specific mic vs. versatile mic

[n8tron]

I'm in the market for my first large condenser microphone. Right now I have only a few mics in my collection. Mainly a nice pair of josephson C42s, and an sm57.

In my ongoing research through magazines, these forums, word of mouth, I've narrowed down quite a bit, but I've found a new problem. Should I go for a mic that is versatile? or specific to my needs? The necessity for a large condenser mic comes obviously from my need to record vocals. So right now that is my specific need. But I don't have many mics, and don't plan on buying another one in the near future. So because of that a versatile mic is very attractive as well.

The only thing I'm afraid of is getting a versatile mic and not liking it on my vocals. (I don't love my voice but on better mics I find I like it a lot more) Or getting a good vocal mic and not liking it on anything else I record.

Luckily though I have the josephsons which are huge work horses.

I want to spend less than $500. I could maybe stretch a little, but anything above $600 I just can't afford. Here are the mics I've been considering so far, from most considered to least.

NT2A
NTK
KSM32
T3

 

[scrubs]

If you're only recording yourself, then get to a music store and try them out on your voice. Seriously, if you're dropping that kind of money, you owe it to yourself to get the one that is best suited to you. Otherwise, it will just be endless trial and error of buying and selling mics until you find the right one. Fortunately, most mics in that pricerange have a decent resale value, but you will still lose money by going this route. Add the AT4050 to your list to try out. Unless you've had good experiences with Rodes, I would move them further down. They are generally quite bright, which can work well for deep voices and smooth higher range voices, but get nasty on some. I have heard some wonderful things about the T3 and it is high on my list of mics to acquire.

 

[n8tron]

I've thought about different audio techs in that price, but I really have never liked any that I've heard.

Also, I wouldn't sell the mic if I didn't like it on just my vocals. I'm going to constantly be adding to my mic collection, and I figure if a mic has any usefulness I'll keep it.

 

[jkokura]

In my opinion, in yoru situations I would choose the specific duty mic. When you have several good all purpose mics already, having a mic that does one thing really well is a bonus. I think any home studio can do really, really well with 5 mics - an LDC for vocals and room applications, a pair of SDC's (matched preferably, and a pair of good dynamics - one smaller and one larger. If you want specifics: I would say you've got 3 already - the Josephsons, and the SM57. In your list, I would pick the NTK and get it used (350 or less if you're patient) and then add a good larger diaphragm dynamic like the SM7, RE20, MD421 or for cheaper, a D112. With those 5 you can get fantastic drums, guitars and vocals. A good Radial JDI and you're set!

From there if you add mics I would say adding more different dynamics, and SDC's are good, and if you add another LDC than make it a multipattern like the AT4050 or something along those lines.

Jacob

 

[n8tron]

jkokura,

thanks for that advice.

another question/concern I've been having about getting a tube mic like the ntk or t3 is that what difference does that make with the pre you are using? At the moment I do not have a mic pre, well except for what is on my interface. But I've pretty much decided on the fmr rnp which I'll get in about a month.

Anyway, will the pre make much of a difference with the tube mic? would I see more of a difference with the pre and the nt2a?

Also, I've heard such good things about the MD421, what do you use it on besides toms and a guitar cabinet? The thing is right now I'm not recording much acoustic drums, and I use a podxt pro for most of my guitar work. Eventually when I get a better recording space I'll be recording these acoustically but that probably won't be for awhile.