Mic question

Posted: Fri Apr 01, 2005 3:36 pm

Hi,

I have been looking at this website and learning from it for a while now, and figured I would register so I could participate, so, it's nice to meet you all and thank you for all the help you provide. I purchased an MXL 990\991 mic kit, and I really don't like it. I would really value some opinions on the SP C1, C3 and the Rode NT2-A. I can only afford 1 right now, so I have to choose between the 3 of them. I will be using it for both Female and Male vocals, and mic'ing acoustic guitars. For the most part, the style is Pop and rock music. Thanks for your help on this.

Posted: Fri Apr 01, 2005 6:40 pm

The Studio Project mics are first rate for the cost. Some of the experts on the board can probably give you better advice, but I'm planning on using 2 mics from SP to mic acoustic guitar. Probably the C1 by the fretboard/body joint, and a B1 over the body about face level. Anybody out there with better advice let me know. I really want to try for stereo. I think with the 2 mics mentioned I should be at about $270. I have some of the SP's if interested. I can get you good pricing.

I also know there's a mod for the MXL 990 that seems to improve the mic quite a bit. If you're handy at all with a solder gun you could probably save a good chunk of money. Send me an email if interested. I can forward you the links on the upgrade. slamminsammy (at) ix (dot) netcom (dot) com. Thx.

BTW, I'm new to the board as well. Hello to all. I'm learning lots!

Posted: Fri Apr 01, 2005 7:02 pm

Hey. welcome guys! hey slamming you can post the link to the mod if you wish and share it with the rest of the crew- am sure there are other mxl users that would be interested-

threeskin, any of the mics you mentioned are real good values- I have a couple of rodes (K2, NT1) and have been quite happpy with them- other people swear by their SP, so I think you can't go wrong with either- good luck!

Posted: Fri Apr 01, 2005 9:44 pm

Hi,
From the options you have provided, the Rode NT-2A would be the best choice. Its a dual diaphragm multipolar mic like the SP C3 but is superior in its handling of sources. Certainly, for vocals it outshines the C3. The C1 sounds richer than the C3 in the handling of vocals but is cardioid only. The NT2A provides a very clean, warm and present sound. In terms of price the C3 and NT2A are similar.

So, if your priority is only vocals and you're on a tight budget, then the C1 would be better. But if you want to keep your options open and have a real good multipolar workhorse, then the NT-2A is the one to go for.
Cheers!

Posted: Fri Apr 01, 2005 9:58 pm

Very cool! Thanks for the opinions guys, I appreciate it. Hey Slammin, I'll drop you an email in a few days when I get home so you could send me that mod.

Posted: Sat Apr 02, 2005 1:44 am

Quote:

From the options you have provided, the Rode NT-2A would be the best choice. Its a dual diaphragm multipolar mic like the SP C3 but is superior in its handling of sources. Certainly, for vocals it outshines the C3.

HUH?

I believe that one of the stronger points of the C3 is the superior vocals, in fact that is what it is known for, and it had the Rode beat by $50 on price.

I have the C1 and it is awesome, clean clear full and crisp, I would reccomend this mic, I have used it for Acoustic and vocals, good for acoustic, GREAT for vocals.

Just get a SP C-1 and a SP B-1, then you'll be set.

The MXL mics are usable, well I use the 991, not the 990, but for acoustic, if you get the SP C-1, take the 991 and put it right on the 12th fret, then place the C-1 about three to four feet away, facing the sound hole, you will be amazed, the 991 will pick up the highs, and the C-1 will fill up the sound. We recorded some acuostic guitar this way, and were blown away with the results, just be careful, the C-1 is so sensitive, it picked up our breathing, yeah its that sensitive.

Posted: Sat Apr 02, 2005 5:46 am

I have a monkey wrench to throw at you. It's the Rode NT1000. I can swear by this mic. You should put it on your menu if you can't afford the Rode NT2A. Rode mics are known for being very quiet too to compliment their rich sound.

Posted: Sun Apr 03, 2005 12:09 am

I am pretty intrigued by the C1 and C3. I was stupid when I purchased the MXL mics. I got them at the guitar center and they have a no return policy on mics so I am stuck with them. I don't think musiciansfriend carries SP mics, but I need to find a place that lets you return mics within 5 days, that way if I don't like them I am not stuck with them them. I may find a place to rent the C1 and either the Rode NT2a or the NT1000, so I can try them all out before I buy.

Posted: Sun Apr 03, 2005 6:15 am

www.americanmusical.com

I bought my C-1 here, they were pretty good, and seem to have a good return policy, although I doubt you'll find anyone who will take a mic back, unless its defective

Posted: Sun Apr 03, 2005 8:45 pm

"I was stupid when I purchased the MXL mics. I got them at the guitar center and they have a no return policy on mics so I am stuck with them."

Don't give up on the MXL mics. Send me an email when you can. Have a good one. Thx.

Posted: Mon Apr 04, 2005 9:23 am

with cheap mic like the mxl sometimes you get lucky and get a good one, most times you get one that's not so good. I have a couple of Oktavas 319s and its the same thing, one is real good, dark and rich, the other is thin and brittle. I guess it is a matter of lack of quality control, for you would think that if sme are ok, they should get all of them all right- but when quality control is lacking, consistency becomes a big problem.

Posted: Mon Apr 04, 2005 9:44 am

Hey Maintiger,

You know, I have never thought about it that way, but what you said makes total sense. On the lower end stuff I guess it is roll out as many as you can as fast as you can, and like you said, without a lot of QA, they probably run the gamut from good, probably all the way to defective.

Posted: Mon Apr 04, 2005 10:11 am

yeah, and the sad thing is that you would think if some are good, they could make them all good- hey, charge an extra ten bucs and get it right!

Posted: Mon Apr 04, 2005 11:00 am

yup, exactly, if they already hit the mark on some of them, you know it can be done. You are right, charge a few extra bucks, and up the quality control. Reputation goes a long way in a companies success. Put out a good product, and the word of mouth travels fast.

Posted: Thu Apr 14, 2005 9:50 pm

I recently bought an Audio Technica AT3035. I looked at a lot of mics on the internet, and decided on the AT3035. I was wondering if anyone here has an opinion on this mic. I almost thought about getting a Rhodes, but decided on the AT3035. So far, I'm happy with it's performance, (the AT,) but just wondered if anyone else here has one.

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