Topic: mics $400 or less?

[harmon712]

I have a Zoom H4n and am looking to get mics & a stand but not sure what to get.  I would like to stay under $400.

I was looking into these SP-CMC-8 or mics with a 3.5mm input to use when I can do a SBD and use the mics together.

http://www.soundprofessionals.com/cgi-bin/gold/item/SP-CMC-8

[Fatah Ruark (aka MIKE B)]

Do you want to use these for open taping only, or both open and stealth?

[harmon712]

Do you want to use these for open taping only, or both open and stealth?

Open only

[cashandkerouac]

it's hard to go wrong with a pair of Busman's.  great mics at an affordable price point (http://www.busmanaudio.com/bsc1.html).  new they a rw little bit over your stated budget, but used they would be much closer to your budget.  just a suggestion. 

[yltfan]

I was looking into these SP-CMC-8 or mics with a 3.5mm input to use when I can do a SBD and use the mics together.

Wouldn't it make more sense to send the SBD signal to the 3.5mm, and use the p48 xlr inputs for your mics?

[noahbickart]

You might try the AKG "blueline" e.g. se300b and either the ck91 (card), or, more likely, the mk93 (hyper). These come up used sometimes.

But frankly, I'd save up a little more for better microphones.

[harmon712]

it's hard to go wrong with a pair of Busman's.  great mics at an affordable price point (http://www.busmanaudio.com/bsc1.html).  new they a rw little bit over your stated budget, but used they would be much closer to your budget.  just a suggestion.

I might look into the BSC1 when I get the money saved. 

[Jammin72]

Studio Projects C4 MKii at $350 is a great way to get started if you're talking about new microphones within your budget.

[hoppedup]

it's hard to go wrong with a pair of Busman's.  great mics at an affordable price point (http://www.busmanaudio.com/bsc1.html).  new they a rw little bit over your stated budget, but used they would be much closer to your budget.  just a suggestion.

I might look into the BSC1 when I get the money saved.

Busman usually had better pricing on here for ts members than on his website. The last thing he posted in the retail forum was last year selling the BSC-1 kit for $375. The Avantone CK-1 with multiple caps can be had relatively cheap and I've heard many good tapes made with them:  http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=867157&is=REG&Q=&A=details

They may even look really familiar!

[chinariderstl]

I'll chime in.  Definitely agree with the Busman BSC1's and the AKG SE-300B / CK91's.

I would recommend checking out the "Yard Sale" on the site.

There is a sweet pair of Audio-Technica AT4051's out there now.  The seller is asking $600 (a little above your price point).  If I had the means and the need, I'd snatch them up.

http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=164365.0

You could also get something like the Audio-Technica AT8022 stereo microphone, if you wanted an easy all-in-one solution.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/602080-REG/Audio_Technica_AT8022_AT8022_X_Y_Stereo_Phantom.html

HTH

[yltfan]

I have actually seen some 4051's going for less on Ebay. I run them all the time, and love them, plus you can get hyper and omni caps.

[yltfan]

Mostly singles, but mostly under 200 each:
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_sacat=0&_from=R40&_sop=15&_nkw=audio+technica+4051&LH_Complete=1&rt=nc

[pohaku]

Be a bit careful if you go for AT4051s.  There are three models: 4051, 4051a, and 4051b.  I expect that the most recent model, the 4051b, will usually cost a bit more than the two earlier models.  Frankly, I think all three models are good mics, but the models are not interchangeable.  I have the 4051a and like them a lot.  The 4053 hyper is a great mic as well.

[harmon712]

Thanks for all the info, I think I'm going to go with Busman Audio BSC1

[colinw]

Good choice. I have had mine for a year now and love them. Made some great pulls with them, and they price point versus they quality they deliver is a great value. I am sure you will enjoy them! 

I power mine using a Naiant Tinybox, are you powering them with a preamp or from your recorder?