Studio Projects T3

[up-fiddler]

I know there are a bajillion cheap mics out there and when we all cried about how brittle sounding they were they started making a bajuillion cheap tube mics cuz they thought we'd buy them. (Yeah, we did, I know.) Here's the thing-

The Studio Projects T3 is not a cheap mic but it isn't overly expensive for what you get. I bought one based on reviews and am very impressed with it. My question is - How do other tube mics (Under $1200) compare with this one? If you are like me you can't afford to buy a bunch of them. I also am living in the middle of nowhere so running to the high end music store to have a listen isn't an option. I would like to buy one more tube mic which would complement what I have. Thanks and sound off at will.

 

[scrubs]

Well, something like the AT4060 would probably complement the T3. For a tube mic, it is supposed to be rather un-tubey -- clean and uncolored.

 

[jkokura]

Of the mics I've tried out, the mic I want to get that's less than a grand is the Soundelux U195 - I know it's not tube, but I thought it sounded excellent for the cost...

As for Tube mics, I've used that T3, I own an NTK, I've used a K2, and I've used an AT4047... I liked all of them, and all of them are different. I would suggest you look at the 4047, the 4060 (as suggested) and also the Rode tube mics... They're great IMO...

Jacob

 

[roadwarrior]

That T3 is a fine mic, especially for the money. However make no mistake.....it's NO Rode K2. I'm a huge fan of Rode in general, but the K2 for me reached an entirely different level. To my ear it was like a NT2-A on steroids. Yes it is a tube mic, offers superb air at the top end, tight defined bass and clear open mids. The dynamic range of the mic allows it to perform many tasks other mics would crumble under. The sweet high end alone will win you over as it has so many pros in their own recordings. The build is "as good as it gets" solid. The electronics are among the quietest in the industry and quieter than any tube mic I know. As quiet as most of the solid state mics for that matter. To use one is to love one.....especially into a decent preamp......

 

[Big Kenny]

MMMMMMMMMMMMojave

 

[riffy]

What roadwarrior said..and the continuously variable polar pattern selector is not located on the mic itself but located on the K2 power supply which is great to control from the control room area and not disturb the talent which is really handy. With the variable polar pattern you can dial in say a mix of cardiod & omni pattern, nice stuff. This is what I'd call a monster mic. I love mine. The tubeyness really sounds excellent when worked close. A high pass filter would have been nice though - very small gripe though.

 

[up-fiddler]

Thanks guys.

Thanks for your varied input. Since I don't own anything by Rode I think it's time to try the K2. Then I'm done buying gear for a while. Do you hear me? Done I say! (Except for maybe another mic pre. )

 

[kidvybes]

Thanks for your varied input. Since I don't own anything by Rode I think it's time to try the K2.

...excellent choice!

 

[fraserhutch]

I will never again recommend mics to anyone. But, I do have a T3 and I do not have a K2. That might indicate somthing, or it might not.

 

[roadwarrior]

Well, the bill for the new K2 just came, and I'm dancing around it with my wife. She is NOT a happy camper. Sure hope she calms down.

 

[riffy]

Well, the bill for the new K2 just came, and I'm dancing around it with my wife. She is NOT a happy camper. Sure hope she calms down.

Ha, good luck with that. Sometimes my wife can be more attentive than I think. I originally was going to get the NT2-A & I was showing the pictures of it to my wife then when I actually got it it was suddenly the K2 and my wife says, "hey that's not the one that you showed me in the picture - how much does THIS one cost?!" I was impressed but caught. Doh!

 

[roadwarrior]

ROFLMAO......I can't tell you how many times I've "baited and switched" up on a product with my wife. When I was putting together my last studio years ago (circa 1989) in California she lost track of the changes I made at one point and gave up trying to get a grip on what I was buying or exchanging. Now it's a little simpler, and she now handles the bill paying in the house....so it's Russian roulette if I buy anything now.