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If you want a good mic (condenser) at a good price.... look at these mics by Gauge. http://www.gauge-usa.com/Gauge_Microphones/Home.htmlThey are sold direct from the manufacturer to you. That keeps the costs down. No middle men taking a profit. In LA, at a songwriter's convention, I heard these mics side by side with mics costing 10x as much and the comparison was amazing. Check out the ECM-87. It's very comparable to the Rode NT-2A at a much lower price point. Here's the MP3 comparison link>>> http://gauge-usa.com/Gauge_Microphones/Compare.html where the gauge ECM-87 ($150) is compared with the $3000 U-87, the $1000 AKG-414, and the $1000 TLM-103. These are good sounding mics at bargain prices. The only reason I didn't buy one on the spot was I had just bought the Rode NT-2A a few weeks before. BTW: they also have an $80 dynamic that probably compares nicely to the Shure 57/58 series mics. I haven't compared it or looked at the specs.
Last edited by Guitarhacker; 03/21/15 03:33 AM.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both. The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
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Thanks for the link on those mics Herb I will certainly keep them in mind. I know you will probably smile but in the meantime I have bought this one from ebay, http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Pro-Record-Condenser-Dynamic-Microphone-Mic-Sound-Studio-Recording-Shock-Mount-/261808200150?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item3cf4fc19d6Got it a few days ago and to be honest I was pleasantly surprised how good it seems and how well it is made (though I am a total novice as regards condenser mics) It really does bring up the level in vocals and has a better high end than the old cheap shure. The phantom power works fine as well from my fast track pro with it. We'll see how things goes It really does seem a lot better than the AKG I returned to amazon at almost four times the price. Thanks to everyone for all the help. Musiclover
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RealBand
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Joined: Apr 2009
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Thanks for the link on those mics Herb I will certainly keep them in mind. I know you will probably smile but in the meantime I have bought this one from ebay, http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Pro-Record-Condenser-Dynamic-Microphone-Mic-Sound-Studio-Recording-Shock-Mount-/261808200150?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item3cf4fc19d6Got it a few days ago and to be honest I was pleasantly surprised how good it seems and how well it is made (though I am a total novice as regards condenser mics) It really does bring up the level in vocals and has a better high end than the old cheap shure. The phantom power works fine as well from my fast track pro with it. We'll see how things goes It really does seem a lot better than the AKG I returned to amazon at almost four times the price. Thanks to everyone for all the help. Musiclover Just curious if you used the cord that's shown in the pics or if you used an XLR cable with it? No problems from me about using an inexpensive condenser mic. Lots of folks use them and if they sound good, who cares what you paid. Lots of the condenser capsules are being made in China where they can be made and sold for very little cost and still have a relatively decent quality. I recalled a certain brand and model being very popular several years back on the Cakewalk forums and the cost was under $50. Quite a few people had them and raved about the sound quality. I'm just glad to see it wasn't a USB condenser mic. Good deal!!
Last edited by Guitarhacker; 04/02/15 04:33 AM.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both. The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
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Just using my own XLR cable with it Herb. Good fit.
Doesn't have an on/off switch with it though as it says in description on ebay, but not really bothered about that.
Will see how it goes in a few recordings but so far so good.
Musiclover
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RealBand
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Just using my own XLR cable with it Herb. Good fit.
Doesn't have an on/off switch with it though as it says in description on ebay, but not really bothered about that.
Will see how it goes in a few recordings but so far so good.
Musiclover None of my current mics have on/off switches. (Wait, I think the AKG dynamic does but I haven't used it in decades.) The ones I did have in the past that did have those switches always made some sort of noise when they were switched.... anything from a mild click to a speaker destroying bang. Maybe that's why the AKG hasn't been used in decades.... Once you get in the groove with that condenser, chances are good the recordings will improve 100% over the past recordings.... I love mine and would never go back to the 58.
Last edited by Guitarhacker; 04/03/15 02:56 AM.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both. The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
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RealBand
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None of my current mics have on/off switches. (Wait, I think the AKG dynamic does but I haven't used it in decades.) The ones I did have in the past that did have those switches always made some sort of noise when they were switched.... anything from a mild click to a speaker destroying bang. Maybe that's why the AKG hasn't been used in decades....
That is one reason on and off switches were eliminated. Another is the switch was another point of degredation between the mic and the amp or recording source, ie tape, DAW etc.. The latest cheap switches that came from China also added either distortion and/or noise, thus they were elininated.
OK, a random thought;
Why does toilet paper need a commercial? Who's not buying it?
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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I keep seeing people say 'I only use mic X'. That's fine if all you ever record is the same thing. I agree, for the this thread topic/problem; the LDC format is likely the best choice (if a good preamp is available, need to remember the importance of that). Mic choice depends on your needs. When Screamo was the thing with new bands, I wasn't going to put any of my LDCs in front of singer. Wasn't going to happen. The 57/58 is worth having. That's why any real studio has them. When Barry (one of the best singers I know) is recording, he insists on the 58 .. through a 'good' preamp (it makes a difference). I think he sounds fine with a LDC, but he isn't as comfortable so doesn't perform as well, and really, that's what recording is all about; recording a good performance. Like I've said before; I prefer my voice through a 57. I do not like all the imperfections I hear with the LDC. It's probably the same with Barry; he hears things he doesn't like and knows how to use the 58 to avoid these things. Using a sensitive Large Diaphragm mic requires certain skills. My daughter took to it like a fish in water. Knows just when to move closer for the intimate sound and back off to nail/wail. I never get a weak or excessive signal (or pops) with her. Use whatever mic captures the best performance in the best way. 
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
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