the last 8 months ive been very intrested in releasing some music of mine and when i saw the c1 i was like this is what i want, but now it just sounds like any other mic in the 200 dollar range,its not a bad mic to begin with but the c1 hype is dead sorry to say(comming from someone who greatly praised this mic).people are digging the t3 now and the b1 has not died out yet.my guess is that these two will be the long lasters of studio projects. hell they might even become collectors items one day....that is if they stand the test of time
my 2cents....

 

[Rick Shepherd]

The C1 is still a decent mic, but I prefer my AT4033. The C1 can be used as support along with other mics to add to the overall mix.

 

[chessrock]

Unless you just need extra mics, I don't really see where it's going to bring anything significantly different to the table that you don't already have with your NTK. In fact, as far as the brighter LDC mics go, I think the NTK is one of the better ones, so I think you've already got that base covered.

Right now, you've got the two extremes; a brighter, scooped-out LDC (NTK), and a mellower, darker one (MK-319).

If you want to cover something between those two bases, you're probably going to want to look at something like a Shure KSM-32 or possibly an Audio Technica 4050. These are pretty much the "tell it like it is" mics. This would actually round your arsenal right out and give you some different tools without the overlap. You could also start looking at some nice dynamics as well, if you don't already have some.

 

[Robert D]

Thanks all. I was looking through some extremely positive user reviews of the C1 from a few years ago, and it was hard to find one without the U87 comparison. It seems everyone has sobored up since. I'll pass and wait for the right deal on a good multipattern LDC.

Chess - I've got severall dynamics, but the one I'm waiting for a deal on is the RE-20.

Cheers,
RD

 

[mikey@thecave]

if you run it thru a nice tube pre you will be

 

[darnold]

Im still one to think that it still does sound rather like a U87. It has a likeness to it. Not exact. But i dont even like the sound of the U87 much. Has its uses though.

I think with the NTK you really dont need a C1.

Danny

 

[ryanlikestorock]

For a similar price, I'd check out the Groove Tubes GT55. I got one on ebay really cheap and it's been really good to me for many applications.

 

[tryptophan]

C1 is one of the better mics in the sub $700 range

 

[darnold]

oh, and its my go to mic whenever i need to use a teamspeak or internet voice chat mic. really effective there. infact i have it in front of my right now while i play swat 4.

danny

 

[Strave]

For a similar price, I'd check out the Groove Tubes GT55. I got one on ebay really cheap and it's been really good to me for many applications.

I personally didn't like the GT55 at all. I got it for $100 extra with the brick and sold it pretty much a week later. Basically any singer who sung into it hated the way they sounded. Maybe it's good for something else besides vocals though.

 

[tryptophan]

the c1 has a crisp high-end. makes vocals sit into tracks very well. reminiscent of the neumann u87 in my opinion, but much more affordable. highly recommended.