Next Mic Purchase... Any Ideas?

[Scotty53]

Hello all,

I've been recording for some time now and have decided to join this forum as I do like the constructive criticism and ideas that come out of the members here. So here is my question to all of you: I have a few Apex large Diaphragm mics, (460 tube mic and a few 430s), and an Audio Technica AT 4040. I would rather currently buy a bunch of under $500-800 mics that have character to each of them than buy a TLM 103 or anything above that. I eventually want to go higher, since I've worked in studios using M147's and M149's and U87's. I like them, but this is more of an experiment for me to try and see how many nice under $500-800 mics I can find that will work nicely for a bunch of different sources. I've heard good things about the Rode NT1a and the CAD M179 and Trion 8000 as well as the SE 2200a. Is there anything else you guys can recommend or anything in a short list that you guys praise?


Thanks,



Scott Fitzpatrick

 

[Scotty53]

I guess this would also be a good place for another question.

I am currently running the Presonus Firepod and would like to access the other 2 channels via SPDIF. I know ART makes a pre that can use the SPDIF digital in but are there any higher end 2 channel pres that have digital coaxial?


Thanks again

 

[Ripthorn]

I think some higher end pre's are made by focusrite or avalon that can use digital outs (not positive on that). As for nice mics, the MXL V69ME is a good tube mic. You could probably pick up a used 414 for your price range as well. Cascade makes good budget ribbon mics (talk about character, ribbons give ya that). If I think of more later, I'll post again.

 

[antichef]

I was gonna say a used C414 - that's a good idea. I got one and use it all the time. Then there's the always-recommended Shure SM7b. If you record acoustic instruments, some small diaphragm condensers like SM81s or Oktava MK-012s would be good. For another cardioid LDC (which you probably don't need too bad because of the 4040), my fav in the price range is an Oktava MK319 modified by Oktavamod (premium electronics). I also have some cheaper dynamics, like the SM57/58, Audix i5, EV RE10 and 635a, and some cheap modded ribbons that I use all the time.

Marik is currently modifying my TnC ACM-6802T -- I sent him a Peluso PK47 capsule and a TAB Funkenwerk BV314 transformer. From the clips I've heard so far, I imagine that will be far and away my favorite when it's done, and total outlay on my part will be in that price range (but note that he's not charging for the modding, and that would be a significant factor, I think) -- Marik's trailblazing may lead to a cost effective way for others to mod those mics, and there will probably be a few of them on the aftermarket soon (not mine, though )

My interface also has S/PDIF in, and the same motivation you're feeling led me to get an ART Digital MPA - I put some different tubes in it, and I like it and use it a lot. I wound up using an external clock to make it all work right, although I was able to run acceptably at 48khz without it.

I have the Apex 430 and don't use it, since I always would use the MK319 or 4040 in preference, I think. Is your 460 stock? If so, you might be able to get a fuller sound out of it by swapping the transformer (and possibly a smoother sound by swapping the tube, if there's an issue there), but that's only if you're into that sort of thing -- others here can provide a lot of guidance in that area with that mic.

 

[Scotty53]

Thanks for the replies. I guess I should give a quick list of my other mics as well. I also have a 4041 (looking to get another soon), a few 58s/57s, Apex 190 pencil, beta 58, and a few other cheap dynamics.

I don't use my 430 all that much anymore either, except on guitar amps once in a while, it gives quite an interesting guitar tone.

My 460 is stock. I haven't heard any modded ones but I really don't mind it stock. The warmth it gives is nice. Not much high end though.

I've thought about the 414. Has anyone heard the reissue one? It is "suppose" to have similar characteristics to the original.

 

[dgatwood]

I'd definitely add ribbons to your collection. You may find that your LDCs sit on the shelves a lot more....

 

[Scotty53]

What do you think of the CAD Trion 7000 then? I can get one for 289 here.

 

[soundchaser59]

If the ribbons are unmodded, then the Apex ribbons are the best bet. The budget ribbons are all the same until you get them modded, except for the accessories that come with them. Apex comes in an aluminum case, etc. and is distributed by Yorkville out of canada. Cascades are ok too.

SM7

RE20

C414 but it's over the range you gave.

Not very well known yet, but I highly suggest it - Heil PR30 and PR40. They are the most "condensor-like" dynamic mics I've ever used. I've cycled thru a bunch of chinese mics, you can do the same experiment if you like but in the long run you will end up with something better so I would suggest avoiding them in the first place. But everyone on a budget seems to enjoy the chinese mic quest. At least if you never get anything better then you wont regret buying the chinese stuff. Heil has parts made in China, but assembled here, that's as close as I get to owning a chinese mic. It was a pleasant surprise when I first got it.

 

[Scotty53]

I've heard good things about the Heils as well. Thanks.

 

[bilco]

Just got the Heil PR35. It is the best live vocal mic I have ever used. I have not had a lot of time to record with it yet, but based on a quick A/B I did through my Mbox, it is more flattering on my voice than a Shure SM7b, takes less gain to push it and has great off axis rejection.