new guy looking for good mic for on the road recording

[robfurman]

I am just starting out in recording concert bands, choirs, speechs, etc...nothing to fancy and probablyu just a single stero track being used..I thinkin I need two mics to get a stero sounde since the portable station I am lookijng at has only mono tracks....anyways what is a good all around mic ( mics) to use for these type of recordings...I have little money so really two mics around 300$ would be about all I could handle..
thanks for the help all
Rob ( mthe new guy)

 

[chessparov]

There has been considerable discussion of this as regards the various microphones offered by Studio Projects, Oktava, and Rode-to just name three examples.

In the 60's/70's many classical recordings were made with a pair of EV 635a's.

They also have been popular for VO and ENG field reporting over the years.
As long as they haven't been ever dropped nose first, they have a very good overall sound, although they won't capture all the details of a condenser.

Chris

 

[Innovations]

Does your portable kit include phantom power? If so I would recommend a pair of condensers. I get pretty good results from a pair of MXL2003 mics although if I wantes something less obtrusive I would use a pair of 603s or Oktavas or Studio Project C4s.

If the portable unit did not offer phantom power then a pair of dynamics would still get good results. Maybe a pair of Shure Beta57A at this price range. (presuming that you mean 300 for the pair not 300 each)

 

[chessparov]

With all due respect, a pair of Shure Beta's wouldn't be a wise choice as their off-axis response (like a SM57) is poor.

Chris

 

[Richard Monroe]

Sony ECM-MS957- mid-side stereo electret, battery powered- $250 at 8th street.-Richie