let\'s talk about microphones

So I'm thinking about spending some money (like, under $1000) on some mics. I'm interested in hearing what you guys have to say about your experiences with different mics. Right now I've got two sm57's (decent for micing guitar cabinets), two sm58's (not great for anything that I've found), a CAD Equitek-100 condenser mic (Sounds great, really versatile -- I've used it as a drum overhead, for vocals, horns, strings, and guitar amps), and an AKG d112 that I use for kick drum. So what do you folks recommend? I've heard the AKG c-3000 is good... I'm looking for versatile mics, probably condenser... I'll be using them to mic cello, electric guitar (clean through a fender twin), rhodes piano (run through another twin), trumpet, trombone, vocals, drum overhead. Help me decide what to buy! have you had good or bad experiences with any mics in particular? xo, Joe

I would recommend an AKG 414B-ULS as an all-around, extremely versatile mic. With multiple patterns, dual high-pass filter, and pad built-in, it's tough to beat. They're around $800 or so. The Neumann TLM 103 will be suggested by someone, I'm sure. However, with only a cardiod pattern and no rolloff or pad, it's not as versatile, IMHO. Alternatively, you may consider a pair of the Shure KSM32s. They are supposed to work well for overheads. Although cardiod only, they do have a pad and a high-pass filter. A pair could probably be purchased for right around $1000. I'm sure a real good test for a mic would be trying to mic a Cello with the same mic as on a trumpet. I like AKG 421's on trumpet - even your 57 should work pretty well. ------------------ LW

I'm the guy!! TLM 103 all the way. It sounds like you already have a variety of colorful mics. What you need is a transparent mic for capturing performance. We just used a 103 for vocals, fiddles, drums on a major CD project. Have a listen! All vocals recorded with the TLM 103 on the CD UPANATUM. Enjoy!

Yes I just received a tlm 103 for a project as a gift. It does not have features but boy! what a suprise. Great on vocal, guitar and I have been using on some latin percussion so far- a winner. Love the shure ksm 32's. I did a project with them when they first came out. I used them on horns, guitars, singers and all backups. A 414 is nice, use them all the time, yes, versatile-but now we have more choices! Try all the mics you can and see what you like. I sold all four senneheiser 421's on EBAY. Great dijembe and tom mics tho.... PS the neumann has a great "cigar style box, however the padding fell out immediately. The Shure KSM has one of the coolest lunchbox/sock containers around for the price! ohhhh!!!! luv them toys........... hmmm... lets see if the edit works a couple of times.................. [This message has been edited by slotools (edited October 30, 2000).] [This message has been edited by slotools (edited October 30, 2000).]

Check out some of the threads about mics at this forum:

Let's A/B the Neumann TLM 103 vs. AKG 414. I am curious which one favors the male voice and which favors the female. Any comments? I think for most bedroom studios, cardiod is about all you can hope to use.

If you are looking for bargain mics that sound great check out the Octava 012. They were recommended to me by an engineer who has a wide array of high end mics and loves the Octavas for overheads. They also sound great on acoustic guitar. For $150 a piece they sound amazing

I agree. $1000= two Octava MC 012($150 each @ Guitar Center) + Neumann TLM 103(around $650 @ immediatesoftware.com Also you can buy the optional hyper-c and onmi capsules for the Octavas @ $50 a set. These constitute my three favorite mics in my cabinet. Can't go wrong.