MXL or Behringer Condenser???

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jacksmart

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I am going to purchase a condenser mic for home recording. I know very little about mics. I would appreciate your input as to if you were going to buy an inexpensive condenser mic, would you pick the MXL 990 or the Behringer B-1? Any advice will be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Jack
 
It kind of depends on what your intended use is going to be. The 990 has a small diaphragm capsule in a housing that makes it look like it's a microphone with a large diaphragm capsule. If you're going to be just recording acoustic guitar, stringed instruments, piano or other acoustic instruments, the 990 might be better. If you're going to be doing vocals a lot, in addition to those other sources, the B-1 might be better. Personally I prefer LD microphones as I find them more versatile. Either of these mics will require a phantom power source incidentally.
People will likely tell you that for that amount of money, you might just want to invest in a tried and true dynamic mic like a Shure SM57 or SM58, or to save for something better. People will also likely say that you should try to save for something better if you can. People will also ask what the rest of your chain is (preamps, dynamic processing if any (eq's, compression), recording medium (analog tape, digital multitrack, computer) and what kind of acoustic space you're going to be recording in, as those are two important factors that can influence what mic choice might be best for you.
In any case, if this is just for your own personal enjoyment and edification, don't sweat it too much and have a good time! :D
 
For the prices, the MXL would be the better buy than the B-1 for quality IMO.. Because the B-1 is made by Behringer................................................................................
 
Ditto Big Kenny . . . or a JoeMeek J37DP. You can also get a CAD M177 at 8thstreetmusic.com for $100. In any event, for the same price, you can easily do better than both of the mics you mentioned.

Paj
8^)
 
The B1 is not a bad mic at all... a little crispy, but that can be tamed with EQ. Sounds best about 2' back from a guitar cab. Decent enough on vocals. If I were you, I would have save a little more cash and buy an Audio Technica AT3035. Far nicer sounding, far more versatile, and only slightly more expensive. I have two 3035s, and plan on keeping them for a long time to come. You can find them for like $135 on ebay.
 
studiomaster said:
How is the SE M1C? Does it use the capsule as the Neumann TLM103?
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It is sE's entry level Large Diaphragm Condensor mic but hand built and tested at the factory as are all of the sE mics. It is a much better choice than the 2 mentioned.
Not sure I understand the Neuman capsule question. :confused:
The M1C capsule is cardioid only as is the TLM103 if that is what you mean.
 
homestudioguy said:
It is sE's entry level Large Diaphragm Condensor mic but hand built and tested at the factory as are all of the sE mics. It is a much better choice than the 2 mentioned.
Not sure I understand the Neuman capsule question. :confused:
The M1C capsule is cardioid only as is the TLM103 if that is what you mean.
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So they do sound different right?
 
homestudioguy said:
Suggestion:
sE Electronics M1C Large Diaphragm-$169.
Class A Electronics.
Hand Built Diaphragm
"Very versatile, applications include voice, electric guitar, strings, horns, drums and more".
http://www.seelectronics.com/Mini.html
http://www.frontendaudio.com/SE_Electronics_M1C_Cardioid_Condenser_Microphone_p/7096.htm
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Nothing personal, but didn't I just read here that you are or are becoming an sE dealer? It doesn't mean it's not a good mic or anything, but isn't some disclosure of that business relationship in order if you're going to keep recommending their mics here?
 
kojdogg said:
Nothing personal, but didn't I just read here that you are or are becoming an sE dealer? It doesn't mean it's not a good mic or anything, but isn't some disclosure of that business relationship in order if you're going to keep recommending their mics here?
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:mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:
 
well I recently asked the same question in a post, not realizing this was already asked about these two mics. After reading this thread, I bought an AT3035 off of Ebay. I got it for $98. Cant wait til it gets here.
 
I'd say the AT3035 is probably the better purchase.

I own the Behringer ECM8000 and it's a great mic. If you're looking for dead-accurate sound in a good environment, then it's good. I've only used it on acoustic guitar though.
 
jacksmart said:
I am going to purchase a condenser mic for home recording. I know very little about mics. I would appreciate your input as to if you were going to buy an inexpensive condenser mic, would you pick the MXL 990 or the Behringer B-1? Any advice will be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Jack
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In that price range, AT2020, probably. What are you trying to record?
 
New Behringer condensor mic

I see this thread started a long time ago, there are now C1 condenser mics from Behringer, I bought one and am really happy with it, around $125CDN, I guess that is about $15US.
 
jacksmart said:
I am going to purchase a condenser mic for home recording. I know very little about mics. I would appreciate your input as to if you were going to buy an inexpensive condenser mic, would you pick the MXL 990 or the Behringer B-1? Any advice will be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Jack
Click to expand...

I'd suggest buying a pair of Studio Projects B1 LDCs instead. A pair will only cost you around $200 if you shop around, and they'll get you going in the right direction right out of the chute... in stereo too. I bought a pair of them a few years back and have never regretted it. :cool:
 
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