versatile inexpensive small diaphram condenser

  • Thread starter Thread starter gusfinley
  • Start date Start date
G

gusfinley

New member
Hey, I'm looking to up my mic collection. I am hoping to start a buisness doing some small recordings projects (first demos, etc.), and also providing some live sound reinforcement for smaller bands.

I already have SM57's, SM58's, some cheap mics and a Studio Projects B1. I am looking for a small diaphram condenser that would run less than $200 (the less the better) and be good for micing acoustic instruments (mainly acoustic guitar), and could be used to pic up cymbals in live sound and recording situtations.

I've been considering the Oktavas, and the shure PG81, I could get either for about $100.

any other suggestions? Anyone ever hear the Shure PG81's in action?

Thanks!!!
 
I've heard 'em... The Oktava MC012's are probably going to be your best bet... VERY versatile, and with the interchangable elements, you can build a collection easily. Great on acoustic instruments, overheads, even vocals (use a popper-stopper).

The only weak point with them is distant area mic'ing (orchestral, symphonic, choral recording) - The 81's have the edge there.

John Scrip - www.massivemastering.com
 
I bought a pair of MXL 603's, factory matched with shockmounts for $199. I like them a lot; they seem well built and well matched. The Oktava's are a popular option, but folks seem to have a hard time finding matching pairs.

Harvey Gerst claimed that the 603's he got sounded exactly like his Oktava's, so...

but I like mine.

Chris
 
The Octavas are pretty cool at this end of the food chain because of their versatility in that with all of their capsules, you have an omni, a cardiod, and a hyper-cardiod mic plus a -10dB attenuattor. While I've never used the 603's, folks who's ears I trust think that as a cardiod mic, they do sound very simular to the Octavas.
 
what about durablity?

one of tha application I am looking to use them is in live micing of cymbals as drum overheads. Is there a better mic whe it comes to durablilty? I.E. Drummer goes wild as smacks condenser mic with stick.
 
these may or may not be inexpensive to you. But the AKG451 is a killer SDC mic. Plus, the older ones have the interchangeable capsules, etc too. I'd say they are the prototype for the Oktavas. I saw Tubedude was selling a newer one for around $250 in the for sale forum. That seems like a great price. Those come with a fixed cardiod capsule.

Then...there is the Nueman KM184.

I don't think you find people dissing either one of these mics, and if you can land a pair for $5-600, you've done good imo.

Btw, I think these mics are the shits on HH and cymbals. They know how to deal with all the explosions coming off the HH and handle that "tinkly stuff" really good. THOSE would be my first choice for mics to use in that situation, given I had a limit of $2000/pair.

but...I am too looking at these mxl603, 990, MC012..etc too.. can't beat the price. But I don't know much about them.

Then there is the Behringer B5. If they don't break, they seem like a winner too...just as a guess, mind you.
 
Back
Top