MXL 4000 or Rhode NT1a??

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bassmasta392

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Trying to buy a mic for my home studio.. based on reviews and websites I've narrowed it down to these 2 microphones:

MXL 4000 ($170 and includes the MXL 603S Pencil Instrument Microphone)

Rhode NT1a ($220)

Looking for which one records best overall for vocals, bass, electric, and acoustic guitar.

Based on price, experience, and quality, which one looks like the better buy? thanks!
 
None of the above? :)

The NT1A isn't as harsh as the NT1, but one glance at its response curve tells me it's still hyped beyond recognition. The MXL 603S set is usable, but also rather hyped. Ditto for the MXL 4000. So if you want a massively over-bright recording, go with those.

For acoustic on the cheap, I'd suggest two Naiant X-S mics or pretty much any other omni pair that Jon (a.k.a. MsHilarious) makes or has ever made. They're really excellent mics for acoustic guitar. I also find them usable for close miking a grand piano, flute, violin... I've gotten great use out of those things on certain occasions.

For vocals, if you can squeeze the extra bucks for a CAD M9, I'd go for that. If not, since you probably aren't planning to do any modding, a CAD M179 is a decent LDC that's flat to within just a few dB across the entire frequency range. (I'm told it uses surface-mount components, so it's a terrible choice if you're planning to mod it.)

For electric guitar and bass, any of the above. The mic isn't nearly as critical for those applications, IMHO. You might even bring your amp's preamp output (if it has one) into your computer as a clean channel to give yourself some additional flexibility.
 
There are many other possibilities, why did you choose those two?
 
hmm maybe i should look into other mics.. i really dont know much about them. the rode was rated the highest on tweakheadz for the price, and i came across the mxl because i saw good reviews on it, and that it came with a second one for free.
if there are other mics you recommend around the 200 range let me know. brand new to this... so far all i have is a mackie vlz3 mixer, g2rokit8 speakers, sm57 + 58, and an ardvark direct line 6 (its ancient they went outa business a long time ago lol)
 
good advice in post two ....
others include
Audio Tech 4040
Rode Nt2a
an old Studio Project C1
 
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