Google Groups no longer supports new Usenet posts or subscriptions. Historical content remains viewable.
Dismiss

Best Condenser Mic on a Buget?

4 views
Skip to first unread message

Jim

unread,
Dec 10, 2009, 7:19:22 AM12/10/09
to
Hi,
I'm looking for a good pair of overhead condensers as well as one for
a hi hat for a drum kit, any suggestions?
Thanks,
J.

Tony Risotto

unread,
Dec 10, 2009, 5:12:48 PM12/10/09
to

Hi, Jim--

Audio Technica's medium-sized diaphragmed 2020's are okay and fairly
versatile.

I wish I could recommend Behringer's C2's (small diaphragm), but, after
bringing mine home, I discovered that one was faulty (of course).

Also, I haven't tried them yet, myself, but Audix's F15's might be worth a
look.

These are all budget microphones.

Regards,
Tony


Jim

unread,
Dec 10, 2009, 6:46:17 PM12/10/09
to
Thanks Tony. Do you find repeated problems with Behringer products?
J.

Tony Risotto

unread,
Dec 10, 2009, 9:53:17 PM12/10/09
to

"Jim" <James...@yah.com> wrote in message

> Thanks Tony. Do you find repeated problems with Behringer products?

Hi, Jim--

Yes, I think their stuff isn't as reliable as it should be. I like the fact
that Behringer exists and manufactures such affordable gear (I live in a
country where, if it weren't for Behringer, it'd take a lot more time to
collect gear; everything is expensive...stuff "better" than Behringer is too
expensive...BEHRINGER is too expensive).

Even equipment as affordable as Behringer shouldn't ship from the factory
flawed, or malfunction so soon after purchase.

So, I think the stuff they make is fine, while it's working correctly.

You know, I'm an ex-Volkswagen owner. Until a few years ago, I had a Beetle
that was built in the 50's. It still worked fine when I sold it. Inexpensive
stuff CAN be built to last.

T

Jim

unread,
Dec 12, 2009, 11:01:24 AM12/12/09
to
Thanks Tony. I'll be more aware when looking at Behringer products.
J.

max rock

unread,
Dec 27, 2009, 7:41:27 AM12/27/09
to
I'm going to jump in here and rebut that comment re: Behringer
quality. It really depends on the product and the factory run. I
used to use Behringer B5s as drum overheads and for the $$ they were
excellent. I recommended C5s to my guitarist and he's been using his
for a couple of years with no issues. I also use a B2 Pro as well as
their headphone amp and midi controllers in my rig. Could the quality
be better? Maybe, but for the money I've had no issues. Now I've
upgraded my gear to Rode, M-Audio, EV mics etc. and the Behringer mics
are still used for drum room and guitar amps.

HTH

max rock

On Dec 12, 11:01 am, Jim <Jamesv9...@yah.com> wrote:
> Thanks Tony. I'll be more aware when looking at Behringer products.
> J.
>
> On Fri, 11 Dec 2009 15:53:17 +1300, "Tony Risotto"
>
>
>
> <ch...@cialispam.viagranet> wrote:
>

> >"Jim" <Jamesv9...@yah.com> wrote in message


> >> Thanks Tony. Do you find repeated problems with Behringer products?
>
> >Hi, Jim--
>
> >Yes, I think their stuff isn't as reliable as it should be. I like the fact
> >that Behringer exists and manufactures  such affordable gear (I live in a
> >country where, if it weren't for Behringer, it'd take a lot more time to
> >collect gear; everything is expensive...stuff "better" than Behringer is too
> >expensive...BEHRINGER is too expensive).
>
> >Even equipment as affordable as Behringer shouldn't ship from the factory
> >flawed, or malfunction so soon after purchase.
>
> >So, I think the stuff they make is fine, while it's working correctly.
>
> >You know, I'm an ex-Volkswagen owner. Until a few years ago, I had a Beetle
> >that was built in the 50's. It still worked fine when I sold it. Inexpensive
> >stuff CAN be built to last.
>

> >T- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -

RichL

unread,
Dec 27, 2009, 10:24:22 AM12/27/09
to

I still think the best deal on the planet for condenser mics is the
MXL990/991 set. A pair, one with a small diaphragm and one with a large
diaphragm. $79.95 at Musician's Friend.

I've had a set for years. No issues whatsoever. I dropped the 991
(small condenser) accidentally from a height of about 5 feet, and it's
still working fine.


Six String Stu

unread,
Dec 27, 2009, 10:48:26 AM12/27/09
to

"RichL" <rple...@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:n_-dnfYyRvlD5qrW...@supernews.com...
Well try banging in a nail or two and you've got a boast as good as Shure!
:)

Seriously tho, would you use that MXL pair in stereo? I'm thinking of adding
to my rig and that does sound promising.


RichL

unread,
Dec 27, 2009, 11:01:49 PM12/27/09
to

Their characteristics are a bit different. I haven't experimented my
with stereo pairs, however. I primarily use the large diaphragm mic for
vocals and the small diaphragm one for acoustic guitar.


Six String Stu

unread,
Dec 28, 2009, 12:10:19 AM12/28/09
to

"RichL" <rple...@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:E4CdnZ6I3Y_4sKXW...@supernews.com...
OIC
I like the Godin pre in my Seagul accustic, but there are times when it
sounds better with a mic. But then I pump it through my Carvin PA system and
set the sound to the venue via the onboard DSP feature.

You give me much food for thought in that one little statement. Maybe I'll
play around with some of these other mic s I have laying around. Currently
I'm using the Shure SM58s for vocals. I used to use a Carvin 58 copy for the
12 string. Wasn't happy with that so I installed a under the saddle PU in
that. Much better now.


Laurence Payne

unread,
Dec 28, 2009, 6:44:31 AM12/28/09
to
On Sun, 27 Dec 2009 09:48:26 -0600, "Six String Stu"
<hawki...@nccray.net> wrote:

>Seriously tho, would you use that MXL pair in stereo? I'm thinking of adding
>to my rig and that does sound promising.

They're different mics, so it obviously wouldn't be true stereo. But
two mics, any mics, on a source can be interesting. It's a well-known
technique to use two close mics on different parts of an acoustic
guitar. I often set up two dissimilar mics in front of a vocalist.
"Stereo" can sound good. Or I can choose one or the other when
mixing.

Six String Stu

unread,
Dec 28, 2009, 10:06:05 AM12/28/09
to

"Laurence Payne" <l...@laurencepayne.co.uk> wrote in message
news:r76hj5dvito3am0mf...@4ax.com...
Yep, very true. I've even used two coppies of one mic track and done the
hard pan routine before. Also used differnt VsT's. With more money and
twenty years to learn from a master I could probably find a method that not
only sounds the best, but makes sense to others. :)


Jim Carr

unread,
Dec 28, 2009, 3:55:03 PM12/28/09
to

Why do you say it's not "true" stereo? Did I not get the memo?

--
Write a wise saying and your name will live forever.
- Anonymous

Tony Risotto

unread,
Dec 28, 2009, 3:58:31 PM12/28/09
to

"max rock" <max...@fiftyhabit.com> wrote in message
news:c32611a7-6f55-4575...@q2g2000yqd.googlegroups.com...

I'm going to jump in here and rebut that comment re: Behringer
quality. It really depends on the product and the factory run.

Yeah, maybe so. I, too, have some Behringer gear that hasn't failed in the
years since I've owned it. And, while they're working, I think my Truth
B2031As are terrific. And, since I repaired my faulty C2, it's just fine,
too.

T


Ty Ford

unread,
Dec 28, 2009, 5:18:22 PM12/28/09
to
On Sun, 27 Dec 2009 10:24:22 -0500, RichL wrote
(in article <n_-dnfYyRvlD5qrW...@supernews.com>):


MCA SP-1 LD Condenser for $49.99

http://www.pssl.com/MXL-SP1-Condenser-Studio-Microphone-With-Clip

Regards,

Ty Ford


--Audio Equipment Reviews Audio Production Services
Acting and Voiceover Demos http://www.tyford.com
Guitar player?:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yWaPRHMGhGA

haligonab

unread,
Dec 30, 2009, 10:19:35 PM12/30/09
to
On Mon, 28 Dec 2009 17:18:22 -0500, Ty Ford <tyre...@comcast.net>
wrote:


Thanks Ty. I was waiting for the SP-1 to show up in this thread. With
all the believers on RAP, I'm surprised that the news hasn't filtered
over here. It's the real deal folks, and cheap as hell in the bargain.
Steve

Mikey

unread,
Jan 13, 2010, 7:22:26 AM1/13/10
to
On Mon, 28 Dec 2009 17:18:22 -0500, Ty Ford <tyre...@comcast.net>
wrote:

>On Sun, 27 Dec 2009 10:24:22 -0500, RichL wrote

......i bought one of these mics. It came in a cheap bubble pack.
Fantastic tone quality and sensitivity. Nice warm vocal reproduction
with no "raspy" high end. I didn't get the "shock mount". Thanx for
the tip, Ford........>>>>>>

mikey

Ty Ford

unread,
Jan 14, 2010, 2:49:18 PM1/14/10
to
On Wed, 13 Jan 2010 07:22:26 -0500, Mikey wrote
(in article <veerk59a129bdrg5f...@4ax.com>):

Mikey,

Good for you! You're welcome.

Transient Music

unread,
Jan 15, 2010, 6:10:40 AM1/15/10
to

I couldn’t see this mic on the thread... how about the AKG C1000?
they're very versatile although I've heard people say they sound
'brittle' (I've only experienced a couple of comparisons; I see what
they're saying but its not that bad..) here in the UK they are very
cheap...going any cheaper and you're looking at Karaoke mics! I've
seen them used in studios recording the overhead signals on a drum kit
and acoustic guitar, and they work ok on vocals.. i've got some
examples to show if you like...

Mikey

unread,
Jan 15, 2010, 7:15:14 PM1/15/10
to
On Thu, 14 Jan 2010 14:49:18 -0500, Ty Ford <tyre...@comcast.net>
wrote:


>


>Mikey,
>
>Good for you! You're welcome.
>
>Regards,
>
>Ty Ford
>
>--Audio Equipment Reviews Audio Production Services
>Acting and Voiceover Demos http://www.tyford.com
>Guitar player?:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yWaPRHMGhGA

This is a slapped together sample of me using the SP-1 mic. Now i used
the Alesis outboard reverb and sidechained some mild DBX compression.
(default- knobs @ 12:00) I've always been of the philosophy that the
comp goes between the mic and the mixer but i needed the phantom
voltage (which the DBX 266xl doesn't have) from the Yamaha board to
make the mic work. Now remember, if it sounds crappy.....it's me, not
the mic. Only the vocal and acoustic were miked. Thanx again Ty :)

http://www.tridentguitar.com/Music/Stand_By_Me-mikey.mp3

mikey
www.tridentguitar.com

Ty Ford

unread,
Jan 16, 2010, 1:07:23 PM1/16/10
to
On Fri, 15 Jan 2010 06:10:40 -0500, Transient Music wrote
(in article
<d86d86b4-28ec-4a0e...@l30g2000yqb.googlegroups.com>):

Not well thought of in studio recording, but OK live.

Mikey

unread,
Jan 19, 2010, 3:22:33 PM1/19/10
to
...sorry, but i had uploaded a seriously flawed file (no gain). Now,
i've replaced the file....but i'm have all sorts of problems with
gain. Does anyone have any tips for getting max gain without hiss or
distortion.....i'm lost.....>>>>

http://www.tridentguitar.com/Music/Stand_By_Me-mikey.mp3

mikey

Six String Stu

unread,
Jan 19, 2010, 3:58:13 PM1/19/10
to

"Mikey" <mi...@eminentdomain.net> wrote in message
news:8u4cl55u4csh2aiea...@4ax.com...
I didn't hear that on these PC system speakers.
Maybe run the mix through a De Esser?
I'm envious that you were able to get so much head room, did you use a
compressor?


Mikey

unread,
Jan 19, 2010, 4:17:17 PM1/19/10
to

No, Stu, no De esser. Yes, the DBX XL266 compressor set sorta default.
But i mixed down to Cubase and i don't really know what i'm doing. I
tried the gain processor, then normalize, then pushing the mixer
sliders up. Then too much hiss...... Now i've posted here. Probably
Dec would know...but he's always tryin' to make a buck.....? Don't be
jealous....the head room was an accident....sort of like my NY
Jets......lol....>>>>>

mikey

Six String Stu

unread,
Jan 19, 2010, 5:07:12 PM1/19/10
to

"Mikey" <mi...@eminentdomain.net> wrote in message
news:ot7cl5pqk65c0n3t8...@4ax.com...
I Sooo wanted the Colts to fall under the Ravens. :)
They never would've made it all the way without being able to pass more tho.


Mikey

unread,
Jan 19, 2010, 5:22:58 PM1/19/10
to

>

Yea, but didn't you guys win the superbowl in 2001 with Trent Dilfer
and stout defense? I think the colts "D" can rise to the occasion just
from inspiration. Sorry about stealing your offensive co. We've been
drinking his Kool Aid. The Saints are awesome......I think i liked it
better when we were playing the cincinatti kittys......

0 new messages