I need to buy a pair of mics for different applications, but mostly to record Classical Guitar on Cardioid and Omni patterns. I already own small diaphragm condenser mics. I am interested in low-budget mics with good quality, if those qualities can ever be combined... Thank you for any contribution!

how much do you want to spend?

http://shop.flea-microphones.com/index.php?page=productDetail&category=Microphones&prNum=4

@

Hi Beagle, thanks for you reply. Anywhere between 200 and 500 dollars. Thanks again!

Sorry, I missed the low budget.

I don't think you'll find a pair of LDCs w/ different patterns for $500.  Maybe a piece.  SE has some variable patterns for sub $400.  There are plenty of cartiod mics, tho.


@

Ha.  I forgot CAD.  the 179.  And the Equitek 300.  The 179 is $200 a pop while the new 300 is $350.  The CAD Equitek 100 is better for a few more dollars (I've used the older model) but only supercartiod.

@

Sterling ST79, ST59 or ST66. The ST66 rivals many mics around $1000.

Hey, guys, thanks for the replies. About the CADs, have you guys used them? I bought a pair of E70s and they sound simply awesome. Should i expect the same performance with their LDC's? Middleman, Sterlings look promising. Have you used them?

Are the CAD 100s still made in USA? How about the 179 and the 300?

The CAD Equitek (I think they bought them) 100s are made in the USA.  The others, probably China.  Most sub $1000 mics will be made in china/far east.  Even made in the USA (or Austria) will have a large percentage of chinese parts.  Companies started outsourcing, so those Chinese factories started making their own mics.