Condenser/overheads advice

[erikperik]

Hi - great that there's the recording & electronics forum up!

:)

Two questions:

1. Could anyone recommend me the 'best buy' condenser mic for overheads in the $100-200 - range (100 is way better than 200 - but I want the mic to last me a while as well...)? Also - if you have a brief explanation as to why these mics are your particular favourite, it would be very helpful.

2. If I buy condensers (never used them before...) - will I have to change all my mic cables for my dynamic mics (now I use XLR cables)? My mixer has only one switch for phantom power - either 'on' or 'off' - and affects all channels. Will I have to do the condensers through XLR, and dynamics through jack inputs? Or can the dynamic mics be used on XLR with phantom power on?

Thanks for any replies!

Erik

[Butnutz]

dynamic mics will not be affected by phantom power unless there is an internal wiring problem with the microphone which lets the 48v directly into the capsule....that kind of thing is VERY rare, so you shouldnt have any problems.

[Niall McEvoy]

I've heard that Studio Projects B1s and C4s are excellent for the price, Zorlee has B1s and they sound excellent from his recordings, also, Phantom Power is called "Phantom" Power for a reason, mics the don't need P.P. don't recognize them, so you've nothing to worry about!

[SMX_Dizzy]

MXL 603's or 604's are great. The 604's have the option of a rolloff and a -10db pad too, which are nice features. To me the -10db pad is a nice feature b/c my room is relatively loud, and it makes the signal a little quieter which helps a bit.

As stated, the Studio Projects B1's are great too.

All of these suggestions are $200 or a little less, not including prices of cables, stands, and shockmounts (I would definitely get them regardless).

[surftex363]

MXL 603's or 604's are great. The 604's have the option of a rolloff and a -10db pad too, which are nice features. To me the -10db pad is a nice feature b/c my room is relatively loud, and it makes the signal a little quieter which helps a bit.

As stated, the Studio Projects B1's are great too.

All of these suggestions are $200 or a little less, not including prices of cables, stands, and shockmounts (I would definitely get them regardless).


im sorry, i dont want to be agaisnts you, but do you have any experience with those mics?



I use Apex 435's and they are about 50 bucks each, and i love em. they have a bass rolloff switch also

[SMX_Dizzy]

I've heard a few samples of them, yes. Tests of normal and w/ the -10db pad. The 603's are very nice too, I've heard tons of samples of those, and the 604's are like 603's with 2 capsules and few more capabilities.

[SippyCup]

Do you guys prefer the large diaphragm condenser mics or the small ones? I have heard recordings done with both and I'm unable to tell a difference. I guess the large diaphragm mics pic up a wider frequency range?

[duhhh]

MXL 603's or 604's are great.

Yes they are, for the money. I've got a pair of 603's and they rock. I have access to some shure sm81, and AKG c-1000 and those are very nice mics too.

The Mxl's are just a little trashy sounding on my Paiste sig. full crash, but I really wouldn't consider it a fault, more of a matter of taste. It captures the rest of my cymbals pretty well though (mellow crash, dry ride, 2002 medium crash, and dc hats). As far as drums, the snare and rack tom sound great, but the floor tom is a bit lifeless. I think I can probably tweak the tuning and head selection to gain some prescence.

I had some clips of my kit mic'd up with 2 603's and a beta 52 and everyone who heard them loved the sound, I'll try to dig those up and post 'em.

[kcslam]

I have a question as well on this topic. Can you guys recommend a good condenser/overhead for live use? In the $100-$200 range as well. Thanks!

[weps]

I only use mine live. They are the only condensers I've ever owned, although I've used a few others on the rare occasion when the PA was provided.
Small diaphram, inexpensive, work decent, has the pad and selectable rolloff filter switches that come in handy. I bought a single to try them out, then picked up a pair, all off ebay. By they are also sold direct. www.audiopile.com EWI C61 $75 a single or $130 per pair plus shipping.
There's a pair with 3 dynamic drum mics (5pc set) in a briefcase on ebay right now. I couldn't stand the ridiculous low price they've been going for (under $100, $150 direct) so I bought one ;>) Now I have FIVE of the same condensers! Considering using the cheap dynamics to replace my SM57s around the toms, using their little plastic rim clips vice my heavier clamps.

weps

http://cgi.ebay.com/5-Pc-Drum-Mic-Kit-Kick-Tom-Drum-Condenser-Microphones_W0QQitemZ120037118738QQihZ002QQcategor yZ41464QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[dubsnack]

Small vs. Large Diaphragm Condensers:
I gather the choice is more a decision about taste and recording conditions than 'which is better'. I think about it this way, small dia is what you want to use to primarily mic the cymbals. Large dia is what you want to mic the entire kit with. The large dia will pick up more of the full spectrum and, imo, produce more of a natural kit sound. The drawback to them is if you have a room that doesn't sound so good, since you aren't mic'ing so close you will also pick up all the sound waves bouncing around and creating chaos. If that's your situation, mic'ing closer to the cymbals with small dia mics will work better. They are more focused. You will also then need to have your individual drums higher in the mix too. As opposed to using a large dia, you can make the overheads the main drum sound and only use the individual mics to 'support' it. So it's an issue of preference of sound and whether your room naturally sounds good or not. Hope that helps...

[jacobthetongue]

I have a question as well on this topic. Can you guys recommend a good condenser/overhead for live use? In the $100-$200 range as well. Thanks!

For both studio and live use, I have been VERY happy with CAD's GXL1200. They are very inexpensive, and have good directional control, with minimal bleedthrough. Check them out!!!!

[Zorlee]

I've heard that Studio Projects B1s and C4s are excellent for the price, Zorlee has B1s and they sound excellent from his recordings, also, Phantom Power is called "Phantom" Power for a reason, mics the don't need P.P. don't recognize them, so you've nothing to worry about!

Thanks man!
I would really recommend the B1's! They're dirt cheap, and they record very easily and with great results!
Listen to my recording at www.geirlarsen.net under downloads. I think cymbals sounds good, and they're not mixed/mastered at all!
Zor...

[SippyCup]

Small vs. Large Diaphragm Condensers:
I gather the choice is more a decision about taste and recording conditions than 'which is better'. I think about it this way, small dia is what you want to use to primarily mic the cymbals. Large dia is what you want to mic the entire kit with. The large dia will pick up more of the full spectrum and, imo, produce more of a natural kit sound. The drawback to them is if you have a room that doesn't sound so good, since you aren't mic'ing so close you will also pick up all the sound waves bouncing around and creating chaos. If that's your situation, mic'ing closer to the cymbals with small dia mics will work better. They are more focused. You will also then need to have your individual drums higher in the mix too. As opposed to using a large dia, you can make the overheads the main drum sound and only use the individual mics to 'support' it. So it's an issue of preference of sound and whether your room naturally sounds good or not. Hope that helps...

Thanks! That was very helpful.

[blstudio]

the Joe Meek JM27 wins the most bang for your buck prize, hands down, and 100.00 shipped online, you cannot beat the price, i use them in my studio and could not be happier, and i have used the mxl's and i would pick the joe meek's over them anyday, for sound, and price. hope this helps, :)

[SMX_Dizzy]

the Joe Meek JM27 wins the most bang for your buck prize, hands down, and 100.00 shipped online, you cannot beat the price, i use them in my studio and could not be happier, and i have used the mxl's and i would pick the joe meek's over them anyday, for sound, and price. hope this helps, :)
You also use Pearl hi hats :p

Yea, the b-stock JM27 matched pair is a pretty good deal.

[erikperik]

Thanks all who have replied to my question!

Seems there are many who like the B1 - I just might go with them when getting the condensers! Cheap too :D

Erik