Looking for a small dia condensor - cheap

[crawdad]

The ECM8000 has its uses. I got a pair for $75 bucks, which is pretty phenominal for a mic like this. I second all that Chessrock says--they do pick up more room acoustics and they are very flat. If you are used to a mic giving you a hyped crispness, these won't do that. What they do is capture a flat picture of the sound they are picking up. They work best in an acoustic space that sounds great to begin with.

So, they may not be the best choice if your room is less than ideal, but they are such a bargain that I think everybody who is into recording ought to have a pair in the mic locker.

As for a cheap condenser to record guitar, I would seriously look at both the Oktava 012 and the MXL 603 for your budget. I have not used the 603 but all reports are that it sounds pretty much identical to the Oktava 012. The difference is that you can get an omni, hypercardiod and LD head for the mic, which might be something to think about down the road. It also comes with a 10db pad, which the MXL lacks. For acoustic, that won't matter, though.

If budget is the pressing concern--go with the 603 for now. If you anticipate expanding the usefulness of the mic, go with the Oktava. Oh, and keep saving for the AKG 451 as a future purchase!

 

[chessparov]

Tried the MXL 603, not in the same class as a good MC-012
for vocals IMHO.

Chris

 

[chessrock]

Tried the MXL 603, not in the same class as a good MC-012
for vocals IMHO.

But using one as a vocal mic is pretty much defeating the purpose. The day I have to resort to the mc012 as a vocal mic is the day I should go out and shop for a new vocal mic.

 

[Son of Mixerman]

The ECM8000 has its uses. I got a pair for $75 bucks, which is pretty phenominal for a mic like this. I second all that Chessrock says--they do pick up more room acoustics and they are very flat. If you are used to a mic giving you a hyped crispness, these won't do that. What they do is capture a flat picture of the sound they are picking up. They work best in an acoustic space that sounds great to begin with.

Well, my room right now is got a great sound, and I don't want any hyped top end. Flat for me is better when recording acoustic guitars. Omni is good to, so maybe the ecm8000 to start and then add the 603 and 012 later.. Im still thinking though. So many choices and so little money. Thanks again for your inputs.

SoMm