What's the cheapest mic that really wowed you?

[Producer/Engineer]

For me it was the ADK A51s. I remember playing it back 8 times in a row and thinking that it was not possible for it to sound as awesome as it did.
I purchased another one the next day. Works on a lot of stuff too!

[Sean Sullivan]

I think I paid $200 for a C 460 B with the CK61 and I was really impressed with it. It's my favorite SDC, I've owned SM81s, C451s, Oktavas, AT4051s...probably some others...and for that price it's really impressive.

[the finger genius]

I've been pleasantly surprised with naiant mics.

http://www.naiant.com/studiostore/microphones.html

[roscoenyc]

AudioTechnica ATM 23 and ATM 25

[Wagz]

I've had the 51s for a couple years now. I've really liked it, used it on just about anything, it lacks a little luster in the lower range, but for its price I can't complain at all.
I'm really tempted to buy another one and keep 'em as overheads.
I've been hearing a lot of good stuff about the vienna and Hamburg mic's as well, thinking about either getting a vienna, or Baby bottle for my next LDC.

[Producer/Engineer]

I've had the 51s for a couple years now. I've really liked it, used it on just about anything, it lacks a little luster in the lower range, but for its price I can't complain at all.
I'm really tempted to buy another one and keep 'em as overheads.
I've been hearing a lot of good stuff about the vienna and Hamburg mic's as well, thinking about either getting a vienna, or Baby bottle for my next LDC.

HI Wagz, check the bass roll off switch on your 51s. I know the guys from Megadeth and they like the bass end so well that they use it on bass cabs!
The Vienna leans toward the highs and the Hamburg is darker. Either could work on your vocal depending on it's character. The A6 is right in between and very neutral. It's very nice on acoustic guitar and even gets praise from vocalists. I do not work for ADK but have worked with many of their mics. Their SL model is very natural on acoustic guitar and is like a diamond in the rough. It's also nice and warm.

[nortstudio]

The shiny box ribbons are pretty impressive for the money.

I also got some really cheap Nadys and had them modified by Joly. Brought them to Avatar Studio just in case, and ended up using them on the session, despite the amazing choices they had there.

[kinger]

Probably the Apex 205; it was the first ribbon I'd ever tried and it was kind of a "oh, THAT'S how you get that sound" moment. I've since modded a few and think they sound great.

[KennyLusk]

The obvious MK012 pair for $90 in 2001? Then Wow! w/ the Joly mod.

But for $200 Scott Helmke's "Alice" mic knocked my socks off.

For $179 I was floored by the sheer detail of the AT 4041

[musical5]

Naiant SD mics. Fathead II ribbons, and the 1st run of SP C1's (on the right vocalist it's heavenly)


Justin

[Nick Frater]

The Ubertar ribbon mic!

............thanks Ubertar!

[wren]

This is in a live context, not a recording context, but I've done some work for a sound company who carry a bunch of CAD C195s around as all-purpose mics, and I was amazed at how good they sounded: on horns, vocals, upright bass, Hammond organ, steel drums, banjo, accordion, xylophone, marimba... This isn't a company that has a ton of super high-end gear, but they don't use only cheap shit either. They have a box of 9 or so C195s that they use as random, wildcard mics (especially for festival-type situations): we'd throw them on just about whatever, and they always sounded passable to very good with minimal tweaking.

[Scodiddly]

I like the C195 too. Pretty hefty construction, and they sound pretty good.


Way back in high school I had a couple of weird Italian gooseneck mics I'd found at the local university salvage yard for a couple bucks each. I ended up selling them to a drummer friend, but now wish I'd kept them.

[alkooloid]

EV 635a, baby. They're super vibey - not much bottom, but natural, in an old school way. Nice on acoustic guitar, clean amps, and loves drum rooms. Certain vocals, too.

[Ryan Silva]

I really fear posting this, it's like admitting you voted for Bush.

The first time I heard a AKG c1000s on an dreadnought acoustic, placed at the neck; I was very impressed.