Topic: Please Recommend Stereo Mic < $500

[Eldo Rado]

Yes, I know, yet another newby asking for a purchase recommendation - sorry!
I did my due diligence but didn't find anything in the search archives that addresses this question, although I may have overlooked something.


1. My absolute budget ceiling is US$500 (new or used).
2. My need is a stereo mic with built-in phantom power (i.e. my Sony PCM M10 recorder doesn't supply true phantom current).
3. Intended use is not music or voice recording - rather it is for "ambiance" (ambient?") nature / outdoors recordings.  Dawn choruses of birds.  Treees and leaves in the breeze.  Ocean surf.  Babbling brooks.  Sounds of the City and urban soundscapes, etc, etc. 

I know that for over $2k the signal-to-noise ratios and sensitivities and freq responses and noise floor specs of stereo mics become much, much better.  But I only have the money I have, and my budget is pretty tight at this point.

What are my best options?

Thanks in advance!

[dyneq]

Since most folks here are trying to record music (I have done a little ambient/nature recording with my AT853's and headworn DSM-6's), you might also try reading/posting over at Nature Recordists: http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/naturerecordists/info They have a FAQ and a Soundcloud site where you can audition different setups.

Whichever mic you end up with, I'd recommend that you save some of your budget for a hand grip (some even come with them) to minimize mic handling noise during the recording. Of course, you can set up a stand, but for natural stuff, it's nice to be able to walk around with some noise-isolating headphones and monitor what your mics are hearing so you can find the best spot. Wearing mics is also convenient, but can also lead to some unwanted noise (not a problem with my DSM-6's, but they're pretty specialized for that). I think that most stereo mics in your price range are set up for the XY config, so make sure to listen to as many sample recordings using those mics so you can get a good idea of what you'll be ending up with.

[chinariderstl]

If you need a single stereo mic for that price, these are the options I'd recommend:

# Audio-Technica AT8022
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/602080-REG/Audio_Technica_AT8022_AT8022_X_Y_Stereo_Phantom.html

# Rode NT4
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/255008-REG/Rode_NT4_NT4_Cardioid_Studio.html

Both are 'point and shoot,' and both are battery powered.  Both are really nice mics too.  I don't think you can go wrong with either.

HTH

[Eldo Rado]

Thank you for the useful suggestions.

[drewloo]

Might also look into a used Shure VP-88.  I bet with its mid/side pattern it would work very well for ambient recordings.  There is a really clean one on ebay right now for $500 here.

[stevetoney]

Studio projects LSD2 has always been popular around here...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Studio-Projects-LSD2-Stereo-Condenser-Microphone-/331032051683?pt=US_Pro_Audio_Microphones&hash=item4d130c3fe3#ht_671wt_981

[drewloo]

Studio projects LSD2 has always been popular around here...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Studio-Projects-LSD2-Stereo-Condenser-Microphone-/331032051683?pt=US_Pro_Audio_Microphones&hash=item4d130c3fe3#ht_671wt_981

The OP needs a self-powered mic.

[stevetoney]

Studio projects LSD2 has always been popular around here...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Studio-Projects-LSD2-Stereo-Condenser-Microphone-/331032051683?pt=US_Pro_Audio_Microphones&hash=item4d130c3fe3#ht_671wt_981

The OP needs a self-powered mic.

Or buy a box to power the mic...increases the mic options.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/178395-REG/Rolls_PB224_PB224_2_Channel.html

[DigiGal]

Might also look into a used Shure VP-88.  I bet with its mid/side pattern it would work very well for ambient recordings.  There is a really clean one on ebay right now for $500 here.

A used VP88 would fit the OP's needs well. It can run off internal battery, provides a built in stereo matrix with three width settings or you can record mid and side directly to matrix in post. The mic can also be phantom powered, in fact the mid or side can even be individually phantom powered. This is handy say if you wanted to run the VP88's fig-8 with an external mid mic.

I've no affiliation with the sale and don't plan to sell mine as they are a very versatile stereo mic to have in your mic locker, good luck finding a deal.

[thunderbolt]

You could look for a used AT 822 for $75-100.  Runs on a single AA.  Makes nice recordings

[Red Boink]

Used crown SASS MK II.  Perfect headphone sound stage with good fq and dynamics.

[DSatz]

Digigal, if you're still reading this--do you find the VP 88 to be a quiet microphone? Somehow (I don't know from where) I've gotten the impression that it's on the noisy side, but that may be out of date or just plain wrong information.

--best regards

[F.O.Bean]

I agree with DigiGal! The VP88 is the way to go. I was going to buy one way back when, but Im way too picky to do M/S, because Id NEVER be happy with the end result and id want to do a diff mix every other day And also, Im kinda scared of M/S! I just like running near-coincident and running pairs of subcards/cards/supercards

But like DG said, you can do the matrix on-the-fly and not mess with it in post! If I were going to finally try M/S, it would be with the VP88 Hmmm, maybe I'll pick one up after I pay some bills!!!

Best of luck on your search! Happy Taping!