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Author Topic: Am I jumping in too quickly/seeking general input for first set of mics  (Read 8667 times)

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Offline ycoop

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I'll admit this post is part wanting advice and part typing out my thoughts to help clarify for myself.

I've been going through recordings deciding on a set of starter mics. Given my current financials I can't budget more than *at most* $300, but any better deal would make such a purchase more palatable for my SO (when I mentioned a $200 price she thought that was high itself, we're not exactly made of money).

Anyway, my shortlist was Avantone CK-1s, Busman BSC1s, and Line Audio CM3s. As part of my regular Craigslist trawling I came across someone selling a pair of the like-new Avantones for $200, which I'll try to bargain down to $175. At either price seems to be a fairly good, though not amazing, deal. Judging by YS posts, it looks like the price of the Avantones has been fairly steady over the last several years. Is there any strong reason to avoid the CK-1s? There really only seems to be a smattering of mics available at the price range I'm considering, and the 3 interchangeable caps seems like a huge advantage, especially for a starter set of mics. What major considerations might I be overlooking? I like how they sound, particularly the clear punchiness of the low end.

I've been interested in taping for around 3 months now, and I guess my main question is am I making this decision too quickly? I've been spending a good bit of time reading the forums, and I've used taping as a springboard into learning about circuitry, electronics, soldering, etc. so I don't think that my interest in taping is a passing phase (badum tsss). Yes, I recognize that no one can really answer this question for me, but I figure some experienced tapers who have gone through similar experiences might help guide my way.

Anyway, thanks in advance for the input. Already received great advice from a number of TS members, including some unsolicited PMs that I really appreciate. Y'all are a great bunch and I'm quite grateful for having found this corner of the internet.
Mics: Avantone CK-1s, AT853 c+o
Pres: CA9100
Recorders: DR-60d mkII, DR-2d

Offline fanofjam

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You aren't jumping in too quickly, though there IS a school of thought that you might want to wait until your budget allows you to get what you really want, since if you stay in the hobby you'll probably end up there anyway.  That said, the great thing about buying used is you can usually sell for what you bought for so I'd say go for it since the only way you'll find out if taping is for you is to start doing it. 

You did your homework...Avantones are well regarded and would be a great entry pair of mics. 

The Church Audio CA-14 are probably the most popular starter mics on taperssection.  They come in both card and omni version and cost I think less than $200.  They aren't full body mics but sound fantastic, especially for their size.

You might also consider the Nakamichi CM300 (or any of the various other manufacturers that sold the same mics under license from Nak, such as TEAC).  These are full body mics that are self-powered by an internal battery and typically come with cardioid and omni capsules.  These are always available on ebay and sometimes come up in the taperssection yard sale.  The CM-300 was a legendary mic that made many of the Grateful Dead audience recordings that have circulated for many years.

Offline ycoop

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Hmm yes, I haven’t given the CA-14s enough attention, for no good reason other than a perhaps unfounded aversion to non-full bodied mics. Does seem like a used set of them and a battery box would be a good place to start as well. That said I would want to compare what I would pull with my DIY omnis before pulling the trigger on those, though that thought might just reflect the full body bias I mentioned.
Mics: Avantone CK-1s, AT853 c+o
Pres: CA9100
Recorders: DR-60d mkII, DR-2d

Offline heathen

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Life is short.  If it will make you happy, jump right in...the water's fine.

I will recommend checking out some of the Audio-Technica mics.  Incredible bang for the buck, especially used.  Check out my thread about the AE5100 for example.  In addition, there's the excellent AT4031 that show up used from time to time.
Mics: AT4050ST | AT4031 | AT853 (C/SC) | Line Audio CM3 | Sennheiser e614 | Sennheiser MKE2 | DPA 4061 Pre: CA9200 Decks: Zoom F8 | Roland R-05

Offline noahbickart

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Yes.

get a deck and patch for a year, while saving money for the schoeps you will eventually want.
Recording:
Capsules: Schoeps mk41v (x2), mk22 (x2), mk3 (x2), mk21 & mk8
Cables: 2x nbob KCY, 1 pair nbob actives, GAKables 10' & 20' 6-channel snakes, Darktrain 2 & 4 channel KCY and mini xlr extensions:
Preamps:    Schoeps VMS 02iub, Naiant IPA, Sound Devices Mixpre6 I
Recorders: Sound Devices Mixpre6 I, Sony PCM m10

Home Playback: Mac Mini> Mytek Brooklyn+> McIntosh MC162> Eminent Tech LFT-16; Musical Fidelity xCan v2> Hifiman HE-4XX / Beyerdynamic DT880

Office Playback: iMac> Grace m903> AKG k701 / Hifiman HE-400

Offline heathen

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get a deck and patch for a year, while saving money for the schoeps you will eventually want.

Unless he goes to shows that no one else is recording.  Obviously it all depends, but at least speaking for myself I'd say at least 50% of the shows I record I'm the only one recording.  Also, again speaking for myself, patching isn't nearly as fun as running my own rig.
Mics: AT4050ST | AT4031 | AT853 (C/SC) | Line Audio CM3 | Sennheiser e614 | Sennheiser MKE2 | DPA 4061 Pre: CA9200 Decks: Zoom F8 | Roland R-05

Offline rigpimp

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If you have it within your budget then nothing is too fast.  If you don't like them then throw them into the YS.  Slut it up.

My mic progression went from Radio Shack lavs to a AT822 stereo mic to a Neumann SKM-140 kit.

I dumped my Neumann (really hard to do) and I bought a stable of Schoeps, a brand which I made fun of for many years.  Just know that eventually you will have a set of active cables and some kind of capsule(s) to put on the end.
Mics: Schoeps MK 5 MP, Schoeps MK 8 MP, Schoeps MK 41 MP, KCY 250/5 > PFA
Pre/A>D/P48: Sonosax SX/M2, Sonosax SX/M2-LS, E.A.A. PSP-2, Baby Nbox, Neumann BS48i-2 (for sale)
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Offline IMPigpen

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get a deck and patch for a year, while saving money for the schoeps you will eventually want.

Unless he goes to shows that no one else is recording.  Obviously it all depends, but at least speaking for myself I'd say at least 50% of the shows I record I'm the only one recording.  Also, again speaking for myself, patching isn't nearly as fun as running my own rig.

When I first got mics, I ran a pair of AKG C1000s.  Not the best or most expensive, but I was able to record a lot of shows where I was the only taper.  And for other times when there were better rigs, I had no problem patching if I wanted to.  Gave me time to save up for my Neumanns and still record stuff that wouldn't have been recorded otherwise.
Mics: Neumann KM184s; ADK TLs; Naiant X-R omnis & cards; MM-BSM-7M omnis
Pres/Battery boxes: Sound Devices MixPre; Naiant IPA; Sound Professionals SP-SPSB-6
Recorders: Tascam DR-70mkii; Tascam DR-60Dmkii; Tascam DR-40; Roland R-07
Cassette Transfers:  Nakamichi CR-1A->Tascam DR-60Dmkii
DAT Transfers:  Tascam DA-20mkii->Marantz PMD-670

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Offline ycoop

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get a deck and patch for a year, while saving money for the schoeps you will eventually want.

Unless he goes to shows that no one else is recording.  Obviously it all depends, but at least speaking for myself I'd say at least 50% of the shows I record I'm the only one recording.  Also, again speaking for myself, patching isn't nearly as fun as running my own rig.

To date I’ve been at 1 show where there was another taper, and 4 shows and counting where there was no one to patch from. Capturing those shows with recorder internals seems like a missed opportunity, since shows only happen once.

That will change this summer with Phish, where I plan to patch for at least 2/4 shows that I’ll be going to.
Mics: Avantone CK-1s, AT853 c+o
Pres: CA9100
Recorders: DR-60d mkII, DR-2d

Offline heathen

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That will change this summer with Phish, where I plan to patch for at least 2/4 shows that I’ll be going to.

Just out of curiosity, what deck do you use and which Phish shows are you planning on attending?
Mics: AT4050ST | AT4031 | AT853 (C/SC) | Line Audio CM3 | Sennheiser e614 | Sennheiser MKE2 | DPA 4061 Pre: CA9200 Decks: Zoom F8 | Roland R-05

Offline ycoop

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That will change this summer with Phish, where I plan to patch for at least 2/4 shows that I’ll be going to.

Just out of curiosity, what deck do you use and which Phish shows are you planning on attending?

I currently have a DR-40 and a DR-22wl, though I plan to sell the DR-40 and stick with the 22wl, in large part due to the small size. I purchased a cheap DR-60d off of Craigslist that I would be using with the Avantones if I were to go with them.

I’ll be at Tahoe and Bill Graham. Slim chance that Curveball will happen too and then at least 2 of the Vegas shows in the fall.
Mics: Avantone CK-1s, AT853 c+o
Pres: CA9100
Recorders: DR-60d mkII, DR-2d

Offline capnhook

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That will change this summer with Phish, where I plan to patch for at least 2/4 shows that I’ll be going to.

Just out of curiosity, what deck do you use and which Phish shows are you planning on attending?

I currently have a DR-40 and a DR-22wl, though I plan to sell the DR-40 and stick with the 22wl, in large part due to the small size. I purchased a cheap DR-60d off of Craigslist that I would be using with the Avantones if I were to go with them.

I’ll be at Tahoe and Bill Graham. Slim chance that Curveball will happen too and then at least 2 of the Vegas shows in the fall.

Get a 20dB in-line 1/8" TRS attenuator, and you'll be safe for those hot board signals.  The DR-22WL is a fine machine.  I've made internal mic recordings with it, and they come out fine.  Placing it flat on a bar table in the sweet spot works better than screwing it onto a mini-tripod....it captures more low end signal on the table, than when it's a couple of inches off it.


Have fun and make great tapes, ycoop ;)
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Offline heathen

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I’ll be at Tahoe and Bill Graham. Slim chance that Curveball will happen too and then at least 2 of the Vegas shows in the fall.

Well if you ever make it out to Colorado give a shout in the Team Colorado thread.
Mics: AT4050ST | AT4031 | AT853 (C/SC) | Line Audio CM3 | Sennheiser e614 | Sennheiser MKE2 | DPA 4061 Pre: CA9200 Decks: Zoom F8 | Roland R-05

Offline ycoop

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That will change this summer with Phish, where I plan to patch for at least 2/4 shows that I’ll be going to.

Just out of curiosity, what deck do you use and which Phish shows are you planning on attending?

I currently have a DR-40 and a DR-22wl, though I plan to sell the DR-40 and stick with the 22wl, in large part due to the small size. I purchased a cheap DR-60d off of Craigslist that I would be using with the Avantones if I were to go with them.

I’ll be at Tahoe and Bill Graham. Slim chance that Curveball will happen too and then at least 2 of the Vegas shows in the fall.

Get a 20dB in-line 1/8" TRS attenuator, and you'll be safe for those hot board signals.  The DR-22WL is a fine machine.  I've made internal mic recordings with it, and they come out fine.  Placing it flat on a bar table in the sweet spot works better than screwing it onto a mini-tripod....it captures more low end signal on the table, than when it's a couple of inches off it.


Have fun and make great tapes, ycoop ;)

I’ve been looking for a 20 dB 1/8” TRS attenuators with no luck. Any leads?

And heathen, I envision making it out to Dick’s again at some future date. Probably the next year they decide to give the West Coast the shaft again.
Mics: Avantone CK-1s, AT853 c+o
Pres: CA9100
Recorders: DR-60d mkII, DR-2d

jcable77

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Yes.

get a deck and patch for a year, while saving money for the schoeps you will eventually want.
Or mics that you think sound great that arent ridiculously priced. I would say waiting to save up to buy shoeps would be a pretty silly idea when your going to a bunch of shows. Tape shows with whatever youve got until you can get something else. Ive got some mics for you. Ill pm you in a bit. Wait and save up to buy shoeps, ugh! Tape shows!!!!!

Offline kindms

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my first set of mics that i purchased were a stereo set of AKG414XLS/ST

Needless to say my GF now wife was not thrilled to be told the real price of the mics.

but I still own them so theres that.

I guess the only advice is to go to as many shows as you can where you are "taping" by that I mean pretty anchored to a single spot, dealing with drunks, talkers, the curious. blocking etc. Its that stuff that will turn this hobby in to a pain in the ass. So if you know the deal / drill that way go for it. I was using rocksuitcases rig (461>GP DMIC 20 >D8) for several years before finally getting my own (414 >UA5 >USB/COAX >Laptop).

I guess that brings up another option. Slutty taper buddies. If you have taper friends running their rig or borrowing is always a good way to go. You get to be a taper and see if you like it before spending any $
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Offline Walstib62

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The Avanotnes are great mics for the price. Having multiple capsule options will also allow you to try out different patterns for different situationss. In the meantime you can get some shows under your belt and trade up to something else if you want to. My first set of mics were the CK1's and they served me very well! I made some great recordings with them.

Offline capnhook

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Get a 20dB in-line 1/8" TRS attenuator, and you'll be safe for those hot board signals.  The DR-22WL is a fine machine.  I've made internal mic recordings with it, and they come out fine.  Placing it flat on a bar table in the sweet spot works better than screwing it onto a mini-tripod....it captures more low end signal on the table, than when it's a couple of inches off it.


I’ve been looking for a 20 dB 1/8” TRS attenuators with no luck. Any leads?


I bought mine from Len at Core Sound for about $22, I think.  He's in the retail section here.
Proud member of the reality-based community

BSCS-L->JB-mod [NAK CM-300 (CP-3) and/or (CP-1)]->LSD2->CA CAFS-Omni->Sony ECM-907**Apogee MiniMe Rev. C->CA Ugly II->**Edirol OCM R-44->Tascam DR-22WL->Sony TCD-D8


"Don't ever take an all or nothing attitude when it comes to making a difference
and being beautiful and making the world a beautiful place through your actions.
Every little bit is registered.  Every little bit.  So be as beautiful as you can as often as you can"

"It'll never be over, 'till we learn."
 
"My dream is to get a bus and get the band and just go coast to coast. Just about everything else except music, is anti-musical.  That's it.  Music's the thing." - Jeb Puryear

Offline wforwumbo

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Wanna chime in here as I recently did precisely what you are considering doing. Firstly, I want to say I’m glad the taping bug has bit you, and that my old DR-40 served you as well as it did me.

I asked nearly the same question here in November or December, and I got many of the same responses you are getting here. The AT4031 was my first pair of SDC mics for taping, and they do sound quite good, and I did think the tape I pulled was listenable, even bordering on great. But there were two downsides: 1. There were others in OTS with MUCH nicer mics who made what imo are better recordings so I patched off them for the rest of the run and 2. Full bodied mics really are significantly more cumbersome to set up on a stand than smaller modular systems, and I do value less hassle during setup/takedown plus I spent more time worrying about my mics on the stand wrt weight.

So I sold them a month after taping with my first rig and just saved up for the Schoeps that I wanted, as Noah has said here. From personal experience I am 100% in agreement with him here. It isn’t meant to discourage you at all - I know firsthand the experience of owning your first pair of taping mics and the excitement of sticking em up in the air for the first time. It truly makes you feel like a legitimate member of the section with your own first full rig. BUT we are all more than happy to give you patches, and continue taking notes and listening to different mics to decide what mics you actually want to end up owning. Otherwise you will always look at the more expensive mics and wonder “how much better can my tapes sound, if I dump more money into my rig...?” In retrospect the AT4031 rig I bought was 1/6 the cost of my first pair of Schoeps caps, which when I looked at it that way I realized I should have just stashed aside a small chunk of each paycheck and reserved it for the caps I eventually bought, to save time and money. Yes I could have - and did - just end up selling everything I bought here on YS, but I could have saved myself lots of time and hassle had I just yielded this admittedly unpopular and seemingly discouraging advice.

Now that said, if you are planning on going to shows where you are the ONLY taper, there is nothing wrong with getting a cheaper pair of SDCs in the meantime just to have something to record the shows with. Alternatively, get networked in your local team board here and start talking to people about shows you are planning on taping; many of us would love to go to a show just to tape and be part of the hobby/community.

For the record, you are welcome to patch off my mk21s at Tahoe and if you make it out here Curveball.
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Offline heathen

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Don't jump on the Schoeps hype train too quick here.  Listen for yourself.  You may find you prefer MG, Neumann, Telefunken, Milab, AKG, or any number of other mics.  It all comes down to personal preference, after all.  While I am not much of a fan of Schoeps for the type of recording most people on here do, I also realize that's just my own taste (and that I'm likely in the minority).  Just follow your own ears...and if they lead you to modestly-priced mics that may not be the envy of other tapers, so be it.
Mics: AT4050ST | AT4031 | AT853 (C/SC) | Line Audio CM3 | Sennheiser e614 | Sennheiser MKE2 | DPA 4061 Pre: CA9200 Decks: Zoom F8 | Roland R-05

Offline hoppedup

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^Agreed.

I'm running akg391 into a Tascam DR-60D and really don't see a need to upgrade. I ran CA-11s and CA-14s for years before buying "big boy" mics.

There are any number of mics you can pic up at a decent price to get started. The Avantones make great recordings. As do the Line Audio, Berliner CM-33,  any number of Audio-technica mics, And you can always keep gear for when you need to run two or three rigs at a festival, or want to do a permanent install at a local venue.

I will probably own Milab VM-44s again at some point and maybe even splurge on an SD multi-channel recorder. But then again, I may not.
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Offline rigpimp

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Just a secondary thought to always keep your eyes peeled in the yard sale.  You'll save a ton if you buy used gear, as you probably already know. 

Most sellers here are either vetted, or pretty easy to vet.  The only thing in my rig that I bought new was the recorder and it was because I was an early adopter.

Follow your ears...
Mics: Schoeps MK 5 MP, Schoeps MK 8 MP, Schoeps MK 41 MP, KCY 250/5 > PFA
Pre/A>D/P48: Sonosax SX/M2, Sonosax SX/M2-LS, E.A.A. PSP-2, Baby Nbox, Neumann BS48i-2 (for sale)
Recorders: Sound Devices Mixpre-6ii, Sony PCM-A10
Playback: Jolida 1501 Hybrid > McIntosh MX 130 > Von Schweikert VR-4 JR, or Little Dot MK III > Sennheiser HD700
http://archive.org/bookmarks/kskreider
https://www.concertarchives.org/kskreider
https://archive.org/details/thespps

Offline MakersMarc

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Don't jump on the Schoeps hype train too quick here.  Listen for yourself.  You may find you prefer MG, Neumann, Telefunken, Milab, AKG, or any number of other mics.  It all comes down to personal preference, after all.  While I am not much of a fan of Schoeps for the type of recording most people on here do, I also realize that's just my own taste (and that I'm likely in the minority).  Just follow your own ears...and if they lead you to modestly-priced mics that may not be the envy of other tapers, so be it.

This. Listen to a lot of different mikes and save up for what you like best. Search by mikes in archive.org for what you want to hear. I did the incremental upgrades and downsizing up to what I run now, and it cost me thousands in lost value when I sold it all on YS.

Or not. I had a lot of fun running different stuff. 😀👍
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Offline Jhurlbs81

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a $2,000 set of mics is not required to make smoking tapes, and I think it discourages people from getting into to the hobby when people say you should just wait until you can afford the absolute best.  I think part of the fun is learning what works, what doesn't and your personal preferences. If I wanted to get into race cars I wouldn't start with a ferrari.
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Offline aaronji

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Don't jump on the Schoeps hype train too quick here.  Listen for yourself.  You may find you prefer MG, Neumann, Telefunken, Milab, AKG, or any number of other mics.

You forgot to mention that goodness from Denmark!!!

With respect to wforwumbo's post, I chimed in on his initial post to agree with noahbickart that he should save and get what he wanted.  His situation was a little different, though, as he had a lot of experience, in the studio and hanging around the section, and was already talking about Schoeps or DPAs.  In this case, I think I would see if you can borrow a pair of mics for a while.  Lots of tapers in the Bay Area, and many have two, or three or, well, multiple sets of mics.  Maybe somebody would lend you a pair (perhaps with a security deposit or something).  Then, you could get out there and tape some shows and compare your results with other tapers, while saving some money and taking some time to figure out where you want to end up.  Think twice and buy once and all...

jcable77

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a $2,000 set of mics is not required to make smoking tapes, and I think it discourages people from getting into to the hobby when people say you should just wait until you can afford the absolute best.  I think part of the fun is learning what works, what doesn't and your personal preferences. If I wanted to get into race cars I wouldn't start with a ferrari.
Thats what im saying. If I waited till i got shoeps ( which I dont want) to start taping, i would have never started taping. And full bodied mics are cumbersome in the taperssection? The dude hasnt recorded a show yet and your talking about shoeps active cables? Sorry you thought you had to fit in in the phish taperssection with shoeps actives but that advice is just bunk. Dude said his budget was $300. Maybe get the avatones and tape as much as you can in a year. Get stands, clamps, batteries, bags, accessories. Find venues you like to record in. Then when you figure out what and how you like to tape live music, invest in something else. Absolute no reason to spend $3,000 on a hobby you havnt even tried yet.

Offline larrysellers

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I don't know if I have ever seen a thread here started where someone regretted buying good microphones. You can pretty much always resell them for a comparable price. Amortize the mics over 10 years. You'll never see them as a good value if you look at them as a short term asset.

Offline djphrayz

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Don't jump on the Schoeps hype train too quick here.  Listen for yourself.  You may find you prefer MG, Neumann, Telefunken, Milab, AKG, or any number of other mics.  It all comes down to personal preference, after all.  While I am not much of a fan of Schoeps for the type of recording most people on here do, I also realize that's just my own taste (and that I'm likely in the minority).  Just follow your own ears...and if they lead you to modestly-priced mics that may not be the envy of other tapers, so be it.

What heathen said... I taped all of the MSG Phish shows last year with a set of AT4031s.  If you look at the comments on my final BD pull posted on bt.etree, you can find the opinion of someone who downloaded and listened to every source that was posted in a timely manner and see that for many of those shows, he picked my source as the best sounding source (over Schoeps, DPA, and other sources).  Mind you this was just one guy's opinion, and just like assholes, everyone has one.

My point is that you can compare a lot of different mics and setups by downloading and listening to some shows where a lot of tapers taped from a similar spot in the room, and you should follow your own ears, rather than the opinions of others, for what mics sound the best.  You should also be aware that mic configuration (angle between microphones and space between them) plays a big role in the sound of tapes, so only paying attention to the mic/pre/recorder will not tell you the complete picture.  Also, my recordings sound a little louder than most tapes due to the post-production work I do, so this can play a role as well.

Used gear is a solid recommendation, so if you find that taping is not for you, you can recoup most of your investment.  It's a fun hobby, so I recommend you grab what you can afford, and go out there and have fun!
Mics: AT4031, DPA4061, DPA4099, AKG483, CA-14 cards and omnis
Recorders: MixPre10ii, Zoom F8, Sony PCM-M10
Pre: DPA MMA6000, CA Ugly 2

Offline ycoop

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Thanks again for the input and support. I’ve already received an offer via pm about borrowing some equipment for the Tahoe shows.

Still on the fence about the Avantones. I’ll be taping a friends gig in a few weeks (hopefully with a board feed) and the thought of making my first matrix with a pair of my own mics is quite appealing. Looks like I could sell them for around what they are asking for if I decide they aren’t for me. Would then seek to borrow a clamp/mic bar for a bit from someone in the area.
Mics: Avantone CK-1s, AT853 c+o
Pres: CA9100
Recorders: DR-60d mkII, DR-2d

Offline wforwumbo

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Seems my comments were taken a bit directly as “save up for Schoeps” and I want to clarify, that’s not what I meant at all.

The purpose of my post above, was to simply state that patching allows you to try LOTS of different types of gear and microphones in different positions and spacings, so you can sample without buying and eventually hone in on the microphones you *actually* want to buy. Cost is less of a factor here - maybe you really like the sound of two inexpensive electrets stuck on the end of some coat hangers, which I’ve done in the studio. The key is to be absolutely 100% sure that you’re buying gear you actually want to use, rather than fitting gear into your budget simply to serve a purpose.

That said, if you find a good deal on gear that IS within your budget and has the sound you want, by all means go for it.
North Jersey native, Upstate veteran, proud Texan

2x Schoeps mk2; 2x Schoeps mk21; 2x Schoeps mk4

4x Schoeps cmc5; 4x Schoeps KC5; Nbob KCY; Naiant PFA

EAA PSP-2

Sound Devices Mixpre-6

Offline daspyknows

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I don't know if I have ever seen a thread here started where someone regretted buying good microphones. You can pretty much always resell them for a comparable price. Amortize the mics over 10 years. You'll never see them as a good value if you look at them as a short term asset.

My MK4's are over 25 years old, have been used over 1,000 shows and could be sold for a good percentage of purchase price.  That said it is not an investment I would suggest for a first pair of mics.  most people don't learn to drive with a beamer or Benz but upgrade once they know how to drive.
« Last Edit: May 31, 2018, 10:38:49 AM by daspyknows »

Offline goodcooker

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I started taping because, like you, many shows that I went to were not being recorded. Started with a Sony miniature stereo mic and an MD. It was good enough. Then I got some Studio Projects C4s and a UA5 then onward and upward from there.

Get the Avantones and run them into the built in preamps on the DR60. You will be perfectly happy with the quality and it will be a good sounding rig for a beginner. You still have a good bit of expense for other stuff you will need - stand, cables, batteries, mounts - the list goes on. When I first started I bought a large part of my accessories as a package deal used from someone who was getting out and saved a good bit of money.

Getting a rig like this will give you a chance to experiment with placement and mic configs and dial in the type of sound you are looking for. With interchangeable capsules you can try different stuff in different rooms to find out what you like.

I got the upgrade bug early on - I've always liked trying new things - and went through several brands of mics. I ended up liking three brands that would be considered low to mid priced the most and ran them for years - Peluso, AKG and ADK TLs.

Nowadays I like my modular active systems but it took me roughly 13 years of recording (and running full bodied mic setups) to finally pull the trigger on a pair of Schoeps MK41s (which I could only afford because I bought everything used - picked up a package deal and sold off what I didn't need)  and I really like my MBHO subcardioid capsules for just about everything else.
Line Audio CM3/OM1 || MBHO KA500 hyper>PFA|| ADK A51 type IV || AKG C522XY
Oade Warm Mod and Presence+ Mod UA5s || Aerco MP2(needs help) || Neve Portico 5012 || Apogee MMP
SD Mixpre6 || Oade Concert Mod DR100mkii

pocket sized - CA11 cards > SP SB10 > Sony PCM A10

http://www.archive.org/bookmarks/goodcooker

"Are you the Zman?" - fan at Panic 10-08-10 Kansas City
"I don't know who left this perfectly good inflatable wook doll here, but if I'm blowing her up, I'm keeping her." -  hoppedup

Offline ycoop

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I’m going with the Avantones!

My dream mics right now are Milab VM44s. Sorry Team Schoeps ;)
Mics: Avantone CK-1s, AT853 c+o
Pres: CA9100
Recorders: DR-60d mkII, DR-2d

Offline heathen

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My dream mics right now are Milab VM44s. Sorry Team Schoeps ;)

I've listened to several recordings with the VM44 Links are they sound very very nice.  Good choice!
Mics: AT4050ST | AT4031 | AT853 (C/SC) | Line Audio CM3 | Sennheiser e614 | Sennheiser MKE2 | DPA 4061 Pre: CA9200 Decks: Zoom F8 | Roland R-05

Offline hoppedup

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I’m going with the Avantones!

My dream mics right now are Milab VM44s. Sorry Team Schoeps ;)

Good choice on the Avantones.

And as a once and future owner of VM-44s, I can say they are my favorite mic.
AKG SE300B CK91
JB Mod NAK 300 CP1 - CP2

Tascam DR-40, Tascam DR-60D, Tascam DR-22WL, Marantz PMD-706
Panasonic Lumix DMC-G7K

↑↑↓↓←→←→ BA Start
         


My recordings on bt.etree
  
My recordings on LMA

Offline rigpimp

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I’m going with the Avantones!

My dream mics right now are Milab VM44s. Sorry Team Schoeps ;)

Great choice on the Milab's young Jedi!

But, remember that the Dark Side is strong.  I promise not to be a good influence here.

Mics: Schoeps MK 5 MP, Schoeps MK 8 MP, Schoeps MK 41 MP, KCY 250/5 > PFA
Pre/A>D/P48: Sonosax SX/M2, Sonosax SX/M2-LS, E.A.A. PSP-2, Baby Nbox, Neumann BS48i-2 (for sale)
Recorders: Sound Devices Mixpre-6ii, Sony PCM-A10
Playback: Jolida 1501 Hybrid > McIntosh MX 130 > Von Schweikert VR-4 JR, or Little Dot MK III > Sennheiser HD700
http://archive.org/bookmarks/kskreider
https://www.concertarchives.org/kskreider
https://archive.org/details/thespps

Offline MakersMarc

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I swore I’d never turn to the dark side from DPA. Better and more durable active cabling options sucked me in. Also I can tape near a wall now if need be.  Congrats on your mics you're gonna love this hobby! 👍
« Last Edit: May 31, 2018, 09:39:24 PM by MakersMarc »
😈 Mk4v/41v>nbob actives>Baby nbox>Oade warm mod Marantz 620.

Open: 4v/41v>nbobs>Nicky mod Naiant PFA>Oade warm mod 661.

Home: the Stereo Hospital budget refurb rig: Lappie>DragonFly Cobalt/Red with Jitterbug>Nikko NR520/Sansui 221>B&W V202 speakers.

 

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