nt1a, luna, solaris, oh my

[aquaman]

I am looking to buy a budget condenser mic in the range of $200-300. I have heard great things about the Rode NT1A, M-Audio Luna and M-Audio Solaris. Anyone know if the Solaris is really worth the extra $100? Sure the M-Audio mics are good but are they as good as the proven NT1A? Are they warmer than other mics (including the NT1A) like they claim to be? Any other advice or anecdotes are appreciated.
Many thanks.

 

[ozraves]

I have not used every single mic under $300 but of the many I've used (and I've used a ton) the only one I'm still using that's a side address large condenser as you're wanting is the AT4040. It's decent on instruments and many vocals.

 

[Massive Master]

I'm a HUGE fan of the Solaris... I hardly even touch the 414's anymore.

The Luna is... Okay... For such a similar design, you'd think they'd sound similar...

If you do a search, I posted a giant rundown with sample files on the Solaris a long time ago... Puch in "massive master" and "solaris" and perhaps "oh my God" in a search.