overhead condenser mics on a budget

[micros]

i'm sorry to be adding yet another post abou which condenser mic to buy, its just that i'm a bit confused about what to purchase... i need some input
my current setup is as follows: 4 sm57s, 2sm58s, a mackie 1402 vlzpro and a midiman audio buddy.
i'm looking to purchase a pair of condenser mics for use as drum overheads and possibly accoustic guitar/vocal mics. my budget is around $400 for the pair. i've heard good things about the rode nt3's, but are these a good choice? i went to guitar center and in talking to one of the guys, he said i was better off getting an AT 3035; it's a bit steeper priced but is it worth it? i've heard mentions around here about the oktava m012's and the studioprojects c1... although the c1 mainly for vocals.
any opinions?

p.s. next i'm going to buy a kick mic...i'm looking at the ATM 25 and the AKG D112...any comments on these?

thanks!

 

[wes480]

with 400/pair you have several good options. there is always the AKG C1000...lots of people like that mike. Personally I am a bigger fan of the Rode NT3's. I was looking for a pair of drum overheads as well...and thats what I decided on. I think they will sound great for acoustic guitar...for vocals...I am going to use them some...but, if you can afford a large diaphragm condensor sometime go with that (like a Rode NT2 - smooothe).

I don't think you'll be dissapointed with the NT3's, at you'll have enough money left over to put a nice dent in your kick mic fund as well

 

[Gidge]

for overheads,acoustic guitar, and vocals, dont go with just a pair...on that budget you can get a Marshall mxlv67 and a pair of Marshall mxl603's....use the 603's for acoustic guitar and overheads and the v67 on vocals.....

 

[Tom Hicks]

I read a post from a guy who went to the AES show and AB'd the B1 ($99)vs other entry level big condensors at the Studio Projects booth and his reaction was the B1 blew the competition away.NAMM is next week in Anaheim so we don't have to wait long now untill they start shipping.
Tom

 

[PowerCouple]

Marshall Electronics pal!

Great for the budget!
try them!

Peace.

PC

 

[Gidge]

I read that post too....probably Alna Hyatts cousing......

Marshall mics rule, and not because they so......

 

[ausrock]

Christ, here we go again with smart arse comments aimed at things associated with Studio Projects. Gidge I thought you were beyond that.

Let's just leave it until the mics come out and then see what the end-users really think.

 

[TrutH]

my advice is to go to the closest music shop and try them out. Drag a friend who has a good ear along too and see whether he agrees with your choice. at the end of the day the best judges are your own ears. The truth has spoken

 

[Gidge]

sorry, that was uncalled for.....

 

[subspace]

I can't believe the Behringer ECM8000s haven't been mentioned in this thread yet. I skipped the original post because I figured they'd be the first recommendation, but alas, I'll have to do the honors. These make a great pair of overheads, I've been using them on every kit for the last month. They'll run you $72 for the pair.
This leaves enough budget for an array of vocal/acoustic mic choices. The MXL V67M at Mars is a good sounding vocal mic in it's stock state, and can be improved with some modifications as budget allows. It's $150. You'd be able to use the small diaphragm omnis, large diaphragm cardioid, or a combination of the two for acoustics.
On kick, I'd go for the ATM25. The D112 is kind of a one hit wonder mic. You gotta really love the sound of the egg for it to be your only kick mic. The A-T is more flexible sound-wise, and just a better sounding mic than the AKG to my ears. With the Behringers and MXL, you'd have $178 left in your budget, just enough for the ATM25. Try the MXL V67M in front of the kick as well, combined with the close mic. HTH