MXL 990/991 package or SP B1 for vocals

[projap5]

Im a newcomer to recording and was wondering if i would be better off getting the mxl 990 and 991 package or the Sp B1. I want to use the mics for vocals and for the occasional micing of guitar amps. I have heard good reviews for both and am unsure which would be a better first condenser mic. HELP!

Also any suggestions on some inexpensive drum overheads.

 

[jeff5xo]

I personally am not a big fan of the MXL mics,HOWEVER, many people here like them. I own an SP B1 and while it's not my first choice for vocals, I have found use for it recording some singers. It's a solid mic for the price. As far as overheads, I would suggest Octava MC012's. You can gte them at Guitar Center for $69 each.

 

[jkokura]

Looking for vocal and guitar mic? the MXL mic you want is a V67, not the 9oo series...I'd take the B1 over the V67 for some things, but not vocals...the 67 is much better on vocals than the B1.

Jacob

 

[chipwits]

As far as overheads, I would suggest Octava MC012's. You can gte them at Guitar Center for $69 each.

I am interested in this microphone.

I just checked out http://www.oktavausa.com/ and they have the real MK012's for sell there. They say Guitar Center sells fake chinese versions of the mic. (They even have a link to a page there shows how you can tell the difference between the two). Which should I buy? The MK012 (russian) or the MC012 (chinese). Which sounds better? Anyone here tried both?

James

 

[jeff5xo]

Ok, I'll take the onslaught of abuse that's getting ready to come my way. Here is my opinion on the whole thing, and keep in mind, I only have the "chinese" ones. They sound good man...........really good. If my GC had any left, I'd buy 2 more. I'm not going to get wrapped up in all the technical specifications that seperate the 2. I go by my ear. I trust my ear. You need to go by yours, OR someone else's that you trust. I really don't care where they were made is long as I can get the sound out of them that I need.

Now having said that, I understand that Sound Room is selling the Russian versions for a pretty good price with all of the capsules. I don't think I would buy from Octava.com, they may be a little pricey.

The best advice I can give you, is use your ears, and take in as much information as you can from this forum. If there is someone you really respect here, pm him and ask his opinion. Most people are here to help, but we ALL have are own opinions, right, wrong or indifferent!

I will leave you with a song that I used the "chinese" Octavas with for the overheads. The drums are the only thing on the recording that ISN'T a scratch track.

http://www.nowhereradio.com/5x0/singles

 

[chipwits]

Nice job there jeff5xo! Music, musicians and recording all sounds great.

James

 

[jeff5xo]

Thanks James!

 

[chipwits]

Projap5,

Check out http://www.thelisteningsessions.com/session5.htm. You can hear the Mics you mentioned compared, along with many other mics. I really like the sound of that V69 Mogami there (well cause it is warm and might sound good for recording my fiddling).

James

 

[cubanorocker316]

pretty good

i dont have much experience but my freind owns 2 of those packages and his recordings sound awesome, all though i dont think ur suppose to record guitar amps with a condenser ,ur suppose to use dynamic to record a guitar amp, u can only record an acoustic guitar with a condenser mic