You Personal Favourite Tube Microphone for under 1000.00 USD

[Maestro Al]

Hey, has anyone heard of Pacific Pro Audio? They have some rather affordable mics - currently one FET model, one Tube model (with nine selectable patterns), and one Ribbon - all extremely low priced. I own a pair of their FET models named LD-1. They look alot like the MXL2003, but sound way clearer, I think. They look very well built. I haven't done any real extensive testing and comparing yet (haven't had the time) but considering I got them for $25 each at a Guitar Center liquidation blowout - I'm certainly not regretting the buy. They're suggested retail is around $400, but they're actually sold for $100 usually. However, seeing that this thread started on a tube topic, I was wondering if anyone has ever tried their tube model? Personally I'm currently taken by my Oktavas - planning to get my 219's modded by Michael Joly. I absolutely LOVE the sound of my tube MK2500 (the one that's not Chinese, got screwed on the other one - both bought over Ebay...)

 

[don4777]

Speaking of Michael Joly...

I have a couple of 319 that I am thinking of having him mod. Does anyone here have any experience with his "standard" 319 mod? Or even 219 mod?

The mod costs about twice what I paid for the 319's new at GC. Not sure if it's worth it.

Thanks!!
Don

 

[Maestro Al]

Yeah, last week he posted some comparison samples done with modded and stock 219's, as well as several other venerable mics. You can hear the difference for yourself and judge accordingly - remember, the 219 and 319 are nearly identical, with the only difference being the case (which is still horribly resonant) and the switches getting their own circuit board (only increasing the overall impedance in the total circuit). The modification steps that Michael takes for both mics are identical, so I would expect close resemblence of the two after the mods. But I haven't actually heard a (Joly) modded 319 and 219 side by side, so I won't stress the abovementioned as a fact. However, listening to his samples does reveal a good deal of truth as to his claims. Different instruments/voclas were tested, and some will probably draw your favor based on preference, but one test that undeniably shows the sonic improvement is the sample of an acoustic guitar, especially when it goes from strumming to picking - huge difference! Like taking a pillow off the mic! Be sure to check it out for yourself - I'll get one of mine done as soon as I scrap the funds together (if not for all those ethnic flutes I just bought...)

Oh, yeah the site is http://www.oktavamod.com/

 

[Robert D]

Yeah, last week he posted some comparison samples done with modded and stock 219's, as well as several other venerable mics. You can hear the difference for yourself and judge accordingly - remember, the 219 and 319 are nearly identical, with the only difference being the case (which is still horribly resonant) and the switches getting their own circuit board (only increasing the overall impedance in the total circuit). The modification steps that Michael takes for both mics are identical, so I would expect close resemblence of the two after the mods. But I haven't actually heard a (Joly) modded 319 and 219 side by side, so I won't stress the abovementioned as a fact. However, listening to his samples does reveal a good deal of truth as to his claims. Different instruments/voclas were tested, and some will probably draw your favor based on preference, but one test that undeniably shows the sonic improvement is the sample of an acoustic guitar, especially when it goes from strumming to picking - huge difference! Like taking a pillow off the mic! Be sure to check it out for yourself - I'll get one of mine done as soon as I scrap the funds together (if not for all those ethnic flutes I just bought...)

Oh, yeah the site is http://www.oktavamod.com/

I wish he would post some 319 mod before and after clips. I'm sure the 219 benefits more, since it needs the help badly, but I would think there would be more 319 owners than 219s, since it is by all accounts a much better mic.

 

[juano]

For real the SE Electronics - Z5600A blow away all of those on the list, i had the NTK and now have the SE Electronics - Z5600A and belive me it blow the ntk away "more agresive, more crispy, more detailed, less tube etc...

 

[slidey]

solidly tubetastic

20db pad on a bass drum

for acoustic guitar

for vocals

for double bass

for occasionally warming your hands inbetween takes of vocal

Yeah I love my solid tube

(picture this)
a shark crossed with a kangaroo= a sharkaroo

audience looks on in silence!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

LOL

 

[nascentjunkie]

fun with mics

yeah i've had a nady 1050 is alright, nothing that special, not durable at all... and the accessories aren't durable either. However the akg solid tube in my opinion is very nice. I have used them in a lot of studios and love the sound even over a u87 or something equivelent. Normally for vox only however a good room sound for drums in the right studio environment. Shit, then again I/you could make a sm58 sound like a pro recording in the right environment... haha.

 

[slidey]

Shit, then again I/you could make a sm58 sound like a pro recording in the right environment... haha.

I was mixing a live show & I almost met my end at the grill of an SM58 as it decided to break awy from the singer's lead as he did a rather good Roger Daltry mic swinging session

I used a 58 for vocals once in the studio. I got it sounding good BUT it took a load of work

 

[roadwarrior]

Without hesitation... a Rode K2. Super dynamic range, smooth middle and sweet (slightly elevated) high end. I just ordered one as I could no longer put it off. Now if anyone wants a unused LNIB NT2000 let me know. $500 shipped.

dcisive@hotmail.com

 

[Hollowdan]

Here's my very unofficial poll to see whose favourite what low priced tube microphones.

Okay, I had to leave out a few microphones as you can only have 12. Here are a few more that I hadn't really heard any buzz on:

Jurgensmeyer - JMT-100
Nady - TCM1050
Oktava - MKL2500
SoundKing - SKEA002

I have an MKL-2500 and LOVE it! The only downfall is that it is sensative to high SPL's. Aside from that it sounds incredible for the price, very full warm and open. I wouldn't sell or trade it anytime in the near future that's for shure.

 

[roadwarrior]

No doubt about it....my new K2 is my sweetheart mic.

 

[riffy]

I don't personally have any experience with any other tube mics other than my K2. But I can say that the K2 has really been a super excellent mic for me especially with vocals.

 

[kojdogg]

yeah I've only had my NTK and a Nady TCM 1100 as far as tube mics go. Def dig the NTK and have moved the TCM on since.

 

[blind_sublime]

I use it only for vocals, but it has to be Rode K2 for me. Of course, depends on the vocalists, but for midrangey male voices, I haven't found anything I've liked more, period.

 

[roadwarrior]

My K2....what can I say.......the mic is SWEEEEEEET...

 

[homestudioguy]

You certainly have a wide price range on your choices
For under $300-CAD M9.
For $300-$500-RODE NTK
For $500-$700-RODE K2
For $$700-1000-sE Electronics Z5600A

 

[yoyoyo1]

rode k2

well, i get my rode k2 ne day now...all the good k2 talk makes me feel like i bought the right mic

 

[riffy]

That K2 is a heck of a mic.

 

[someguy]

out of this list I've only used the 4060. Decent mic, useful although I would say a tad "hazy" or "cloudy" whatever that might mean to you! I don't own it but in a studio I worked in they had one in their mic locker. I tended to use it as a room mic or for guitar amps.

 

[Warhead]

Hey the thread is up top and says you posted "today" but the date on your post says 8-15-06.

War