need help with choice, B1, or nova

[illies17]

im looking for a condensor microphone and im trying to decide between a studio projects B1 or an Maudio Nova, i think its new... they are both 100$. can anyone give me their opinions on these if they have used them both and help me decide which to get, or if they have any other ideas for good mics in that price range. I would be using it for vocals and acoustic guitar. thanks.

 

[kid klash]

I'm quite familiar with the SP B1, but I've never used an M-Audio Nova. I did a quick search regarding the Nova, and here's what I found :
https://homerecording.com/bbs/showthread.php?t=177445&highlight=Maudio+Nova+mic

 

[Big Kenny]

I would steer you away from the nova, the B1 is great on acoustic, I didn't like it on vox. Once again I think a better investment is a CAD M179 (or 177 if you don't need the patterns)
Later, when you have some spare $, you can buy another M179 and do some really interesting stuff with Blumlien or MS or even have a very usable pair of overheads.
They sound nice in every application I've tried, not that they come out every session,but they show up quite frequently on something or other

 

[baekgaard]

Later, when you have some spare $, you can buy another M179 and do some really interesting stuff with Blumlien or MS or even have a very usable pair of overheads.

Big Kenny:

Speaking of the B1 and the M179 and stereo recordings... have you ever tried those two together in a MS setup? I know they should be more equal, but sometimes things work anyway?

Just wondering... have never tried it, but have often considered it since I don't have more than one M179, but have several others (B1, NT1000, C1).


To the original poster:

I second the M179 or B1 comments given here. However, the B1 may work for some voices. It is pretty neutral, and does not colour too much. Nor does the M179, but it somehow tends to work with more voices, possibly. And you can vary the patterns, which may help you to get somewhat different sounds. On mine, the front and back side sounds slightly different in figure-8 mode. Not much, just a tad.


-- Per.

 

[kid klash]

Big Kenny:

Speaking of the B1 and the M179 and stereo recordings... have you ever tried those two together in a MS setup? I know they should be more equal, but sometimes things work anyway?

Just wondering... have never tried it, but have often considered it since I don't have more than one M179, but have several others (B1, NT1000, C1).
-- Per.

I haven't tried an M-S setup with an M179, but I use a B1 and B3 together all the time for my M-S setup... with GREAT results. FWIW.