lazarous
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RE: $40 MIC That Kicks A$$
2009/03/19 16:59:59
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ORIGINAL: tarsier
I picked up one of these SP1 mics. Don't like it much. It's worth exactly the $40 I paid for it. And I would say that it does have that Chinese mic ice pick sound. I did get about $20 worth of amusement from the clamshell packaging--I thought it was hilarious. So that should count for something. Overall, the mic is thin sounding and harsh. No low end. But is there anything better at the $40 price point? I doubt it. Yikes! I have FOUR of these buggers now. They're fantastic for the money, and absolutely do not have the sound you're describing. Sorry you got a bad one. Might want to call PSSL and let them know... Corey
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losguy
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RE: $40 MIC That Kicks A$$
2009/03/19 17:08:00
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Yeah.. makes me think I'd better try out the second one I just got!
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macflooze
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RE: $40 MIC That Kicks A$$
2009/03/20 18:17:57
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OK folks - the results are in. Good ears everyone! - the channel list was: Studio Projects B1 - Kit L & R AKG 414 - Piano L & R Neumann TLM 103 - Bass drum and upright bass SP1 - Trumpet and Sax The gig was a house concert - albeit a big one - 'bout 90 folks - in Baltimore MD. Here's the website. All accoustic performance - no amplification other than a vocal mic, and it sounded IMMENSE! Tim Warfield played sax, other band members, can't tell.
Pmac ToneZone Information spreads at the speed of light, while ignorance is instantaneous at all points in the known universe - Dmitry Orlov
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lazarous
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RE: $40 MIC That Kicks A$$
2009/03/24 11:01:45
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ORIGINAL: tarsier
I picked up one of these SP1 mics. Don't like it much. It's worth exactly the $40 I paid for it. And I would say that it does have that Chinese mic ice pick sound. I did get about $20 worth of amusement from the clamshell packaging--I thought it was hilarious. So that should count for something. Overall, the mic is thin sounding and harsh. No low end. But is there anything better at the $40 price point? I doubt it. Hey, Tarsier... had a session last night. Used the newest SP1's to record the scratch guitar. Quick question: How far away were you when you were using it? I noticed when we put it up in front of the singer later on that you COULD get it to sound icky, but only at a fair distance. About 6-8" in front of the acoustic, the SP1 sounded fantastic. I mean WONDERFUL. In front of the vocalist, singing with that breathy John Mayer-style voice, it was excellent at 3-6". Farther away, and yes, it got all funky/spikey sounding, but that's mostly due to room sound. Just wondering how you had yours set up when you tested it. Once the song is done being mixed, I'll post the results where you can all download it. Corey
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mxmandolin
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RE: $40 MIC That Kicks A$$
2009/04/09 00:02:23
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I'm interested in buying one of this SP1s for recording some mandolin demos. I recently started building cigar box mandolins, finishing my first two last January, and I need the demos for my website. I was wondering about the diameter of the microphone's body since I would like to get a shock mount for it. I was thinking about the On-Stage MY410 that can hold microphones with body diameters between 1.65 in and 1.9 in. Does anybody have any idea about this? What kind of shock mounts have any of you been able to use with the SP1? I'll appreciate any help or info you can provide. I'm very impressed with the level of friendship and cooperation among the members of this forum, in addition to their knowledge and expertise. It's been a pleasure to read this thread! 
post edited by mxmandolin - 2009/04/09 00:21:42
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mose
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RE: $40 MIC That Kicks A$$
2009/04/09 07:06:03
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Lanceindastudio
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RE: $40 MIC That Kicks A$$
2009/04/09 08:31:00
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Asus P8Z77-V LE PLUS Motherboard i7 3770k CPU 32 gigs RAM Presonus AudioBox iTwo Windows 10 64 bit, SONAR PLATINUM 64 bit Lots of plugins and softsynths and one shot samples, loops Gauge ECM-87, MCA SP-1, Alesis AM51 Presonus Eureka Mackie HR824's and matching subwoofer
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mxmandolin
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RE: $40 MIC That Kicks A$$
2009/04/09 14:31:16
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Thank you very much for your replies. I found them very helpful.
If you are interested, I would post some of the mandolin demos once I record them.
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Russell.Whaley
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RE: $40 MIC That Kicks A$$
2009/04/13 18:19:44
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Another usage report:
On Good Friday, I sang in church with another guy; we both were playing non-amplified acoustic guitars. I used the SP-1 for sound reinforcement, specifically to help the vocals get through the guitars and even out the sound.
Very, very nice experience. No feedback problems, and a nice, smooth lift to the vocals. I'm impressed again - $39 definitely well-spent.
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auto_da_fe
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RE: $40 MIC That Kicks A$$
2009/04/14 08:36:44
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40$ Microphone Thread that won't Die  JR
HP DV6T - 2670QM, 8 GB RAM, Sonar Platypus, Octa Capture, BFD2 & Jamstix3, Komplete 10 and Komplete Kontrol Win 10 64 SLS PS8R Monitors and KRK Ergo https://soundcloud.com/airportface
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mxmandolin
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RE: $40 MIC That Kicks A$$
2009/04/15 14:48:48
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I just got my SP1 yesterday. It's amazing!  Last night I recorded a few mandolin tracks with it through my M-Audio Ozonic. It was like hearing the cigar box mandolin itself with my own ears. I'm considering buying at least another one if not more. Thank you all for your comments and to LixiSoft for starting this thread. Victor
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Lanceindastudio
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RE: $40 MIC That Kicks A$$
2009/04/15 18:54:17
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ORIGINAL: mxmandolin
I just got my SP1 yesterday. It's amazing!
Last night I recorded a few mandolin tracks with it through my M-Audio Ozonic. It was like hearing the cigar box mandolin itself with my own ears. I'm considering buying at least another one if not more.
Thank you all for your comments and to LixiSoft for starting this thread.
Victor
That is the vibe I got when I tried the SP-1 the first time, like I was hearing it as I would naturally- Glad you like it!
Asus P8Z77-V LE PLUS Motherboard i7 3770k CPU 32 gigs RAM Presonus AudioBox iTwo Windows 10 64 bit, SONAR PLATINUM 64 bit Lots of plugins and softsynths and one shot samples, loops Gauge ECM-87, MCA SP-1, Alesis AM51 Presonus Eureka Mackie HR824's and matching subwoofer
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mcourter
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RE: $40 MIC That Kicks A$$
2009/05/06 10:41:51
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Hmmm. I may have discovered why it's only $40. I've used mine fewer than 20 times. Sounds great, considering the material I'm working with (me, that is). But when I plugged in the other day, I had an erratic signal. When I first plug in, it's unnaturally loud for the settings. After 15 seconds or so, the signal fades, no input registers. Until I unplug, plug in again, when it does the same thing. I'll try contact cleaner, but it seems odd to me. I know it's the mic, because my crappy backup mic works. Any ideas out there?
A few guitars, a couple of basses, a MIDI controller, a mandolin, a banjo, a mic, PodFarm2 Unbridled Enthusiasm My music: www.Soundclick.com/markcourter
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losguy
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RE: $40 MIC That Kicks A$$
2009/05/06 12:14:53
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Might be that you got one with a bad cap.
You know, the big mic mod talked about in this thread involves switching out the caps for better ones. Might be a great way to kill two birds with one stone.
Or, you could just get another one. Seriously, it's ironic that such a good sound can come from something that almost priced down in the "disposable" category.
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lazarous
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RE: $40 MIC That Kicks A$$
2009/05/06 14:55:13
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I have four... use them ALL the time. No problems here at all. I likes 'em.
Corey
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Dave King
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RE: $40 MIC That Kicks A$$
2009/05/06 20:43:42
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Try tightening the fitting that secures the XLR connector on the bottom of the mic. This may just do the trick.
Dave King www.davekingmusic.com SONAR X2 Producer 64-Bit
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mcourter
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RE: $40 MIC That Kicks A$$
2009/05/21 16:16:15
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ORIGINAL: Dave King
Try tightening the fitting that secures the XLR connector on the bottom of the mic. This may just do the trick.
Sure, I tried that, Dave. It still fades out after a few seconds. True, $40 is cheap, but it should last more than a couple of dozen short sessions
A few guitars, a couple of basses, a MIDI controller, a mandolin, a banjo, a mic, PodFarm2 Unbridled Enthusiasm My music: www.Soundclick.com/markcourter
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Lanceindastudio
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RE: $40 MIC That Kicks A$$
2009/05/21 17:41:07
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Ive used mine many times as well as my firend using his many times. Looks like it is an isolated problem there
Asus P8Z77-V LE PLUS Motherboard i7 3770k CPU 32 gigs RAM Presonus AudioBox iTwo Windows 10 64 bit, SONAR PLATINUM 64 bit Lots of plugins and softsynths and one shot samples, loops Gauge ECM-87, MCA SP-1, Alesis AM51 Presonus Eureka Mackie HR824's and matching subwoofer
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mr. moon
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RE: $40 MIC That Kicks A$$: OVERHEADS?
2009/05/27 21:45:35
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Anyone having luck using these things as overheads on a drumkit?
Danke!
-mr moon
Intel Core 2 QUAD Q6600 4 GB 800MHz DDR2 RME FireFace 800 Windows 64 Pro "...Think outside the box as you mix within!" -mrmoon
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Dave King
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RE: $40 MIC That Kicks A$$: OVERHEADS?
2009/05/27 23:10:07
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Anyone having luck using these things as overheads on a drumkit? Don't know about that, but this is certainly the thread that will not die!
Dave King www.davekingmusic.com SONAR X2 Producer 64-Bit
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lazarous
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RE: $40 MIC That Kicks A$$: OVERHEADS?
2009/05/28 00:41:46
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ORIGINAL: mr. moon
Anyone having luck using these things as overheads on a drumkit?
Danke!
-mr moon
Yes! Corey
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mr. moon
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RE: $40 MIC That Kicks A$$: OVERHEADS?
2009/05/30 23:36:00
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ORIGINAL: lazarous
ORIGINAL: mr. moon
Anyone having luck using these things as overheads on a drumkit?
Danke!
-mr moon
Yes!
Corey
Cool! Thanks for the info. In one of the collaborative projects I'm involved in now, we're using some old Oktava 219's which are a bit "used" and rough around the edges. I'm thinking I may try my pair of these inexpensive dealies and see how they work out. Thanks again! -mr moon
Intel Core 2 QUAD Q6600 4 GB 800MHz DDR2 RME FireFace 800 Windows 64 Pro "...Think outside the box as you mix within!" -mrmoon
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Russell.Whaley
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RE: $40 MIC That Kicks A$$: OVERHEADS?
2009/05/31 01:18:35
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I think you'll like them. Just in this (amazingly long) thread alone, there have been reports of good results in a number of different settings, studio and live. The pair I own have certainly worked well.
Cheers,
Russ
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lazarous
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RE: $40 MIC That Kicks A$$: OVERHEADS?
2009/06/01 14:14:16
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ORIGINAL: mr. moon
Cool! Thanks for the info. In one of the collaborative projects I'm involved in now, we're using some old Oktava 219's which are a bit "used" and rough around the edges. I'm thinking I may try my pair of these inexpensive dealies and see how they work out.
Thanks again!
-mr moon
Wanna borrow a pair of mine? Even cheaper than buying two. Plus, I'll get to see your new guitar. Give me a call Chris! Corey
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mcourter
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RE: $40 MIC That Kicks A$$: OVERHEADS?
2009/06/02 11:45:22
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Hmmph! Our $40 mic is now $50!!!! At least it is at PSSL, where I got the first one.........
A few guitars, a couple of basses, a MIDI controller, a mandolin, a banjo, a mic, PodFarm2 Unbridled Enthusiasm My music: www.Soundclick.com/markcourter
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losguy
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RE: $40 MIC That Kicks A$$: OVERHEADS?
2009/06/02 12:44:43
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It's great if they can continue to make this mic available, even at that price point. Long as it's the same mic, it's still a great deal.
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mr. moon
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RE: $40 MIC That Kicks A$$: OVERHEADS?
2009/06/04 11:23:11
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ORIGINAL: lazarous
Wanna borrow a pair of mine? Even cheaper than buying two. Plus, I'll get to see your new guitar.
Give me a call!
Corey
Hi Corey, Hey, I have a set of 2 of these mics (got 'em when they were $40), but I just wanted to see if anyone else had tried them for OH's before I try them out, just to make sure I don't waste my time if they didn't work well. Anywho, I'll try to get a hold of you as time permits ...since the addition of our latest son born last winter, the only times I have available to work on music is usually from 11PM to 1AM or so... -mr moon
Intel Core 2 QUAD Q6600 4 GB 800MHz DDR2 RME FireFace 800 Windows 64 Pro "...Think outside the box as you mix within!" -mrmoon
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lazarous
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RE: $40 MIC That Kicks A$$: OVERHEADS?
2009/06/04 16:09:05
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Try them on an acoustic, Chris. Once you position them properly, they are magical! VERY smooth, silky top end. I likes 'em.
Corey
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ImAllEars
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RE: $40 MIC That Kicks A$$: OVERHEADS?
2009/06/10 19:42:55
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There's a discussion of this mic along with a couple of others at gearslutz: Low Cost Mic Recommendations A NADY is discussed that's still at the $40 mark. First time I've heard of a mod involving hammering the headbasket into a new shape. Haven't read the whole thing, just seemed relevant.
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guitardog247
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RE: $40 MIC That Kicks A$$
2009/06/11 12:32:45
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What is the Make and Model of this Mic????!
I clicked the LINK and it was gone.
Sonar, Les Paul Studio, FTU, puter, plugs.........
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