why doesn't anybody suggest MXL 770? Ive read some nice reviews about it..!

No, I don't have (or have access to) a C3. If I find anyone who has a C3 I would be happy to compare.

...sorry.

For a good quality, low-cost vocal condenser I would recommend the AKG Perception 100 or 200. The 100 is only $100... but for $60 more you get shockmount, 10db pad, high pass filter, and hard case with the Perception 200.

I have a 200, and for the price it is a great sounding and versatile mic... Vocally, it gives you a little low-end boost, which may complement some vocalists.

ORIGINAL: FriscoSam
Studio Projects C-1, great clear sound with minimal EQ'ing.

By any chance have you compared the C1 with the C3? As I mentioned above, I hate the C3 on most stuff. I'm constantly surprised by the good reviews it receives.

Be very careful when purchasing MXL mics. I did a lot of research before purchasing, and discovered what I think are the jewels in their line. The three models that I own are the V67, 2003, and 603S. You can check out what the engineers think, over at homerecording.com. To me, the best value in the world is the MXL 603s and 2003 "Pro Pack" for $150.00.

The V67 is outstanding on sax, flute, and other woodwinds.

The 2003 is unquestionably the best of their +1" (1.06) mics. I read somewhere that one of their US techs said it is hands-down their best mic. I like it for vocals, along with my AT 4033. The other, cheaper ones (ha ha - the difference $40.00 makes) color significantly and get poor marks from reviewers.

The 603s ($100.00) will make your Martin sound like a million bucks. Though some do not like it for overheads, the drummer for the Continental Army Jazz Band loved it. It is truly a freak of nature. I had an opportunity to compare it to a Neumann KM184, and the guy that spent $800.00 for the Neumann was sick at how well they performed (though they are quite a bit brighter). Check out this review at http://www.mojopie.com/603.html

Harvey Gerst of Indian Trail Studios has tested MXL extensively and uses a lot of them in his studio (http://www.itrstudio.com)

Geez, $100 isn't much of a budget. How about saving up and getting an Electrovoice RE-20 for about $400. It's a dynamic mic but a damn good one, better than any half-arsed condenser mic at this price point. Or a Shure SM7B, about $300 I think. Michael Jackson used an SM7 for Thriller...

Anybody tried the Chameleon Labs TS2 LDC?

I agree about "$100 isn't much of a budget" but that was his question. If he had $200, $400, $600, $900 we could all list a wagonload of other, better mics. But $100 goes a lot further than it used to for mics. But if he could save up a bit more, he would definitely find some very nice ones for just a few hundred more.

Well yeah, that's what I'm saying. I've got some cheapie LDC's in the locker that never come out to play any more! Been there/done that.

If you dig the RE-20 (like I do), check out the RE-15. They don't make 'em new any more but you can get 'em on E-Bay for not so much money. Oops, they'll prolly be hard to find now... doh!

Studio Projects makes the best lower end mics Iv'e heard to date.

I've had good results with the C0-1. Very nice, very cheap. They say don't skimp on mics but the quality has gone up and the price has come down.

Wow, Im looking for a Microphone for my studio.. and I was thinking "All the music shops around my town and in a further town all carry nothing but Audio Technicas!" I was hoping to just drive up to one and get a Rode NT1 .. Being myself.. I hate having to wait. Being my first Studio mic, I feel much better about buying a AT2020 after reading so many reviews and comments from many forums being the AT2020 $100 best bang for the buck. Although i still slightly worry that $100 will not buy a good qualtiy mic... been thinking of getting their AT2050.. I wonder if that is better? $230?

Any suggestions if I want to spend $300-500 towards a good upgrade microphone after this microphone buy. I plan to save for something better, but need something better than the cheap no-name microphones (dynamic) that I have using here.

Any Phantom Power amps anyone recommand while I am getting a AT2020? I have a Delta 1010LT, and it does not support Phantom power :( I bought it thinking it did.. but found out it was only Preamp.




Also, I know this is off topic.. any pointers to better headphones? Im currently using a Logitech headphones hooked to my computer, paid for the best logitech carries at staples for around $50. So I am definatly looking for an upgrade.

Gawd, we waited a long time for that answer.

Thanks!

Beagle,

Sorry -- I'm a bit giddy today.

ha I did everything on my current home studio song project on a RE20

I've been a big believer in the "Old Standard" RE-20 since 1990 when I bought my 1st one after a recommendation from a Concert/Studio Engineer & it can handle just an enormous array of recording tasks.... It's worth saving for... Heck if you watch just about any Television, "Live Booth Broadcasts" you're bound to see them using an RE-20... Wildman