Dynamic mic for rehearsal, stage and backup gear The e815S is inexpensive considering its sound quality, durability and reliability. They are sold alone or in a three pack. Perhaps their most remarkable quality is their instrument miking diversity. Vocals, horns, woodwinds, percussion and more … [Read more...]
Neumann KM184
August 3, 2010 by Leave a Comment
High-quality pencil condenser stereo pair They’re Neumann. You practically can’t go wrong with Neumann. They provide an incredibly crisp stereo image, and are particularly warm when combined with a tube preamp. Like all Neumanns, they’re not cheap. They also start to roll … [Read more...]
Sennheiser E835 Dynamic Microphone
August 3, 2010 by Leave a Comment
Dynamic mic for stage vocals or guitar amps E835 has clean sound, great construction, is reliable, discreet and affordable. After about four years of being yelled into, the grills on both my e835s are beginning to show rust. For the same price as an SM58 ($99), the e835 pulls ahead … [Read more...]
Neumann TLM 49 Condenser Studio Microphone
August 3, 2010 by Leave a Comment
This mic has a retro look, warm sound, and is optimized for recording vocals. The Neumann TLM 49 is a large-diaphragm condenser microphone that is best used in the studio. Its cardioid pattern and warm sound make it a favorite for vocal recording. While Neumann makes a great product, it can … [Read more...]
Shure Beta 58A
August 3, 2010 by 4 Comments
Dynamic stage mic for vocals Like the Shure SM58, the Beta 58A is an awesome stage vocal mic. It has an advanced polar pickup pattern (supercardioid) and a slightly wider frequency response than the SM58. After five years, this mic has never let me down. Even after being thrown to the wolves … [Read more...]
Audio-Technica AT2020
August 3, 2010 by Leave a Comment
The Audio-Technica AT2020 Cardioid Condenser Microphone is an ideal mic for project and home studio applications. It boasts a cardioid pattern, has specs similar to better quality mics, and it’s affordable. The Audio-Technica AT2020 Cardioid Condenser Microphone is a low-priced mic suited … [Read more...]
Sennheiser E604
August 3, 2010 by Leave a Comment
Small dynamic mics fitted with drum clips E604s are small, convenient, have nice pickup for close miking, and clip right onto the drum rim. They’re also sold individually or in packs of three. The clip can become a menace. It’s curved and adjustable, but usually throws the mic a … [Read more...]
Audix D4
August 3, 2010 by Leave a Comment
Small dynamic mic for low frequency applications The Good This mic kicks and snaps! With a little EQ, it could restart a heart on the right system. Also, it’s affordable and pretty discreet. Sometimes it picks up too much of the bottom end and requires a gate to compensate for the low … [Read more...]
Shure KSM109
August 3, 2010 by Leave a Comment
Condenser microphone for the studio. The KSM is everything you’d expect a condenser to be: small, tight pickup pattern, smooth response, and pretty sensitive. Works better on some instruments than others. I wouldn’t suggest this mic for anything that requires warmth, a really … [Read more...]
Oktava MK012
August 3, 2010 by Leave a Comment
Small diaphragm condensers with multiple capsules This little condenser microphone produces a lovely bright sound and comes with three separate capsules that screw on and off to alter the polar pattern. They are somewhat delicate and any roughhousing they undergo may cause damage to the … [Read more...]