I'm about to throw down some of my Christmas gift money for a better studio condenser than the functional but low-end one that I have now (an
MXL 990). My question is simple: what should I get?
In the running:
Rode NT1a ($199)
Rode NT2a (is it really worth the $399?)
MXL 3000 (pre-amp built-in, I can get it new for $129, list is $399)
Studio Projects C1 ($240)
AKG Perception 200 ($159)
M-Audio Solaris ($299)
I want the best quality mic in this mid-price range for my male vocals (big range baritone-tenor, strong and clear) and acoustic guitar (high-end Taylor, steel-string, mostly strummed). I am a singer-songwriter playing modern rock (I don't know, think Radiohead, Counting Crows, and Coldplay). I can get a separate small-diaphragm condenser for the acoustic if it will really make a difference. But if one of these above is both a fantastic vocal mic and versatile enough to get the best sounds for the acoustic too, that would be best. I don't have all the money in the world.
I'll be recording into the system you see below, into Logic 7 through either my M-Audio USB Mobile-Pre, or my Line6 TonePort - lots of preamps to choose from. I'm also thinking of springing for the new Alesis iO/14 at some point.
So, which mic would you say?
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2.
33 GHz MBP C2D, 2GB RAM
120GB 5400rpm internal, 250GB 7200rpm FW800 external (WD MyBook Pro)
Logic Express 7.2, Jam Pack 1, Jam Pack 4 (Symphony Orchestra),
Reason 3, Reason Drum Kits 2, various refills, Line6 TonePort & GearBox, M-Audio USB
Mobile Pre, Nomad Factory Studio Pro Bundle (
Blue Tubes Bundle v3 & v2,
Analog Signature Pack,
BlueVerb DRV-2080,
Essential Studio Suite,
Liquid Bundle 2)
