Is there a "Best" all-around LDC?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Tomm Williams
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Tomm Williams

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Had this question posed to me, what do you guys think? Fella was asking about a sub-$400.00 general purpose LDC that would fit the bill for any purpose (more than adequately). Live/recording/vocals/instruments, etc.... I was thinking maybe a AT4033.
 
The short answer is- no. First, the 4033 is a mid-size (0.75") diaphragm, not an LDC. Picking a best all-around mic for $400 is like picking the best electric guitar for $400. Is there a best all-around tool for $20, and will a screwdriver help if you needed a hacksaw? On top of that, we all disagree on what sounds good, so we also need to pick a "best" artist. All that people can do is recommend a versatile $400 or < mic that they like and have found useful. I like the (mid-sized, also not LDC) AKG C2000B, B.L.U.E. Baby Bottle, Oktava MK319, and although you asked for condensers, the Shure SM7b and Electrovoice RE 20 are dynamic all-pros in the same general price range, and should not be underestimated. Good luck.
 
Yeah, I realize the topic of "Best" anything is a loaded question. Maybe a better way to put it, what would be the minimum mic you could live with that may not floor you but wouldn't disappoint either.
 
Do you have a house? Well if youre willing to sell it you cant go wrong with a Neumann U67.
 
Hmmmmmm....I would just sell the car AND house to have both a U67 and U47! :)

The 4033 is a very nice sounding mic. I have used it on so many different things with great results. Only once did it sound "bad" on something, and that was a problematic male singer who just plain ol' didn't sound good on ANY mic! :) It is a mic you cannot really go "wrong" with.
 
Seriously - although it's definitely not what you're asking for - at the price range you're looking for, you'd do better to buy a dynamic mic. Depending on the applications you'll be using the mic on, you may be considerably happier with the results. I know I was, when I realized this.

That said, I owned the 4033 and thought it was alright but didn't fall in love. The only two LDCs that I have and use fairly regularly are an AT AE3000 and a Studio Projects CS-5. Neither are amazing but they both have special abilities that suit my needs nicely.
 
If it were I. I would go for the *extra large diaphragm condenser microphone*. :facepalm:
 
elbandito said:
Seriously - although it's definitely not what you're asking for - at the price range you're looking for, you'd do better to buy a dynamic mic. Depending on the applications you'll be using the mic on, you may be considerably happier with the results. I know I was, when I realized this.

That said, I owned the 4033 and thought it was alright but didn't fall in love. The only two LDCs that I have and use fairly regularly are an AT AE3000 and a Studio Projects CS-5. Neither are amazing but they both have special abilities that suit my needs nicely.
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Thanks for the input but the mic isn't for me, I'm pretty well stocked. It was a more-or-less hypothetical question from a friend who's looking for the ultimate yet not too expensive LDC that does everything. Personally don't think that mic exists but told him I'd ask you guys your thoughts.
 
Tomm Williams said:
Thanks for the input but the mic isn't for me, I'm pretty well stocked. It was a more-or-less hypothetical question from a friend who's looking for the ultimate yet not too expensive LDC that does everything. Personally don't think that mic exists but told him I'd ask you guys your thoughts.
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I'd tell him to shut up, nut up and shell out the $700 for a 414 or something. You can't really go wrong with that as an all-arounder. I haven't personally used the Joly modded NT1-A but a friend of mine uses it in his studio regularly.
 
elbandito said:
I'd tell him to shut up, nut up and shell out the $700 for a 414 or something. You can't really go wrong with that as an all-arounder. I haven't personally used the Joly modded NT1-A but a friend of mine uses it in his studio regularly.
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You should get in there and give it a whirl, El B! ;)
 
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