Re: If you were going to buy just one Mic...

["Ian Popperwell" <popperwell@iname.com>]

I'll chip in.

If I were to choose one mic, it wouldn't be a dynamic, although I do agree 
with Andy about the Sennheiser MD421 )MKii) and there's the  MD441 
(although 
I haven't used one) that do cut across the dynamic/condenser boundary 
well. 
I like my Beyer M201, but it doesn't behave or sound anything like a 
condenser.

For live use, I would generally use small diaphragm mics, I have tended to 
think of my AKG C1000s as fulfilling this role (they are phantom powered 
as 
well as battery). ?There are also Beyer and AT equivalents. I guess the 
dual 
power option is useful, but I prefer to be able to fully power them from 
the 
desk, than under-run them).  Better still, but relatively expensive, is 
the 
Shure SM81 (small diaphragm condenser with pad and low cut) which I think 
has a great sound for stage or studio use - I use mine in both situations. 
What about the new Rode M3? it's certainly getting good reviews in Sound 
On 
Sound and Performing Musician and sounds like it's going to be a good 
all-rounder and more flattering/brighter than the C1000.

For studio use, I guess I'd go for a large diaphragm mic that's more 
costly 
than my Rode NT1 and NTK - one of the Blue mics perhaps, or an AKG C414.

I guess I'd tend to think of the issues that have already been stated as 
most important and that might steer you towards thinking of two mics based 
around either the live/studio or vocal/instrument issues. issues like:
1. studio, live or both - robustness comes in here.
2. "true" honest reproduction or some flattery. large/small diaphragm is a 
factor here.
3. price range/limit.

Good luck.



----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Rainer Thelonius Balthasar Straschill" <rs@moinlabs.de>
To: <Loopers-Delight@loopers-delight.com>
Sent: Tuesday, December 25, 2007 11:19 AM
Subject: AW: If you were going to buy just one Mic...


> Just one mic...
>
> ...as already mentioned, this is really a tough call, but if I had to 
> choose
> that one mic, it should:
> (1) work with a lot of instruments
> (2) be rugged (stage use)
> (3) work with poor micpres and not require phantom power (e.g.
> plugging into a Korg KP3)
> (4) record ensembles/rooms well
> (5) have a compact and practical form factor
>
> (For now, nobody mentioned (6) price)
>
> Sooooo, what we need is a:
> a) a mike that has an "open" sound normally but will get a lot of
> pressure under high SPLs (coming from (1) and (4))
> b) directionality can be changed (from (4) mainly)
> c) be a dynamic or a VERY rugged condenser with battery supply (from
> (2) and (3))
> d) be about the size of a SM57 etc. (5)
>
> With that, the only thing I can think of right now is the Beyer M201. But
> I'm sure Rick is going to mention the AKG C1000 as well...
>
> Talking about the Octavas:
> I heard numerous reports of a high quality/parameter spread with the 
> Octavas
> - this is due to the fact that their electronic circuits are built with 
> the
> components which are just available at the time of build.
> So you either have to get like 10 pieces from the shop and find which 
>one 
> is
> best, or rely on a reseller which will replace the electronics.
>
> The Sennheisers:
> Personally, I only use one Sennheiser mic (e902, I'm more of a Beyer guy,
> and that has also to do with the fact that their dynamic mikes are still
> somewhat of a secret weapon, hence used prices e.g. for a M88N are in the
> same range as those for a Beta58...), but this MD421 has an exorbitant 
> price
> tag - is it really that good?
>
> Rainer
>
>
>
>
>
>