The next mic venture(there goes my wallet!)

[tone_aot]

Hey guys!! I just took my big test after training for my job and i got a 103!!!! Since i know my job is secure now, i'm thinking about saving up to get a tube mic. I've been hearing people ramble on about how warm and smooth they are. Sounds like the sound i want. I want that warm, non-sibilant but sheeny type sound. Before i get attacked, i know that there is no best mic. There should be a disclaimer that says that! But, i wanted to know some of the good picks for tube mics in the 200-300 dollar range, or less if possible! I've heard good things about the adk tube mic, the nady tcm1000, and the studio projects t3. Since you know what sound i'm looking for, are there any good tube mics in that price range without sibilance? I currently have a studio projects c1. I love that mic to death but that sibilance can be unavoidable sometimes. I know how to get a good sound out of it, but i'm ready for that good sound without a whole lot of tweaking, you know what i mean?

 

[mshilarious]

I may be the world's only fan of the AT3060 but I do like it. It isn't sibilant, and lately I have a disturbing tendency to use it on everything even though I have a KSM44 laying around.

 

[kidvybes]

...I have had most of the sub $300 tube mics at one time or another, as well as having upgraded the stock tubes with great success...IMHO, your best bet in the $200-300. range is a clean used Studio Projects T3...variable patterns and a really nice tonal quality (less sibilant than it's little brother C1, especially with the NOS 6072 upgrade) make this one a no-brainer...I also own a few more expensive tube mics and other than my MXL V77 (discontinued and hard to find), my Rode K2 (about $500-600) and my Mojave MA200, the T3 shines!...definately SP's best mic...here's a prime example right here:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Studio-Projects...ryZ41466QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

[PhilGood]

I personally have the Nady TCM1100 and I can attest that it is warm without any sibilant nature at all. Definately the best of the Nadys sound quality-wise. Not very versatile since it's cariod only.

I'm going to second the Studio Projects T3. Alan and Brent chose very good components for these mics and they really perform well above their price range! They are multi pattern and very useful. They not only are warm, but also have great 'air' in the high end. They have a nice transparency to them and can sit very well in a mix with any sourse. Also, SP Customer service is the best!

 

[kidvybes]

I'm going to second the Studio Projects T3. Alan and Brent chose very good components for these mics and they really perform well above their price range!

...and that's from a guy who builds some serious tube mics from scratch!...

 

[Warhead]

Consider a CAD M9.

Do you actually like that 103 on vocals?

I prefer the 193 in the TLM series anyhow...

War

 

[tone_aot]

Thanks guys! I know what i'm savin up for now. I really like my c1 so i'm excited to see what the t3 sounds like. This would be the first tube mic i ever had. Does anyone have any vocal samples with it? I have never heard this mic in action but i've seen the reviews. I always thought of sp as high quality mics. Especially after i've gotten to really learn my c1 and use the sweet spot.

 

[kidvybes]

...nothing more to say...just shakin' that "666" posts thing...

...whew, feel much better now...

 

[tone_aot]

LOL!!! That is messed up! Anyone got any samples of the T3? Would it be a substantial step over the c1?

 

[sdelsolray]

The ADK tube mics are rather nice, but they are beyond your stated price. Still, you might find used ADK TC close to your price target. The SP T3 is a popular tube mic. But don't let popularity overcome your research. There are several good tube mics under $500 and just because they are not as popular doesn't mean they would not be better for your uses. You should definitely check out the CAD M9, or a used CAD VSM1 if you can find one. The MXL V77 is antoerh one you should hunt for. They are discontinued and sold for $300 or so new. Used they still get that price. SE's new mics are pretty nice, although I haven't tried their tube models.

 

[kidvybes]

Would it be a substantial step over the c1?

...I sold my C1 after getting my T3...be sure to upgrade the stock tube with a good quality 6072 (GE or RCA preferably)...with the tube upgrade the T3 is miles "smoother" and less sibilant than the C1...definate "step up"...

 

[tone_aot]

I am an absolute newbie when it comes to modding mikes. I have no clue where to buy tubes or how to install them. I really want to try that mic now. I doubt i'll be selling my c1 tho. The only condenser mic that i have besides that one is a nady scm 950. If the t3 broke, i'd be left with that mic. In other words, i probably wouldn't record much of nothing!!! I was trying to find some resources on how to mod mics. It would be nice if i could mod that nady to sound good. I still would buy the t3 tho!

 

[kidvybes]

I am an absolute newbie when it comes to modding mikes. I have no clue where to buy tubes or how to install them.

...once you have the T3 I'll be glad to guide you thru the tube upgrade process...very easy...no stress...when you're ready, holla...

PS...I wouldn't dwell on modding the 950...probably not worth the time and effort...

 

[tone_aot]

Oh ok! Thanks for the help man. Yea it would probably take a while to make that mic sound like something.

 

[tone_aot]

It's probably gonna take me a couple of months to get that t3.

 

[chessrock]

If you're looking for something in that price range that isn't going to give you sibilance troubles, then I don't understand why you're still looking at condensers. Sticking a tube in something isn't magically going to tame the esses. There are some outstanding dynamic mics in that price range; world-class quality mics like the Shure SM-7, or even a used Beyer M-88 or an Electrovoice RE series.

Some of you dumbass newbies hear the word "Tube condenser mic" and you get this big 'ol hard on ... like it's this holy grail that's going to solve all your problems or something. I get a kick out of it.
.

 

[kidvybes]

There are some outstanding dynamic mics in that price range; world-class quality mics like the Shure SM-7

...definately a good recommendation as well...currently my favorite vocal mic, but it "eats" gain...needs a healthy 60-65dB (or more) to drive effectively...if your pre's got the juice, the SM7/7B is a killa choice...

 

[ozraves]

If you're looking for something in that price range that isn't going to give you sibilance troubles, then I don't understand why you're still looking at condensers. Sticking a tube in something isn't magically going to tame the esses. There are some outstanding dynamic mics in that price range; world-class quality mics like the Shure SM-7, or even a used Beyer M-88 or an Electrovoice RE series.

Some of you dumbass newbies hear the word "Tube condenser mic" and you get this big 'ol hard on ... like it's this holy grail that's going to solve all your problems or something. I get a kick out of it.
.

I got no plans in the future to buy any new large diaphragm condenser mics. I would like a pair of small diaphragm omnis as well as more ribbons and dynamics.

I get a kick out of the jonesing for a big old condenser for under so and so $$ thing.

 

[Big Kenny]

Nothin' wrong with that T3, and I am not sporting.

 

[Daniel Reichman]

Chess made a good point though, you could look beyond condensers (since you already have a good FET condenser). You might want to try one of the Alctron based ribbon mics (Nady/Shinybox/etc). There should be plenty of people here who participated in the group buy who can give you a good idea of what these can do for you (I didn't unfortunately but I have ordered an LDC from the Alctron factory with no trouble at all).