M-audio luna or other $200 condenser

[IDQ]

Hi boards -

I'm a home studio/amateur guy, and it's about time I add a large diaphragm condenser to my setup (mostly for male vocals and acoustic guitar). I haven't been able to find a lot of reviews/opinions about the m-audio luna, as it hasn't been out for very long. Do any of you have experience with this mic? Or, do you have alternate suggestions in the $200 range?

Before someone yells at me, I didn't blindly post this without looking at the "budget mic review" list by assfortress. I noticed that the Luna isn't on there yet, nor is the AT4040, which I've also heard good things about. I know that the Studio Projects C1 gets almost universally great reviews, but a friend I record with some of the time already has one, so my first instinct is to branch out and try something new... unless it becomes REALLY clear that the C1 is really a cut above the rest.

Thanks for yer feedback,
_S

[theistheman]

for the money, I really like the AT 3035. You can get 'em for like 140 bucks or less on ebay.

[MASSIVE Mastering]

Try the M-Audio Solaris - I got two in for review a while back and ended up buying them. Impressive. For the money, unbelievable.

I don't do a lot of tracking anymore, but I do a good amount of live recording. On orchestral and strings, I reach for them instead of the 414's now. For the extra $50, you won't be disappointed.

[Brian]

I have one, maybe I'll take it out and try it, maybe I'll tell you about it, maybe. Check back with me on Friday (pm me wednesday to do it thursday) I'll report back here.

[pk]

Studio Projects C1.

Best $200 I've ever spent.

[mjau]

I'll go 3035...found it to be a really nice, open mic for that kind of money. Don't know much about the Luna, though. Or maybe a used Rode NT2 on ebay would be your thing...

[Ben Logan]

I vote for the Studio Projects B1. Great on acoustic guitar. Good on vocals. Decent as a drum overhead.

[theistheman]

yeah...NT2 isn't a bad mic.

don't get an NT-1A though. God those things suck.

[sad iron]

hey, check this out: http://messageboard.tapeop.com/viewtopic.php?t=10835

there are samples of the 4040 and the C! and a few other low cost mics.

[Brian]

YOU SO FUN NEE!! HA HA HA HA HA!
The 52 was best depth with low end rolled off and the c200 was best color and rich mid tone. I would combine them if I had them both. The other two sounded good on tiny speakers. 4040 had good highs and crap mids.