Looking to buy a pair of SDs and one LD....advice?

[Mike BL]

The SP-B1 and MXL603S are considered to be different. For example... the B1 is a large diaphragm condenser and the MXL603S is a small diaphragm condenser mic.

You should read the sticky at the top of the board.

Sorry, I wasn't clear. I know the B1 is an LD and 603 is a SD. What I meant to ask is if the B1 would generally do better than the 603 on acoustic.

I've read large portions of Harvey's thread, and it's amazing, but like I said in my original post, I was just trying to get a bunch of opinions together in one thread, directly related to my specific situation, because I've actually read so much that everything's starting to become a blur to me, and to be honest, I was just getting really confused.

By the way, DJL, you've been really helpful, and I think I'm probably going to wind up with a pair of 603s and a 67G like you originally suggested. I was just trying to get as many opinions as possible because it's not often that I have the money to buy gear, and I want to make sure I do it the right way.

Sorry to be a bother.

 

[patty david]

See, that's obviously ideal, but how do you actually go about trying out mics in stores?

Find you a store - musicians friend, sam ash, there are more that will sell ya a mic and if youdont like you can send back and get something else -
In the beginning - that is how i did it.

 

[patty david]

See, that's obviously ideal, but how do you actually go about trying out mics in stores?

Some stores (sam ash, mfriend and many more) let you return item if you dontl like it and exchange -
If you are in a city or near a city that rents mics (that is how I tried mine out) do that...

 

[SteveMcB]

Moral of the story: LDs are generally better for vocals, but if I were to use a SD for a little while, it wouldn't be the absolute worst thing in the world, correct?

In general, yes, most people prefer LD condensors for vocals. I like my Studio Projects C1 ($200) and my sm57. I have a pair of MXL 603's, but haven't used them for vocals - I've read mixed reports about the results of using them for vox though.

But an LD would basically be useless to me in terms of recording drums, correct?

No, incorrect. It is certainly possible to use LD's for drums. I did a set of mono drums for an old-soul style track using a Peavey kick mic, sm57 on snare and a C1 as overhead (LD). Worked well. I believe the Red Hot Chili Peppers used U87's (LD) as overheads for the last album.

I love the 603's on acoustic, and they work well for me as overhead mics. The MC012's are another option, but the QC is supposed to be very variable.

With a mic budget of $400, I'd definitely go for the MXL603's as overheads, and get an LD of some description...
v67 - $80, nice vocal mic, ok for other sources too, could get a pair!
Studio Projects B1 $80, versatile, again, could get a pair
Studio Projects B3 $159 multipattern
Studio Projects C1 $200, nice vocal mic, good on other sources too

For maximum versatility, you could get 2 603's, 2 B1's and a v67. Or you could get a pair of 603's, a b1 or v67, and change part of your mic budget to a compressor budget and get an RNC!

Good luck,
Steve

 

[Thom IV]

Some stores (sam ash, mfriend and many more) let you return item if you dontl like it and exchange -
If you are in a city or near a city that rents mics (that is how I tried mine out) do that...

FYI
Many online stores (SamAss included) will NOT let you return mics, due to health concerns. They don't necessarily state this outright in their return policies, so ASK BEFORE YOU BUY!!

That being said...my local music dealer is okay with returns (full money back, no questions asked) on any item within 7 days.

 

[DJL]

Sorry, I wasn't clear. I know the B1 is an LD and 603 is a SD. What I meant to ask is if the B1 would generally do better than the 603 on acoustic.

No.

IMO, the 603 generally does better than the B1 on acoustics.

The Marhall MXL603SPR (matched pair) with a MXLV67G is a nice package.