My First Condensers...Your Thoughts?

[guitargypsy]

I've been doing serious home recording for about 2 years and I'm ready to finally invest in a good pair of condenser mics. I'm running protools LE and the digi 003 interface.

My application will primarily be as drum overheads and recording mono/stereo acoustic guitar and perhaps other acoustic instruments.

So far the following have been recommended to me and I thought I'd ask you all for your input as well:

Shure SM-81
Oktava MK-012
AKG C 1000 S

My price range would ideally be under $700. Any comments or other suggestions?

Thanks.

 

[antichef]

I'm using both the SM81s and MC-012s for both purposes, and they're both great. In my experience, the SM81s are less colored, and for me that means better in a dense mix. The MC-012s can make a dull sounding guitar sound kind of good, and a good sounding guitar sound really good.

The C-1000 doesn't get much love in these discussions, but I have no experience with them.

In any event, it's probably worth picking up a pair of Naiant omnis, (first/instead/also), since they're really inexpensive, readily available (through the mail) and very good -- www.naiant.com I have the X-Qs and use them regularly.

I just did some drums recording with an AKG C451E (I've got two, but one's under repair) and the tracks were nice -- I may use these more once I have two. I've heard they're too bright (or maybe that's their descendant the C-451B), and these tracks certainly are bright, but in a good way. I'm sure I'll still use all the others I mentioned also.

 

[xstatic]

For under $700 you could also consider a stereo pair of Peluso CEMC6's. In my opinion they sound much better than any of the mics you have listed. Of the ones you do have listed, I actually prefer the Oktava's over the sm81's, and would never even consider buying a pair of AKG C1000's.

 

[hairylarry]

Audio Technica Pro37

guitargypsy,

Plus one on the Naiant's. I have a stereo pair of the original MSH-1 mics and I use them all the time.

My favorite drum overhead mics are my Audio Technica Pro37. (same as the Pro37r)

They are also excellent on acoustic guitar. You could get a pair of Naiant's and a pair of Pro37, have omnis and cardiods, and still be under $300.

Thanks,

Hairy Larry