Cheapest pro-league vocal condenser ?

[xFkx]

Hey !

I'm starting to consider buying a new condenser mic (it's used for singing vocals and acoustic guitar). Right now i have a Rode NT2-A, it's alright... but i can't just get that level of clarity, fullness and quality that pro-records have.

So... i'm looking for the.. uhm... cheapest "pro" condenser... any suggestions ?


Oh, yeah.. this type of vocal sound:

 

[colonel kurtz]

in all honesty, the rode likely isn't the weak point in your chain...i've put the NT-2A up in a shootout with an AT 4033, AKG C414-ULS, and U87ai, and it held its own against the rest of the pack

that said, the AT 40-series mics do have outstanding clarity without having to sell off a kidney

 

[xFkx]

So maybe a missing link would be a good preamp ?

I'm running the Rode straight into a soundcraft compact, then into my DAW

 

[Joematthews]

Good pre-amp ftw. System is only as strong as its weakest link.... bla bla bla

How much do you have to spend?

Joe

 

[xFkx]

i guess around a 1000 us $

 

[ze kink]

Oktava Mk-319 w/ Joly mods? I've heard it's amazing. I just got an unmodded Mk-319 myself, but haven't yet had time to test it. And indeed, get a good preamp too.

 

[colonel kurtz]

So maybe a missing link would be a good preamp ?

I'm running the Rode straight into a soundcraft compact, then into my DAW

a good mic, a good pre, a well-treated room, good compressors that are used "properly"...some will tell you that using expensive-ass cables will also help

 

[vespiz]

I'd say get the best mic you can afford and then spend the rest on an ok/reasonably priced mic preamp, like SPL GoldMike or the like.
For a $1000 I think you can get an AudioTechnica mic and the GoldMike, right? Should be a good combo. Haven't checked their prices recently, tho'..

(For the record, I have the NT2a and GoldMike... plus 2 AKG 414s and a TG-2, but those are probably a bit out of your price range..)

Oh yeah, Col. Kurtz is on the money, although I'm not too sure about the cables..

 

[KeithTidd]

ksm32. about 300ish

 

[Metaltastic]

So maybe a missing link would be a good preamp ?

I'm running the Rode straight into a soundcraft compact, then into my DAW

Good pre-amp ftw. System is only as strong as its weakest link.... bla bla bla

I thought Soundcraft made good stuff...?

 

[Jarkko Mattheiszen]

I thought Soundcraft made good stuff...?

They do, but they also make some pretty nasty stuff. We had a cheaper end Soundcraft at our rehearsal place and I've used that one for quite some live gigs too. Really, really disliked it.

 

[ahjteam]

If you buy cheap gear, you get cheap gear. There just is no way out of it. I suggest you buy the most expensive preamp you can, because NT2A doesn't suck.

My suggestion is this, goes around for ~$900: http://www.tlaudio.co.uk/docs_07/product_07/5051.shtml