Topic: NEED HELP CHOOSING MY FIRST MIC

[ZENMIND71]

Hi all. I'm a newbie and trying to decide what my first mic should be. I've read a lot of good things about both stealth binaurals and cardioids, but can't decide. Can I get some help on this? I'll be taping at bars, clubs, small venues and larger venues, so... pretty much all over. I was leaning towards the cardioids just because I'm worried about picking up too much audience sound in the smaller venues. What do you think?

[Nick in Edinboro]

Stealth or Open Taping would help narrow it down

[ZENMIND71]

Both stealth and open taping. That's why I'm looking into the stealth binaurals and cardiods. I can only afford one set of mics to get started. I really don't know much about it at all, so any input would be really appreciated. thanx

[Nick in Edinboro]

Might want to post your budget too Zen, do you have a recorder/preamp/A/D yet?  Do you know if you'll use MiniDisc, DAT or a portable hard drive? 

There are a good handful of stealthy guys here who will prolly be willing to help you make a decision!

[ZENMIND71]

Thanks for the tip and for the clarification on omni/binaural. You mentioned that cardioid had some negative effects. Can you elaborate for me?

[ZENMIND71]

so proximity effect would come into play in smaller venues? ie. a band playing in a bar or small club.
It's becoming obvious that I will eventually need to get both types of mics. In your opinion, does the lessening of audience sound outweigh the proximity effect or is an omni a better 1st mic?
Also, since I'm so newbie that I haven't even started taping yet, I'm just using my old Sony MZR70 MD for now. Will upgrade to a better recording device as soon as possible.

[ZENMIND71]

Thanx again Moke. You've been a big help.

[Nick in Edinboro]

If its a noisy crowd,......

...... then the PA stack is your friend   

[John Kelly]

Best mics for stealth and open taping?  The Audix Micros, of course.

[Depechemode1993]

well when I started taping more like for a hobby. I used a Sony ECM-717. its a great mic for $60-70. I think its omni or is it cardiroid? I forgot but anyways it picks up the sounds you want not the crowd. its a very good mic. plus at the time thats all I had!

[Depechemode1993]

well at least people feel the same way.