Well, I ordered one from MF, and just got it yesterday.
For $39.99 I was willing to take a chance. I can always use
another condensor, and it's an unthinkable price at $39.99.
So ol' Sponge Bob did his own little mic comparrison test
using the following mics through a 16 channel Mackie...
MXL V57M
AT 4033
MXL V67
MK 319
Now, before I get into what I "Heard", this isn't a mic shoot out,
and I'm not going to quote each mics freq response and data.
I have found that over the years, most data that comes with mics
is really production propoganda. The real test is using your ears.
If you feel the need to test your mics freq response, then by all
means, you can easilly perform your own test, which is actually
fun if you've got the time. So, this "Comparrison" is about first
impressions, using a male voice, and my ears.
Firstly, I opened it up, and blam- this mic is BUTT Ugly.
Baby Crap Brown. Nothing like the photos. I've heard it
call champagne, but its just plain ugly. NOT that it really
matters for a mic, but I like sexy gear. This thing is homely.
So, First I plugged each mic in, one after another, to become
familiar with each one with voice-
AT 4033- (I love this mic) good full range sound, not overly
hyped to my ears, warm and very clear high end with a good
output level. Has options too, ie bass cut, & pad.
MXLV67- Less clarity in the high end, and weaker output level.
This unit has more self noise compared to the 4033, but still,
adjusting the level and eq, this mic is a great value at the under
$100 level. No Bass cut, no pad.
MK319- As everyone knows, this thing is dark, but it also sounded
warmer than the V67. Output level was hotter too. Better be
ready to use the eq to find a workable sound with this mic.
I've heard of people finding these for $50 at GC before, but I
really wouldn't pay much more than that. I don't like this mic.
Its construction is a little better than a diaphram within a tin can.
But it does has a flimsy bass cut & pad.
OK, Now on to the V57M...
The Pros- Suprisingly enough, it wasn't too bad. It is very
different from its brother the V67. This mic is very BRIGHT.
It has that airy sheen that mic companies love to boost. Probably
in the 7k-12k and up range - guessing.
It also has a better outout level than the V67 I am using,
resulting in a lower self noise. Its ouput was very close to the
4033. It's also a solid unit. not flimsylike that MK319 peice of work.
It would probably be a decent overhead mic, and at 39.99 each,
and a pair would be cheap. So, IMHO it is more usable than the 319, and just as usable at the V67, just a different sound.
The Cons- You are going to HAVE TO EQ this mic. It's just plain
bright. And anyone who does alot of complex multitracing knows
how crucial it is to get tracks to sit well with each other. Other
than being ugly and on the bright side, man... for $39 bucks, you
really can't go wrong on this mic. If you are looking to add to your
collection, need a voice over, or overhead mic etc... I'd say it's
a steal. Side note- I really think a "shinning star" of a mic is still
the 4033, and if you ever get a chance to pick one up, you'll see
what I mean. Probably one of the best values ever in a mic
IMHO.
I appreciate how people on this board share their "findings" &
deals on gear with others. Lets keep up the good work.
Bob
. 
I dunno...