your first condenser, how did it feel?

[knightsy]

My first real mic was not even mine, it was an NT2 that belonged to a friend who I was recording - he also had some Sennheisser dynamic which pretty well sucked.

Now I've got my own mics - SM57, AKG C451EB, and an NTK which I just bought yesterday (new from a shop for $800 AUD). I think I'll keep using the 451 on acoustic guitar, but I'll probably use the NTK for vox from now on. That is a very nice mic.

 

[psmith66]

Received my 1st condenser a couple of days ago (MXL 990). I used to record acoustic guitar with a SM57 but could never get a decent result - despite endless tweaking with a couple of different mic pre's.

I set the MXL 990 up into a Behringer, left the EQ's centred and placed the mic 8" from the top of the soundhole. Recorded two minutes worth of acoustic guitar. The results weren't comparable - it was so much better.

I'm aware of the unconscious tendency to "justify" purchases immediately after they're made. But I've been doing a fair bit of comparative listening over the past couple of days and the condenser is superior (for acoustic guitar) without a doubt.

Haven't tried any vocals yet though.

 

[acorec]

My first was a Audio Technica 4050. I could never get vocals to sound "big". They were always buried in the mix. I tried for years and fought every mix to get any dynamics. I finally got the 4050. That was the key. I am convinced that vocals need the LD condensor. I had a sm57, MD421 adn some EV N/dym mics. All had the same "boxy" sound. I tried them on many vocalists too. The LD condensor is the key. [Sidenote: I am not sure, but, I read many places that the 4050 is a LD condensor. It is smaller that my Neumanns and Oktava. Maybe the sources all copied the info from the same source and it is wrong. I don't know for sure]

 

[scottboyher]

My first was a Rode NT3 not a great mic but better than anything I had recorded with till then..

 

[Jazz4U]

My first was a Audio Technica 4050. I could never get vocals to sound "big". They were always buried in the mix. I tried for years and fought every mix to get any dynamics. I finally got the 4050. That was the key. I am convinced that vocals need the LD condensor. I had a sm57, MD421 adn some EV N/dym mics. All had the same "boxy" sound. I tried them on many vocalists too. The LD condensor is the key. [Sidenote: I am not sure, but, I read many places that the 4050 is a LD condensor. It is smaller that my Neumanns and Oktava. Maybe the sources all copied the info from the same source and it is wrong. I don't know for sure]

Yes the 4050 is a large D..The body may be smaller but the cap/diaphram is where you get your designation..

 

[drstawl]

My pair of Rode NT-1s (Rodents) were a big step up from the Radio Shack Hi-ball I'd used before them. I just laughed at the sensitivity problems. Turn down the pre if you have a problem!

SheesH.

Now that I've used them for a while, sure they sound a little harsh. So what- they rock overall and the price was right.

 

[willovercome]

i actually like the sm57 on acoustic for some things.

anyway, my first condenser was an oktava MK 319. i thought it was the greates mic in the world. as i've grown up i realize it's not, but i still like it a lot and it sorta has a nostalgic place in my heart.

the first mic i fell in love with was the NTK. i never got to use many of the 'holy grail' mics, but i wouldn't part with my NTK for anything i have actually used.

 

[tomleblanc]

My first condenser was and is the v67g, since I just got it only a few weeks ago.

And man oh man, when I powered up my DMP-3 and my little recorder, put on my headphones and belted out one of my favorite tunes, I was blown away! It made my SM-58 sound like a fisher price kids toy! Finally, after much frustration trying to get a sound I liked out of my dynamic, I heard my voice the way it sounds in my head! And it sits in a mix so much better too!

Damn, condensers are the sh$#!

 

[terocious]

I also got my first a few weeks ago. A shure KSM44. Then I found this website. Now I am scared to death.

 

[Innovations]

I just got my first one a few days ago a MXL V93M. When I plugged it in and put on the phones it was just in the house. Two rooms over my wife closed up a bread bag and it was like I could hear every crinkle of the celophane.

 

[Dave S.]

An even bigger difference, for me, was going from dynamic to ribbon. I record a lot of trumpet and went from dynamic to condenser to ribbon. The ribbon is so beautiful, especially on the trumpet. I was stunned the first time I used it.
Dave S.

 

[badassmak]

lmao

I just got my first one a few days ago a MXL V93M. When I plugged it in and put on the phones it was just in the house. Two rooms over my wife closed up a bread bag and it was like I could hear every crinkle of the celophane.

When I got my first ones (a coupla ECM's by B) I could hear my roomate snoring downstairs, like i was at his bedside .

It can be a pain, like, when a car drives by.

Other than that it feels great to have a condensor mic. Just more options I guess. It also feels good to actually know that phantom power wont fry my dynamic .

 

[sloop]

My first condensers

Were a pair of AT 853 Choir mics to record symphonic groups and to take into the field for nature recording on my portable DAT machine.

The first thing I recorded was in the middle of a field. Just some birds chirping, crickets, frogs etc. When I played it back in the house I felt like the walls had been removed and I was setting back in that field!

I was absolutely floored. The mics captured the sounds with such clarity--it was intense.

 

[bgavin]

Thin.

I have an ancient pair of Radio Shack condensors that I've owned for 25+ years. They have a V/M switch inside, and take an AA size battery.

Anyway, I installed a battery in each, cuz I had to mic a live drum kit (overheads). In the V mode, they are pretty thin, but much more full sounding in M (music?) mode.

I don't hear anything different from the SM58 through the PA system.

 

[Rocket Boy]

my first was an AKG C2000b. I like it. I noticed how much clearer it sounded and how it picked up EVERYTHING... even weird nasal tones and stuff. And agreeing with the other guy. I noticed all the rooms in my house sound band.

 

[randyfromde]

Well, I just spent an hour or so with my first condensors, 2 Oktava MK012. All I can say is "Wow!". I don't know how they stack up against the big name brands, but in reality, it doesn't matter. The sounds I've gotten so far are such a step above using a Shure PG57 dynamic mic to record acoustic guitar

 

[DJL]

" your first condenser, how did it feel? "

It felt like another idem that would grow legs and walk away if I didn't keep an eye on it... and if felt like it would break easy if dropped... and it felt like I was hooked and wanted more.

 

[DJL]

You see crazydoc... here's another one of those OLD threads that just popped up again on it's own because the forum is slow (few post).

 

[crazydoc]

You see crazydoc... here's another one of those OLD threads that just popped up again on it's own because the forum is slow (few post).

God, you are dense. This is a poll. POLL...... POLL.....

POLL

IT DIDN'T POP UP ON ITS OWN. SOMEBODY POSTED A VOTE TO IT.

 

[junplugged]

makes good reading