Topic: Switchable LDC, What's the word, economical?

[mosquito]

I'd like to have a pair of AKG C414's for doing some M/S setups.  I see them show up for sale from time to time but really can't afford the likes right now.  For comparison, I wanted a pair of Rode NT5's or maybe Studio Project C4's, but settled for a used pair of Samson C02's.

Soooo, the thought becomes, "What switchable-pattern LDC mics can I afford in the near future?"  My first thoughts are a pair of AT 40xx series (like 4050) or Shure KSM series (KSM44, etc.) but those send me back up to the same price range.

What do you like for this application that costs much, much less?

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ETA:

Further, if it helps, the thought for this thread came from seeing an AT2020 for sale on craigslist for $50.  It's not what I'm looking for, but the price range of $50 - $100 per mic I might be able to swing in the next while.  So, yeah, I'd take a pair of AT2020's if I could get one in a figure-8 pattern. 

[newplanet7]

So, what is in reality, the budget? If you can find some TL's used that would probably be the best path.
YMMV but what the hells.

[mosquito]

I updated my original post for you...

And you're not talking about some DPA mics are you?  Those are in the wrong direction, budget-wise, even if you are talking about getting some "Fell of a truck" discounts.

[acidjack]

Those AT 4050s are well regarded.  Probably not as good as 414s, but very well regarded.

ADK TLs are also loved by many.

Or, I got my Studio Projects LSD2 on here for $275. It's a big bastard, but it does a lot of stuff.  No hyper setting, though, if that's important to you.

[rastasean]

studio projects LSD-2 

looks like my pal acidjack beat me to the lsd-2 recommendation! 

[twatts (pants are so over-rated...)]

ADK TLs...

Terry

[bugg100]

CAD m179

[mosquito]

Yeah, the AT4050's would make me happy, but I can't see finding some for anything less than $300 each.

Ooh, I'd forgotten about the Studio Projects LDC's.  I heard a C3 (or was it a C1?) a few months ago and liked it better than the Rode NTK1A.

Oh, ADK TL?  I didn't even know about these.  Especially after SmokinJoe's comparison here http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=132808.0 , this looks like what I'm going to look for first.

CAD m179?  I'll check it out.  I've only heard one CAD mic and didn't like it, but I'll try to find a comparison of that.

[rastasean]

TLs will be hard to find so you may want to post an ISO now and check out ebay pretty often since it may be hard to find a pair.

[bugg100]

CAD m179

If you like what you hear about the "POOR MANS 414" check front end audio's site. $129 each

[newplanet7]

Oh, ADK TL?  I didn't even know about these.  Especially after SmokinJoe's comparison here http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=132808.0 , this looks like what I'm going to look for first.

Yeah that's what I was referring to, not dpa's, HA HA!

[yug du nord]

Busman Audio has the BA-L2 LDC.

[rjp]

I'm considering the CAD m179 for my LDC set as well - but, one thing you need to consider if you go that route is that they're a bit power-hungry at 8 mA per mic. That being said, they have good specs, a good reputation for performance and an outstanding price.

[F.O.Bean]

Busman Audio has the BA-L2 LDC.

And he also offers the BSCS-L, which is a stereo version LDC of the BA-L2. It sounds FAT and killer!

[kirk97132]

Busman or ADK TL.  Both give you great bang for the buck.  Both have a loyal following.  The TL's are out of production but can still be found in the 600-700 range with a little luck.  Can't say I've heard them side by side but I have used some of Busman's own personal U87 clones that were nice so I'd suspect his regular LDC to be nice also.  Personally I wouldn't own or use a Cad mic and I'm a lowlife mic whore.  I just do not like any of their products but YMMV, since picking mics is like picking favorite flavors of ice cream.  Everybody likes something different