Best LDC around $300

spencerwalters · Post by **spencerwalters** » Sun Jun 12, 2011 11:51 am

I'm looking to upgrade to a new LDC from my MXL 990. I would be using it mainly for pop vocals and acoustic guitar. The microphones I'm currently looking at are:

? Blue Bluebird

? Audio Technica 4040

Any other suggestions? I'm kind of on a tight budget so the highest price I can realistically pay is $500.

Thanks!
- Spencer

vvv · Post by **vvv** » Sun Jun 12, 2011 1:34 pm

I went from a MXL 2001 to a AT4040 - I love it.

vvv · Post by **vvv** » Sun Jun 12, 2011 1:34 pm

(stereo post)

kslight · Post by **kslight** » Sun Jun 12, 2011 1:42 pm

Shure KSM32/44 depending on how good a deal you get. I like the KSM44 a lot but I believe the 32 is a cardioid only version and cheaper. I paid $300 used for my 44, they are $800 new.

Rode NT1 isn't bad though a bit bright for my tastes I have used it a bunch, also Studio Projects B1/B3 are okay though bright. Not sure if this is a substantial upgrade to the MXL, maybe slightly.

Not really into the Bluebird, I really only use it for throwaway stuff, like miking the drummer's head, which is all I like it on. Pretty bright.

I have compared the KSM44 head to head against many LDCs and it's my favorite condenser under $1k, and is IMHO competitive with non-vintage Neumann's.

jhharvest · Post by **jhharvest** » Sun Jun 12, 2011 1:45 pm

I'd pick up a Joly SP B1.

rockstudio · Post by **rockstudio** » Sun Jun 12, 2011 5:05 pm

I love the Studio Projects C3 (if you can find one, as they're discontinued. I got mine from Doug at Soundpure), or the C1 (cardioid only). I can't get enough of it, and it works well on everything. Well worth the dough, $249.

Producer/Engineer · Post by **Producer/Engineer** » Sun Jun 12, 2011 6:07 pm

Used KSM 32 simply blows away the mid to low range LDC's.

Dan Rosato · Post by **Dan Rosato** » Mon Jun 13, 2011 10:25 am

KSM 44 are great, but also check out the Audio Technica 4033. Even new you can afford one of these and they're great for acoustic guitar and vox.

jhharvest · Post by **jhharvest** » Mon Jun 13, 2011 12:13 pm

I didn't realise KSM32, much less KSM44, were available in this price range. A great buy in that case. I use the KSM32 a lot and pick them over our staple C414 for many applications. I especially use them for grand piano and percussion. KSM44 we mostly use for voice-overs because of the shininess (colour, not sound).

mvollrath · Post by **mvollrath** » Mon Jun 13, 2011 2:02 pm

There's an AT4050 on eBay at 350 with a day left. I am so happy with this mic.. my only regret is that I didn't buy two when the market price was lower.

jgimbel · Post by **jgimbel** » Mon Jun 13, 2011 7:30 pm

mvollrath wrote:There's an AT4050 on eBay at 350 with a day left. I am so happy with this mic.. my only regret is that I didn't buy two when the market price was lower.

+1. I got my AT4050 for about that much too. I've had it for a while and I will definitely be getting another, if not a few more. Not much that I don't like them on.

KennyLusk · Post by **KennyLusk** » Tue Jun 14, 2011 8:28 am

a 4033 or pickup a new mxl 990 and have the full mod done by Michael Joly at oktava mod. Just two of many pleasing options out there.

??????? · Post by **???????** » Tue Jun 14, 2011 8:36 am

every once in awhile you can find a used Royer Modded MXL on the classifieds here and elsewhere for about your price range. That's generally a pretty good performer at that price point. No, it's not in the same category as blue chip mics (people that compare it to more expensive tube mics might have let their enthusiasm get the best of them...) but if one is built well it's definitely more than $300 good.

Ryan Silva · Post by **Ryan Silva** » Tue Jun 14, 2011 8:48 am

What no AKG C1000S?

*runs and hides

Jim Williams · Post by **Jim Williams** » Tue Jun 14, 2011 9:15 am

Got $49.95?

MCA SP-1

www.pssl.com

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Best LDC around $300

Best LDC around $300

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