Topic: what mics should i start with

[Muddy Das]

Hey....i am obviously a newbie and not sure what mics i should get...i plan on getting a sony pcm-m10, a naiant littlebox or art dual pre (most likely the art because of price) i am not going to do stealth taping...my budget is very limited i need to get as much bang out of my buck as possible $200...i will be honing my taping skills in a friends barn he has jam sessions there once a week i must say this is an awesome site i have learned so much here but just feel overwhelmed when it comes to mics there are just so many variables... thanks

[Belexes]

For $200, I'd look for some Studio Project C4's.  They come with cardioid and omni capsules and are a great starter mic. I think they retail new $400, but often show up in the Yard Sale around the $200 range. Might be some for sale there now?

There are sets on Ebay right now.

[Dkrogh]

I'm not sure what AT853's cost but those may be worth checking into as well.  Along with, possibly, oktava mk012's.

[zupanic]

for full-size "budget" mics, try AKG C1000S. I had them about a decade ago and got fantastic results. Ebay might get you a pair for $200, but new I think they go for $350.  I sold them in 2002 and have regretted it ever since. They really excelled in smaller concert halls and theaters. They worked well in large venues unless you had to tape from the lawn or something stupid like that.
PM me for a mp3 sample.

[newplanet7]

Studio Project c4's, ADK's can be had for a little more.

[igene]

http://cgi.ebay.com/Audio-Technica-Matched-Pair-AT2021-Condenser-Microphone-/150586844960?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item230face720

[12milluz]

http://cgi.ebay.com/Audio-Technica-Matched-Pair-AT2021-Condenser-Microphone-/150586844960?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item230face720

Nice mics, but I think you can find a non-matched pair for cheaper. I own multiple non-matched AT mics that are fine together. I don't think you need to spring for them.

I would just buy two here: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/755006-REG/Audio_Technica_AT2021_AT2021_Cardioid_Condenser_Microphone.html

[acidjack]

At that price I'd go with the Studio Projects, Oktavas or AT 2021s mentioned.  I would not go for a smaller mic like the AT853 if you don't need a low profile mic for stealth purposes.  The larger diaphragm size is a huge plus to the bass response for non-omni mics.

Personally, I would stay far, far from AKG C1000S. 

eBay is your friend here... I'd certainly recommend buying used, whatever you decide to get.

[Karma]

Personally, I would stay far, far from AKG C1000S. 

HI,
Why? Can you be specific?

Sparky

[igene]

Hey,
Not that I'm hung up on these mics, but on a budget, IMO they sound better than most under $300. (NEW)
Here's the best deal on 2 I could find (NEW) >

http://cgi.ebay.com/2-Audio-Technica-AT2021-Condenser-Mic-Pair-Drum-Guitar-/300544796726?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item45f9dda836

and it leaves you money to get shock mounts and a T bar....

good luck.

[F.O.Bean]

I would say the SP C4's are good starter mics. And I too would stay away from AKG C1000's

[acidjack]

Personally, I would stay far, far from AKG C1000S. 

HI,
Why? Can you be specific?

Sparky

Why stay away from the C1000s?  IMHO they sound horrible.  I've got some recordings with them from a guy I used to patch out of.  Other than having "AKG" on the nameplate I didn't see much to like about them for our applications, especially not compared to some of these low-cost Chinese built mics with less fancy nameplates.

But to each his own and all that, of course.  There are just other mics I like better in that price class... well, a lot of other mics, including CA-14.

[su6oxone]

Get any of the suggested mics in this thread.  Honestly, if you stick with taping you're going to upgrade anyway so just get something that does the job while you save up to get some high end mics later on. 

[illconditioned]

A used pair of Studio Projects C4 (SP C4) are the best deal, and offer great sound at a great price.

I've used lots(!) of low end gear, and SP are one mic that I keep using.

When you upgrade, you'll probably still end up keeping the SP pair as a backup, or as a pair to loan out, leave installed in a venue, etc.

  Richard

[yltfan]

Nakamichi cm300s