The next mic I need..

[jake-owa]

So far I have (don't laugh):
1 sm57
1 beta 57
3 Samson s 10s (extra mics, sorta 57ish)
1 AKG c3000b
1 ADK A51
1 AT 3035
2 Rode NT5s
1 Sennheiser 421

On my list are the Senn. e604s and an AGK 414. What I really need first though is a nice tube mic. I tried one of the ADK tube mics but I was looking at either an AKG solid tube or the Studio Projects TM mic.

Which of the lower tier tube mics do you use/is your favorite?

 

[MarkoPolo]

The Rode NTK Tube mic I use and is well under a grand.
I like it a lot.

 

[Shailat]

I have used the Solid Tube a lot the past 2-3 years. It's a nice mic.
I find it to be one of the better tube sounding mics for it's price.

But....It's not a very versatile mic. For some type vocals it's great and for any kind of shrilly sounding instrument like Harmonica or for a mellow sound guitar. It also has the tendency to make instruments sound bigger then life like on distorted guitars. They can get really Chunky .
It's a mic I would choose as a nice addition after I had my workhorse mic.

If I had to choose a single mic from your list it would be the 414.
In my opinion one of the most versatile mics available. Great for OH's, acoustic Git. some vocalists and more.

 

[Dot]

jake, what are your applications for a tube mic?

If you're looking for a tube mic that has a great vintage sound, the [ $299 street-priced ] new MXL V69 Mogami Edition is a excellent. I reviewed the V69ME here. The V69ME is very colored and a bit dark.

Also, the Studio Projects T3 is extemely versatile with it's 9-position variable patterns. The T3 is somewhat colored with an open top end.

ADK TC is excellent, IMO. The mic has more of a neutral sound. Great open air on the top end.

You can listen to some audioclips of some tube mics here on acoustic guitar.

Dan Richards
Digital Pro Sound
The Listening Sessions