Looking for opinons for my first large diaphragm condenser

[MrGrooves666]

Hello, I'm from México but currently studying audio engineering in Tempe, AZ. This is a great forum, I've been lurking around for some days now. I'm looking at buying my first large diaphragm condenser. Of course, I'm a student, and from México, I don't have much money. Fortunately, at school I've had access to many nice mics, neumann's U87,89, TLM's. AKG 414, AT 4050, 4060, Rode's NTK, oktava's 012 and some others. I cannot afford the level of this mics, but I do have some reference now.
At most, I have around $250-$300 that I can gather, If I cut my expenses and eat sandwiches for a month ...jk, but somewhere near.
I'm definetly considering these chinese made mics. However, I've just tried one of those. I tried one of the Marshall/MCA condensers and wasn't surprised much. I think it was one of the cheapo $50 at ebay. I've read that the V67G are supposed to be good but not very rugged. I read the entire and excellent Mr Harvey report on the C1 VS V67G (incluiding the posts from that arrogant prick...he sure doesn't know anything about the global market and modern economy, but that's another story).
I've also been watching some cheap Groove tubes mics on ebay, as well as ADK A-51. The revised Rode NT1A is also in my choices. A friend of mine just got one and I had a chance to listen to it and I did like it...maybe a little bit harsh on the highs..
I'm clueless, so far I'm narrowing to the C1. I like Alan and it appears he has a great product, I would love to hear the C1 in person tough. I was also considering going for Mr Royer's MXL 2001 mod, but its pricey, 120 for the mic, 160 for the kit if I'm right, and then the transformer for 60...
My need is just an all general use large diaphragm, good for vocals (male or female), micing amps, acoustic guitar, post, and general dialog as well as ambience capture.
Any comments are greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance!

 

[TexRoadkill]

I like the MXL V93 for a good all around mic. It can be beefy on vocals and clear on instruments.

 

[charliedango]

Audio Technica 4050/CM5

Search Ebay. They go for real cheap there, but they are not cheap by any means.

 

[chessparov]

Like I just posted in another thread, keep the Studio Projects B3
and C3 in mind too. You may want a multi-pattern mike for group vocals and "ambience".

Chris

 

[tdukex]

The AT 4040 should be another consideration.

 

[MrGrooves666]

Good options, but a little out of my price. I'm still a little uncomfortable by getting used mics on ebay.. have u guys had any experiences with that?
What about the groove tubes GT55. I saw an add at school selling one for $200 in like new condition.
Also what about the C1...I'm still very interested in this mic...Any owners ?

 

[DJL]

My need is just an all general use large diaphragm, good for vocals (male or female), micing amps, acoustic guitar, post, and general dialog as well as ambience capture.
Any comments are greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance!

Your most likely going to need more than one mic to do all of that.

Good options, but a little out of my price. I'm still a little uncomfortable by getting used mics on ebay.. have u guys had any experiences with that?
What about the groove tubes GT55. I saw an add at school selling one for $200 in like new condition.
Also what about the C1...I'm still very interested in this mic...Any owners ?

I've bought used mic's from ebay and it's worked out well for me.

I have a Studio Projects C1 mic and I like it, but it does have a hyped top end so it's not the best choice mic for recording everything. Also, it is my understanding that microphones with glued and bolted diaphrams will last longer and the Studio Projects C and B series mic's are only glued and not bolted. But, if you take care of them (and baby them) they should last about 20 years or so.

 

[still4given]

For all around, I would say the Studio Project B1. If the B3 sounds like the B1 in cardioid, then the B3 would be my choice.

Blessings, Terry

 

[coplinger]

I'll second the B3. It's done me well on vocals, acoustic guitar, and guitar amp. And the multi pattern makes it more versitile. You would also have some cash left over for a pre or maybe a pair of ecm8000's for the 'ambience' mics.

 

[DJL]

I have both the Studio Projects B1 and B3 and IMO they both sound good, but they do sound different.

 

[soundjunky]

when you said you were studying engineering in Tempe, are you refering to the Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences on Broadway?

junky

 

[flapo1]

I'm from Mexico too and I have a C1, which IMHO is a great mic. If you want to hear how it sounds (in your native languaje ) PM me ¿OK?

 

[MrGrooves666]

I know I need more than that, but one at a time....that's why I want to start with the most versatile.
Yes I'm at CRAS in Tempe, almost out for the internship...little nervous btw...heh

Flapo I'd love to hear some C1 captured sounds. Where in Mexico are you from? How did u get that C1 in Mexico?..heh

What's the differencie (I mean, obviously besides price) between the B1 and the C1?....seems to me the B3 and C3 use the same capsules as their respective priors, but with diff. polar patterns. Is this true?...So what's the difference between the C1 and B1?

Guys, thanks again for everything

 

[flapo1]

Hi Groove.

I was born in Mexico City but have been living in Aguascalientes for over 15 years now.

The C1 my brother bought it in the states, but there's a distributor here in Mexico called Frabe Audio or something like that. To listen to some of my songs go to:

http://www.nowhereradio.com/artists/?aid=1251/

Aprovecha y COMPRA ahora que estás en USA (if you have any money of course)

 

[MrGrooves666]

Flapo, no habia escrito en español por consideración con los demás, pero en fin, me da gusto que hayan mexicanos en foros como estos.
Estoy considerando seriamente el C1 de SP. Todos los comentarios que he leido en general han sido positivos. Estoy tratando de localizar un distribuidor aqui en phoneix que me permita audiocionarlo.
No tuve tiempo de escuchar tu música ahorita, pero con gusto lo hare por la noche.
Gracias por tus comentarios.

 

[MrGrooves666]

Flapo, no habia escrito en español por consideración con los demás, pero en fin, me da gusto que hayan mexicanos en foros como estos.
Estoy considerando seriamente el C1 de SP. Todos los comentarios que he leido en general han sido positivos. Estoy tratando de localizar un distribuidor aqui en phoneix que me permita audiocionarlo.
No tuve tiempo de escuchar tu música ahorita, pero con gusto lo hare por la noche.
Por cierto, yo soy originario de mty.
Gracias por tus comentarios.

 

[F_cksia]

 

[flapo1]

Ajua, y arriba el Norte!

Ok, now let's get back to the "lingua franca" of this bbs and avoid people making funny faces at us.

But seriously, let's keep it in english as you said in your earlier post. If you want to speak some spanish (homesick, you know) send me a Private mail OK?.

I'm glad to see mexican faces around here. Keep up recording, hombre!

 

[Richard Monroe]

Mr. Groove- I also suggest Studio Projects B-3. It is transparent and versatile. The C-1 is a slightly midrange hyped cardioid only that is rather good for vocals. B-3 is a multipolar workhorse w/ a flatter response that is a better learning tool with more applications, and it's cheaper than a C-1, and well within your budget. You can get a shock mount for it and still be at about $200.-Richie

 

[flapo1]

Hi Richard

I may be mistaken but AFAIK the b series have something like an internal shockmount. Not sure how it works or how well it works, though.