Condenser mike for less than €175?

Denalihighway

Hi lads
Wondering if you could throw in some recommendations for a condenser mic for less than €175?

I realise I won't be getting pro audio quality results here but its just something to do my own home stuff etc. Obviously looking for best quality for low budget.

Thanks

flyswatter

Have a look at the Studio Projects B1. I use it and its very good quality for the price.



It's 115 euro on thomann now but you could probably pick it up cheaper somewhere else.

Quiggers

rode have the nt1 and the m3, both sound clean, i've an akg perception 400
that i got off ebay for around that price, sonotronics also do some highly rate mics in this range as do SE, in fact SE hyave a bundle with a condenser and a mic screen to help get a dry sound.

madtheory

We're assuming it's for vocals mainly?

I find the Rode mics have an unnatural brightness, giving sibilance on vocals. The budget AKG's, and the B1 sound strangely "undetailed" to me, as do the Behringer offerings. IMO Audio Technica make the best budget large diaphragm mics, they sound as good as their expensive models, just a bit noisier. That won't be an issue for close miked vocals. Here's one:
http://www.thomann.de/ie/audio_technica_at2020.htm?sid=0cdfe1fc2d914854d88d4ac684e00ca0

Assuming you already have a mic stand and a pop shield, get this also:
http://www.thomann.de/ie/rycote_universal_studio_mount_usml.htm
It makes a big difference.

If you don't have a mic stand and pop shield, get them first. With the Audio Technica, that'll use up you complete budget.

Denalihighway

thanks lads

@madtheory...yep, it would be vocals pretty much.

Appreciate it

MilanPan!c

Denalihighway wrote: »

thanks lads

@madtheory...yep, it would be vocals pretty much.

Appreciate it

Hey sorry to jump in late, but I personally really like the Rode NT2s. . . I'd say see he you can find a way to listen to the main contenders... At 44.1 with a decent soundcard I don't really have any complaints. For the price.

All I'm really saying is don't dismiss them out of hand.

GTE

Whats the sE Electronics SE2200a going for? I own it and its quite a good tool to have.

TelePaul

bbk wrote: »

Whats the sE Electronics SE2200a going for? I own it and its quite a good tool to have.

185 on Thomann. Use it all the time on vox and acoustic but can seem 'overly-neutral' if that makes sense? Maybe it doesn't...

PaulBrewer

Euro 175 in Dublin !;)

TelePaul

PaulBrewer wrote: »

Euro 175 in Dublin !;)

I hear tell that the Audio Warehouse is a reputable establishment with extremely helpful sales-staff!

old gregg

flyswatter wrote: »

Have a look at the Studio Projects B1. I use it and its very good quality for the price.

I've had one of these for a few years and always been happy enough though can't say i've had too much to compare and contrast with

madtheory

The B1 gets a lot of love:
http://studio-central.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=16019&start=0&postdays=0&postorder=asc&highlight=nt1a

PMI

Dont laugh but MXL V67 isnt the worst in the world either.... prob 2nd hand around that money !