In the market for a new Mic

[rmh132]

Hi,

im in the process of upgrading my home setup (new mac, DP4, 24-bit interface, etc.) and am looking to buy a new large diaphragm condenser to use as sort of an all purpose mic, that sounds good on vocals, has low-self noise, and can handle a kick-drum (when placed a foot away or so). Right now all i have are a few of sm-57's, a pair of MXL 603's, and a cheapo MXL 2001. i like the 603's (but they freak out when placed on loud sources). im a student, and at my university's studio, we have TLM-103's, Shure KSM's, Royers, Schoeps, among other nice gear. I think the TLM-103 sounds OK, definitely good quality, but sometimes "spitty." it can handle a kick though. what other mics out there are comparable in price and use to the 103? Ive looked at, but havent heard AKG 414's, BLUE Dragonfly...

basically before i spend 700 or so on a TLM-103 on Ebay, what are my other options?

thanks in advance,

rich

 

[chessrock]

The $700 range is kind of a tricky one, because it's right there on the cusp -- spend a little more and you can likely step up in to the next bracket of quality, or spend a little more and get some really good / outstanding values for the money.

If you spend a little more, there's the Dragonfly, like you mentioned -- although you might find that one spitty, at times, like the TLM. Go a little higher and you'll be looking at the Audio Technica 4060 (very nice mic), and some of the Soundeluxes.

Go a little lower, and you've got stuff like the Audio Technica 4050 and 4047 . . . Shure KSM-44, etc. Outstanding values.

 

[CMEZ]

I'm going to do a big no-no and recommend some mics that I haven't heard-mostly because if I had the money, it's what I would buy. I WILL give you a good reason or 3 why.

an ADK TC tube or the A-48 multi-pattern tube mic.

First reason: Read the reviews in Tapeop magazine at www.tapeop.com (great magazine, by the way, and it's FREE).

Second reason: based on these reviews, I started researching this company. I found that some of the higher end distributors will carry ADK and won't carry other cheaper brands due to QC issues. I emailed the website looking for a retailer, and the owner of the company Larry Villella (sp?) personally contacted me not once, but several times in an ongoing attempt to find me a place to audition his mics. He eventually sent me to an on-line retailer that would allow me a 'no-risk' purchase/audition. I purchased a Vienna (very nice, but a bit too bright for my use-it'd be great for modern rock or pop) and he's now sending a Hamburg (U47'ish sound) for me to try out alongside it at no cost. I keep the one I like and send the other one back. If I don't like THAT, I'll send 'em both back and for $200 more get the TC. If I don't like THAT, I'll drop the extra $100 and get the A-48, which normally retails at $999 but is on sale at 40% off (or $600.) If I don't like THAT, I just suck and will quit now. LOL (no, seriously, if I don't like that I can send it back and get my money back minus shipping.) The retailer, by the way, is newsoundcard.com-and it's owner, Greg, is also very attentive and emailed me personally. So, fantastic customer service. I think that oughta be rewarded, don't you?

Chris

 

[tdukex]

Lots of people love the AT 4040, and I see new on Ebay for $250 often.

 

[gordone]

See if you can find a used Soundelux U97. It's 4 patterns, been compared favorably to a 414 (which I've never heard). It's my main vocal mic, and I also get good results on acoustic guitar (especially in Omni, or together with my Neumann KM184). It's been discontinued, but it cost ~ $600 new, should be less used. Check out my clips at http://www.evangordon.com to hear it in action. All the vocals were done through the U97, through a Great River MP2.

 

[Giganova]

"comparable to the TLM-103"? Get a Gefell M930 -- its a bit cheaper than the TLM103 and might work just as well or even better on vocals! Its my new weapon of choice on vocals lately.

 

[guitarlover]

FYI,

There is a long article in the March issue of Recording (I think) magazine that is really high on the Gefell 930.

You might pick up an issue because I think the author mentions some of the other mics you are looking at.

Regards, Steve

 

[Giganova]

there is also an article in the current Sound On Sound magazine, where they highly praise the M930. [isn't it odd that two magazine have reviews of the same product in the same month? The products isn't even new!]