Affordable condenser mic

[Loumalone]

Hi folks,
I'm recording at home with a borrowed AKG c 414 mic and I'm thinking I should probably buy my own. Although I'm a musician it would probably be folly to spend €600 (since recording is a hobby at the mo).

Any ideas or recommendations of cheaper mics? More like €300?

Thankyou! L

I use Mac/Logic

[Bob Bickerton]

Perhaps you could tell us what you're recording with the microphone......

Bob

[Mike Stranks]

Depends to a great extent on what you want to use it for, but my first thoughts would be the CAD M179 (I have one and like it; others here are also enthusiastic about this mic) or perhaps the Avantone CK7. Both are multi-pattern like the 414 and so you'd retain that versatility.

If you just wanted cardioid then maybe the AKG 214 or Sennheiser MK4. The latter has some fans although others say it's good, but not on all voices. (I would have immediately suggested the AT 4033, but it's above your budget.)

But you're fishing a very big pond and there will be lots of recommendations!

[Loumalone]

Vocals and possibly woodwind.

[Bob Bickerton]

Woodwind makes it a bit more tricky, as you'd probably want to try and avoid a cheap condenser with a course high end lift (which can suit certain voices but brings out reed and breath noise on woodwind).

What's the woodwind - classical - traditional - flute/pipes?

I'm wondering whether a nice dynamic would do the trick - what preamp/interface do you have?

Bob

[ef37a]

Just few ideas...
Sontronics STC-2 LDC but fairly neutral sound. Now available in a sexy mat black. ~£150.

AKG Perception 170 SDC good value at about £60 but often discounted in pairs.

The new Roade M5s look good.

Dave.

[Loumalone]

Thanks folks, loads to go on there.

[niallharp]

buy second hand. Audio technics 4050 is good.

[Studio Support Gnome]

the SE4400 is rather good for the money…. i've been quite impressed by the results from a pair of these….

[Stephen Bennett]

The new RØDE NT1 is excellent value for money - could suit some vocalists, perfectly. Their new M5 small condensers are also worth a look for woodwinds. Never really fell for the old NT1/a but really impressed with the new boy. Make sure you look at the new one (with the Rycote cage/pop filter) though. I'd find it had to get a better sound for @ £350 combined.

Regards

Stephen

[Tomás Mulcahy]

I second niallharp's suggestion. I think the Audio Technica 4050 are very similar to the 414. A similar level of detail, precision and that "bright but not toppy" sound. Or used 4033 or a new 4020 if you're happy with cardioid only.

I think the Rode and SE mics have quite a different characteristic to the 414. The Rodes are generally bright, definitely toppy, lively, and forward, maybe not quite as detailed sometimes.

[Stephen Bennett]

I second niallharp's suggestion. I think the Audio Technica 4050 are very similar to the 414. A similar level of detail, precision and that "bright but not toppy" sound. Or used 4033 or a new 4020 if you're happy with cardioid only.

I think the Rode and SE mics have quite a different characteristic to the 414. The Rodes are generally bright, definitely toppy, lively, and forward, maybe not quite as detailed sometimes.

Tomás, have you heard the latest NT1? It's quite different from the older ones. Not bright at all.

Regards

Stephen

[Fishnish]

the SE4400 is rather good for the money…. i've been quite impressed by the results from a pair of these….

I like them too. There is a presence peak, but it's subtle and the low end is nice and warm.

[Tomás Mulcahy]

Tomás, have you heard the latest NT1? It's quite different from the older ones. Not bright at all.

Regards

Stephen

Hi Stephen. We have the NT1a here, is that the one you mean? That sounds bright to me. I find all Rode's have a kind of fake top end- it's not a bad thing but makes them less useful than other brands, IMO. We also have NT5, NT55, K2, Broadcaster and Classic II. Yes they're not as bright as the early Rodes (original NT1 and Classic) but I think they are bright compared to, say, any model of 414, a 2004 U87 or the AT4033a. Just my opinion of course

[Stephen Bennett]

Hi Stephen. We have the NT1a here, is that the one you mean?

No - there's a new one - the NT1

It's quite different to the 1a.

Regards

Stephen

[dickiefunk]

I had the new Rode NT1 here briefly and still found it could get quite harsh on the high frequencies.

The JZ V11 is an excellent mic that has a very full sound and doesn't have the harsh fizzy top end that a lot of budget/mid priced condenser have (and some high end ones).
For a brighter alternative with a smoother top end than the Rode's, SE electronics etc my choice would be an Audio Technica AT4040.

[Andi]

The Rode's fairly lively, the Senn Mk4 is more hi-fi ish, Sontronics top ends are less aggressive than many and I think they have a very solid family sound to them. Obviously my warm may be your dark.

I've recently reviewed examples of the three in Guitar Interactive mag if you want some thoughts; Google GI mag, issues 22 and 23 I think (could be wrong).

Just as a matter of interest, I did some tests with a few sources, most recently spoken word, recording a bunch of cheaper LDCs, and then using Voxgeno Curve (spectrum matching EQ plugin) to see how similar I could get the results. Very close indeed!

[Andi]

The Rode's fairly lively, the Senn Mk4 is more hi-fi ish, Sontronics top ends are less aggressive than many and I think they have a very solid family sound to them. Obviously my warm may be your dark.

I've recently reviewed examples of the three in Guitar Interactive mag if you want some thoughts; Google GI mag, issues 22 and 23 I think (could be wrong).

Just as a matter of interest, I did some tests with a few sources, most recently spoken word, recording a bunch of cheaper LDCs, and then using Voxgeno Curve (spectrum matching EQ plugin) to see how similar I could get the results. Very close indeed!

Review links here TheDustbowl.net

[Mixedup]

the SE4400 is rather good for the money…. i've been quite impressed by the results from a pair of these….

I like them too. There is a presence peak, but it's subtle and the low end is nice and warm.

+1. They go for peanuts second hand, but they're really nice, really versatile mics. A cut above the cheaper SE stuff.

But I'd still buy the 414 if you like it and can afford it (circa £350 second hand unless the old brass capsule model).