I need some opinions. I can only buy one more mic for a while

[lend_me_talent]

I did a search and I couldn't find a comparison between the mics I'm looking at. I dont have the option of testing the mics out in my area either.

Here goes I will be recording vocals and acoustic guitar.

I can only afford to buy one mic that will need to last me for quite some time.

I have narrowed it down to:

Rode NTK
MXL V69me
Blue dragonfly
AT4033
SP TB1

I have it narrowed down to these but I would definitely welcome any other suggestions in this price range.

Thanks

 

[chessrock]

I have narrowed it down to:

Rode NTK
MXL V69me
Blue dragonfly
AT4033
SP TB1

These are all decent options. It really boils down to what your needs and intentions are. If you're doing this professionally, or are hoping for radio airplay, commercial release, etc. etc., then I'd say go with the Dragonfly. Not just because of the sound (which is excellent), but it has some wow factor to it that might impress a client or two.

If you're not quite at that level of seriousness, then I don't see why you couldn't do just fine with the 4033. It's about the least expensive of the bunch, and it will do both accoustic guitar and vocals quite well; far beyond it's price point.

But if you gotta' have the tubes, then by all means try and audition the NTK and the V69 and try and get a grasp of their sound in order to determine which one fits best with what you're doing. My personal opinion between the two is on the NTK, but again that's just my opinion -- I know others who like them. I would also highly advise throwing the CAD M9 into the running as far as tube mics are concerned.

So what it boils down to is: How serious are you about this? Is wow factor a consideration or is it about sound quality only? And do you generally favor the sound of tube mics, and how important is that to you? And if it is, then how can you get your hands on a few in order to compare them?

Good luck.

 

[tdukex]

I'm in the same boat, but I already have a tube mic, so I'm considering the AT 4040 and the 4047 or a LOMO head for my MC012 preamp body. If you think you might want a tube mic you should also consider the Shure KSM 44 and the SP T-3.

If you can afford the Dragonfly, can you also afford the AT 4060?

 

[DJL]

When buying a vocal mic... if you can't audition the mics before you buy one, you might as well just flip a coin and take your chances. Good luck.

 

[CanopuS]

Do you have any other mics that these might be added to?

 

[lend_me_talent]

I have a V67 & a RE20

 

[lend_me_talent]

how about the SM7?

 

[sdelsolray]

Another AT 4033, so you'll have a useful pair.

 

[still4given]

If you can afford a Dragon Fly, then you can afford an NTK and a pair of MK012's or MXL603's. The Dragon Fly is pretty cool looking though and I hear it sounds lovely. Still, why limit yourself to one mic for two different tasks when you can afford to get two specialized mics?

Blessings, Terry

 

[lend_me_talent]

thanks for all the replies. I just saw a deal on ebay for a brand new NTK, two new 603s, RODE shockmount, cables, a carrying case, pop filter and 2 cheap superlux ECO dynamics.

for 499.

good deal?

 

[Richard Monroe]

Yesss!- Excellent deal.-Richie

 

[DJL]

thanks for all the replies. I just saw a deal on ebay for a brand new NTK, two new 603s, RODE shockmount, cables, a carrying case, pop filter and 2 cheap superlux ECO dynamics.

for 499.

good deal?

Yes, that's a good deal.

 

[littledog]

If you think you might want a tube mic you should also consider the Shure KSM 44 and the SP T-3.

This is probably just a typo or something, because I'm sure tdudex isn't saying the KSM 44 is a tube mic.

 

[tdukex]

This is probably just a typo or something, because I'm sure tdudex isn't saying the KSM 44 is a tube mic.

That's exactly what I was saying.

Why?

Because I am an idiot!

Thanks for pointing out the misinformation littledog.

Oh, and it's tdukex.

 

[H2oskiphil]

thanks for all the replies. I just saw a deal on ebay for a brand new NTK, two new 603s, RODE shockmount, cables, a carrying case, pop filter and 2 cheap superlux ECO dynamics.

for 499.

good deal?

I saw that auction as well. The guy sells them in his eBay store for the same price.

A lot of his store stuff is lower budget, but that deal kinda jumps out at you.

He's also offering a package deal on the Marshall you're interested in at $277 with some goodies thrown in.

I don't have a tube mic yet....hmmmm.....

 

[still4given]

thanks for all the replies. I just saw a deal on ebay for a brand new NTK, two new 603s, RODE shockmount, cables, a carrying case, pop filter and 2 cheap superlux ECO dynamics.

for 499.

good deal?

Well, that certainly follows my logic. You can go a long way with that combination.

Sounds great to me.

Blessings, Terry

 

[ozraves]

Given that you've got the RE20, the Blue Dragonfly is very complimentary.

One option you have not mentioned is an AT4040, which is a wonderful mic. It does a good job on acoustic guitar as well as other instruments and vocals. You can get them at www.fullcompass.com in their "B" stock sale for $180 for a very limited time.

I'd pick that mic before anything else you've got listed other than the Dragonfly. I'd maybe consider the V69 or the AT4033 from the mics on your list.

Steve
www.mojopie.com

 

[malcolm123]

thanks for all the replies. I just saw a deal on ebay for a brand new NTK, two new 603s, RODE shockmount, cables, a carrying case, pop filter and 2 cheap superlux ECO dynamics.

for 499.

good deal?

Anyone ever tried these cheapo ECO mics before?

I think it's a ECO-88S. My 7 year old has been bugging me about having his own mic. ( He says he wants a real one now. LOL)

I think he has outgrown the little plastic Karaoke one I bought him. He must want to upgrade his vocal chain.

But seriously, maybe someone has found a weird use for one or maybe achieve a cheezy sound or something to taste.

Malcolm

 

[freshmattyp]

I'll put my vote in for the CAD M9, even though 8th street bumped the price back up to $399. I got lucky and bought at $295. It's a great mic for male vocals.

 

[freshmattyp]

Given that you've got the RE20, the Blue Dragonfly is very complimentary.

One option you have not mentioned is an AT4040, which is a wonderful mic. It does a good job on acoustic guitar as well as other instruments and vocals. You can get them at www.fullcompass.com in their "B" stock sale for $180 for a very limited time.

I'd pick that mic before anything else you've got listed other than the Dragonfly. I'd maybe consider the V69 or the AT4033 from the mics on your list.

Steve
www.mojopie.com

Just as an FYI, Full compass is out of the B stock 4040's, but they do have A stock ones for around $260. I was just a bit too late.