Hit Counter
Since 10/14/1999


CHANGED in 07d

Microphone List Table © Copyright 2000, 1999. All rights reserved.

 

Keys to the Table(s)

Column Abbrev.

 

Description (with codes, if any)

#:
Bold mics:
R (rev 2x):

K:

 

Number of mics purchased.
Indicates mics already purchased.
This means: Was this in the very first equipment budget called "rev2"?
Y = Yes. n = no. ? = CHECK. x = N/A.
A column for Key Codes. See next.

"K" Column Key Codes

 

Description of codes

 

?
??
!
!?
B
g1
g2
g3
m
n/a
x
x1
x2

Considering but don’t know enough to decide.
Maybe not.
Seriously considering. Intend on buying.
Considering but unsure.
Bought.
Audio advisor #1.
Audio advisor #2.
Audio advisor #3.
Matched set available, a consideration when buying.
Not Applicable.
Not Applicable.
Get one.
Get two.

Catalog or Sale price:

fc Full Compass; gc Guitar Center; im Interstate Musical Supply; mf Musician’s Friend

 

 

A-Z List

A – G

HIJKL

M - O

PQR

STUVWXYZ

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W

X

Y

Z

 

#:

Microphones and Mic preamps

PAID +tax

List Price **

Specifications, Features, Quotes/Reviews, USES.
Also, Notes, and Options.

R

K

rev 2 guess

Ignore me

x

A

0

x

Top of table. Bottom of Table.

x

x

x

Back to A-Z List.

x

AEA (Audio Engineering Associates)

0

x

See direct link(s) below.

x

x

x

Back to A-Z List.

x

AEA R44C

Pricing.

0

***
2000

list?

? Bi-Directional Long Ribbon.

?

""

Review courtesy of Mix.

USES:

Made to be like the RCA 44BX from the 1930s.

n

?

   

x

AEA R44S (not a mic, just the housing)

Pricing.

0

695

list?

? Replica of RCA 44BX housing.

?

""

USES:

Made to LOOK like the RCA 44BX from the 1930s.

n

??

   

x

AKG

0

x

See direct link(s) below.

x

x

x

Back to A-Z List.

x

AKG C-12 tube and related versions.

Photo only.

0

??

? Tube.

?

""

USES:

Vintage mic.

n

??

n/a

Very expensive:
~$6,000!

x

AKG C 1000 S

0

347.95 list (w/ head-phones?)

? Condenser.

?

""

"YUK," G1.

USES:

Sound on Sound review.

n

??

n/a

199.99 w/ K55 head-phones gc6/99

x

AKG C 3000

0

539.95 list

(w/ head-phones?)

? Condenser, Large diaphragm.

?

""

"YUK, YUK," G1.

USES:

n

??

n/a

299.99 w/ K66 head-phones gc6/99

2

AKG C 414 B – TLII

2000

1751 list

Multi-pattern Condenser: Cardioid, Hyper?, Figure 8, Omni.

? Has C12 capsule. Shock mount has been replaced.

"" (See ULS.)

USES: Designed for vocals. May be used similarly to the ULS, however.

Transformerless design. Stamped ULS with TLII tab and golden front screen added.

CAN THE TLII REPLACE THE ULS IN FUNCTIONALITY?? (I paid way too much!)

See also ULS.

n

B

n/a

1000 gc

694g

x

AKG C 414 B – TLII Matched pair

0

3724 list

See above.

Matched-pair price

n

?

n/a

 

0

AKG C 414 B - ULS Though this was on rev2b I might not get it IF the TLIIs can REPLACE it! Can they??

0

1249 list?

Standard model 414. See TLII.

? Has *** capsule. See TLII for more.

"[The ULS is] One of the world’s most respected microphones, no studio should be without." Full Compass

USES: Multipurpose. Piano, vocals, instruments.

(Just ONE 414 was listed for purchase in rev2b.)

This mic has a hot pickup. Crispy clear at the high end. The TLII has a different capsule, and electronics (I think), designed primarily for vocals.

Y

!?

850 G?

899gc, ?

x

AKG C 535 EB

0

322 list

? Condenser.

?

"… respected for years as one of the world's premiere vocal microphones…." Full Compass

USES: Vocal mic.

(Special list price—!!—too low to publish. F.C.)

H30 Elastic suspension mount $64.60!

n

?

n/a

 

x

AKG SolidTube

0

1500 list

? Cardioid? Tube Condenser.

?

""

"YUK," G1.

Mix review.

USES:

Individual at StudioPro99 said he talked with some who gave not so great comments about this microphone; suggested AT4060 in its place.

n

??

n/a

1000 mf

x

AT (Audio Technica)

0

x

See direct link(s) below.

x

x

x

Back to A-Z List.

x

AT4031??

(No link found.)

0

??

?

?

""

"GONE [SOLD OUT]," G1.

USES:

What WAS on the printed R.W. mic list? 4031, 4041, 4051? 4031 IS on the online list, but the other two are not. WHAT I WANT TO KNOW IS: Is 4051 BETTER than 4031? Does anyone know? (An AT4031 is mentioned in a Mix mic preamp review of Grace Design Model 801, 8 channels, List $4,495, $560 a channel.)

n

??

n/a

 

2

AT4033a/SM

700

725 list

Cardioid Condenser

?

""

"OK," G1.

USES: Vocals.

SM – comes with shock mount. (I paid too much!)

Y

B

540x

350 gc

293g (1X)

0

AT4041

(2)

But I might have been intending the AT4031.

See notes at right.

See also AT4051a, which I did buy.

0

395 list

? ?? INFO. CHECK??

?

"The latest addition to the famed 40 Series." Full Compass

"GOOD. IF BUDGET IS A PROBLEM," G1.

USES: OH.

(Why "4041"? Was this an AT mic at all? I thought this was a number from a printed list I received while at the Recording Workshop, which I don’t have handy. Here’s R.W.’s online equipment list, which has an AT4031, not 4041.)

ALSO CHECK MODEL SUITABILITY! IS THE 4051 BETTER THAN THE 4041?? See "B AT4051a" and "?? 4031??" below.

AT8415 shock mount $60.

?

?
&
g1

480

 

x

AT4050/CM5

0

995 list

Multipattern Condenser: ???

?

""

"NOT BAD," G1.

USES:

With shock mount.

n

!
x2

n/a

600 mf

593g (1X)

2

AT4051a

350

700? list

ADD STOPS HERE.

Cardioid Condenser.

?

""

USES:

That 350 is not a typo. That is TWO for $350!

Is 4051 BETTER than 4031? Anyone know?

Get more info.!! (Great price on two mics!? See OLD offing http://insync.sweetwater.com/archive-dec97.html)

n

B

n/a

175, 199-25= 175 gc

x

AT4060

0

1695 list

ADDS TO THIS POINT, INCL. LEFT-AMT. WHY?

Cardioid Tube Condenser.

?

""

"PRETTY GOOD," G1.

USES:

Heard decent things about this mic from individual at StudioPro99 and from AT salesperson.

Sound on Sound review.

Get more info.!!

n

!?
x1?

n/a

999 typical??

1110g (?) (1X)

1070

1017dealer

x

ATM 25

0

***

?

?

""

USES: Kick. Floor Tom.

n

?
&
g1

 

137g (1X)

x

ATM61HE

0

270 list

?

?

"Audio-Technica’s top of the line dynamic vocal mic. … known throughout the industry as one of the best mics for female vocalists," Full Compass.

"WHY?" G1.

USES:

n

??

n/a

 

x

ATM87R

0

299 list

?

?

"… fast becoming the mic of choice for touring pros everywhere," Full Compass.

"WHY?" G1.

USES:

n

??

n/a

 

x

Audix

0

x

See direct link(s) below.

x

x

x

Back to A-Z List.

x

Audix CX-101

(& CX-111)

0

499 list

(& 599 list)

? Condenser.

?

"… TRUE-CONDENSER design will undoubtedly make the CX-101 a studio standard around the world," Full Compass.

USES:

The CX-111 has a -10 dB pad and a bass roll-off switch.

n

!?
x?

n/a

 

x

Audix D2

0

219.00 list

Cardioid Dynamic.

No pads or filters.

"D2 WINS THE 1997 LIVE SOUND AWARD! Best instrument microphone," Audix Home page (no link).

"Audix … nominated … D2 for instrument microphone," Audix Home page (no link).

USES:

Get information.

n

?

n/a

 

x

Audix OM-2

0

149 list

Cardioid Dynamic.

No pads or filters.

"Audix OM2 wins prestigious 1998 dynamic mic of the year award!" Audix Home page. Audix quoting EM "our pick of the litter."

USES:

Get information.

n

?

n/a

 

1

Audix OM-3xb (2 were planned to be bought in rev2b; 1 is purchased; no longer plan to buy 2.)

130

199 list

Cardioid Dynamic.

No pads or filters.

""

USES:

Get information.

See OM-7.

Unsure if I should’ve bought this. Was I thinking of OM-5? Should I return this? Should I buy an OM-5 as well? Should I have one OM-3xb, one OM-5, and one OM-7? What about the OM-6 (review below)?

Y

B

450 for 2

130 gc

x

Audix OM-5

0

329 list

Cardioid Dynamic.

No pads or filters.

"Audix … nominated … OM5 for dynamic vocal microphone," Audix Home page (no link).

USES:

Get information.

See OM-3xb and OM-7.

n

!?

n/a

169.99 gc6/99.

169 with free Monster cable gc8/99.

152g (8/99)

x

Audix OM-6

0

349 list

Cardioid Dynamic.

No pads or filters.

"Audix wins the Live Sound award for the OM6 as best vocal microphone for live performances," Audix Home page (no link).

USES:

Get information.

n

!?

n/a

178g (8/99)

1

Audix OM-7

260

395 list

Cardioid Dynamic.

No pads or filters.

""

USES:

Get information.

Mix review of the OM-6 (not OM-7).

$260?

n

B

n/a

gc

x

Auratone

0

x

x

x

x

x

Back to A-Z List.

 

Auratone

0

***

Why do I have a speaker in here?

n

?

 

***

x

Avalon Design (Passive Web site.)

0

x

See direct link(s) below. See Accessories on the price list.

x

x

x

Back to A-Z List.

x

Avalon 737 SP

0

2,295 list

? Tube mic preamp with Class A discrete EQ and opto-compressor. Instrument input.

?

"WONDERFUL… COMPRESSOR’S NOT GREAT ON DRUMS… AMAZING… WITH A GOOD CONDENSER," G1.

USES:

Sweetwater overview.

n

!
x1
&
g1

n/a

1733g

x

Avalon direct box:

Avalon U5 Mono Instrument and Di Preamplifier

(Hey, that’s not a mic or mic preamp.)

0

595 list

?

?

"FAVORITE DIRECT BOX," G1.

USES: A direct box turns unbalance signals to balanced mic-level signals; in cases where instrument outputs are higher than mic level, the box drops the signal to mic level.

U5 Mono Instrument And DI Preamplifier ($595 list). Sweetwater overview.

n

?
&
g1

n/a

580g

x

Avalon M5 Pure Class A Preamplifier

0

1,600 list

? Mic preamp.

?

USES:

This was not recommended to me. It is here because the 737 SP was recommended, and this is made by them too.

Sweetwater overview. M5 Pure Class A Preamplifier. Excerpt: "Avalon microphone preamplifiers have been in use around the world since 1986. … What’s so special about the M5? First off, it was designed specifically to capture musically balanced harmonic detail. It has low noise and high headroom (+30dB) plus a variable highpass filter, accurate 2dB stepped gain control and even a high impedance DI instrument input."

n

!?

n/a

1733g

x

B

0

x

Top of table. Bottom of Table.

x

x

x

Back to A-Z List.

x

B&K

0

x

See Brüel & Kjær below.

x

x

x

Back to A-Z List.

x

Beyerdynamic

0

x

Under construction.

x

x

x

Back to A-Z List.

x

Beyerdynamic M500

Not listed on the Beyerdynamic site.

0

599 list

199 !?!

Hypercardioid Ribbon.

?

""

"GONE [SOLD OUT]," G1.

USES:

Supplies are limited!! Sale price of $199 at F.C.? Here because of its reduced price, and that it’s a ribbon mic.

n

!?

n/a

 

x

Beyerdynamic M 69, N(C) and TG {"Tour Group"}

0

259 list

Hypercardioid Dynamic (?).

?

"A staple of the music industry… minimized proximity effect.…" Full Compass. "Staple"?

USES:

Pop screen $19. (?)

n

?

n/a

 

x

Beyerdynamic M88-Classic

Beyerdynamic M 88, N(C) and TG {"Tour Group"}, PDF

0

499 list

199 !?!

(Prices for the Classic)

Hypercardioid Dynamic.

? Wooden case.

"This highly acclaimed ‘classic’ version of Beyer’s M88. … a favorite for vocals and instruments, live and in the studio." Full Compass.

USES:

40% off at $199. Here because of its reduced price. (40% off?? F.C.?)

n

!?

n/a

 

x

Blue (Baltic Latvian Universal Electronics)

0

x

See direct link(s) below.

x

x

x

Back to A-Z List.

x

Blue Mouse

(Other pictures and specs at an apparently unrelated site.)

0

2295 list

? 24mm capsule.

?

"The manufacture quality on the mouse is the best I’ve seen in 30 years." Paul J. Stamler, Recording Magazine (gc6/99, p29).

Suggested by salesperson at Guitar Center Lynnwood.

USES:

Mouse accessory kit with shockmount, pop filter, & cable. List $299.99. $229.99 gc6/99.

Half this price is the Blueberry mic made by same company.

n

?

n/a

1999 gc6/99

x

Brüel & Kjær as DPA. Brüel & Kjær Sound and Vibration

0

x

See direct link(s) below.

Danish Pro Audio has changed its name to DPA Microphones.

x

x

x

Back to A-Z List.

x

Brüel & Kjær DPA 3541
Vocalist & Instrument Microphone Kit.

I found a "B&K" microphone, but don’t know if it’s the right one.

0

***

Omni, large-diaphragm Condenser.

? Self-noise of 7 dBA! (Source?)

""

USES:

INFO? Where did I get this mic model, and the B&K information? (Recent magazine? 5-6/99?)

A Mix review of the DPA 4060.

n

?

n/a

 

x

C

0

x

Top of table. Bottom of Table.

x

x

x

Back to A-Z List.

x

Coles

0

x

See direct link(s) below. A Mix review says AEA is an importer for Coles mics. I saw no Coles link on their site.

x

x

x

Back to A-Z List.

 

Coles 4038

0

***

?

?

"GOOD OR BETTER THAN RCA77," G1.

USES:

Independent Audio description.

Audio Sound Centre’s fact sheet says this microphone was developed by the BBC. The only "4038" I found at the BBC site was the "PGS/1 ribbon-microphone designed and used for recording the Queen’s Coronation Service. This microphone was selected for commercial production and subsequently marketed by STC as the 4038." See the year 1953 for this quote.

n

!
x1
or
x2
&
g1

n/a

1033g

x

D

0

x

Top of table. Bottom of Table.

x

x

x

Back to A-Z List.

x

DPA

0

x

See Brüel & Kjær above.

x

x

x

Back to A-Z List.

x

E

0

x

Top of table. Bottom of Table.

x

x

x

Back to A-Z List.

x

Earthworks

0

x

See direct link(s) below.

x

x

x

Back to A-Z List.

x

Earthworks QTC1 (Other models: TC30K, Z30X & XL)

0

***

? Omni.

?

""

Mix reviews of other models: OM1 and TC30K, and Z30X with Lab 102 preamp.

"OK. YES," G1.

USES: OH. Gtr. Top of piano.

GET INFORMATION ABOUT THESE TYPES OF MICS!

This brand and other "critical," test, and measurement microphones should be considered because of their flat frequency response from 20 to 20KHz.

?

!
x1
or
x2
m
&
g1

n/a

710g (1495 matched) (2X, if getting)

x

Electro-Voice

0

x

See direct link(s) below. (Some products could not be located on the site.)

x

x

x

Back to A-Z List.

1

Electro-Voice BK-1

$61

***

Bought used at auction. $60.80. Check #4194. Bought because someone I know had one.

n

B

n/a

 

x

Electro-Voice N/D967 (a PDF file)

N/D967 Normal photo.

N/D967 huge photo.

0

***

?

?

"… highest gain-before-feedback of any concert vocal mic," Musician's Friend.

"SO-SO," G1.

USES:

n

?

n/a

 

x

Electro-Voice RE20 (a PDF file)

RE20 huge photo.

0

630 list

Cardioid Dynamic.

?

"Legendary RE20…. Variable-D cardioid pattern which has no proximity effect for the same response at any distance," Full Compass.

"NAH," G1.

USES:

Add shock mount $163.

n

?

n/a

 

x

Electro-Voice RE27 (a PDF file)

0

878 list

?

?

""

"IF YOU MUST," G1.

USES:

Modern version of the RE20, with … extended high frequency response for a Condenser like sound….

Add shock mount $163.

n

?

n/a

 

x

Electro-Voice RE50 & RE50/B (a PDF file)

Electro-Voice RE50N/D & REN/D-B (a PDF file)

RE50N/D & REN/D-B (black) Huge, photo B1, Large, photo B2.

0

286-344 list

Omni Dynamic.

?

"The ‘infield’ mic of choice used by professionals," Full Compass.

USES:

n

?

n/a

 

x

Electro-Voice RE635A

(no PDF file yet)

RE635N/D tiny thumbnail photo.

0

166-190 list

Omni Dynamic.

?

"Number one choice of newscasters…" Full Compass.

USES:

Various versions. (Huh?)

Mix review of the N/D868 and Audix D4.

n

?

n/a

 

x

F

0

x

Top of table. Bottom of Table.

x

x

x

Back to A-Z List.

x

Focusrite

0

x

No direct page links (did not show in browser Address field).

x

x

x

Back to A-Z List.

x

Focusrite preamps (and compressors). See links at right.

0

***

? Mic preamp, compressor, EQ, and other outboard gear?

Series: Blue, Red, Green, Platinum.

""

OK, G1.

USES:

n

?
&
g1

n/a

 

x

G

0

x

Top of table. Bottom of Table.

x

x

x

Back to A-Z List.

x

Groove Tubes

0

x

No direct page links (did not show in browser Address field).

x

x

x

Back to A-Z List.

x

Groove Tubes Model 6tm.

(Link extracted from drop-down section of navigation frame.)

0

***

Tube mic.

?

""

USES:

Review of Alesis mics in June? ??? magazine.

Sound on Sound review

n

?

n/a

x

2

Groove Tubes Model MD5sc

(Link extracted from drop-down section of navigation frame.)

600

599? list

?

?

""

USES:

Bought, but should I return these?? Review of Alesis mics in June? ??? magazine.

Sound on Sound review: "… I prefer the sound of the cheaper Rode NT1."

(On the receipt: "71/ASPEN PITTMAN 5SC FET MIC RO") (Exact Price??)

n

B

n/a

299.99 each mf

x

H I J K L

0

x

Top of table. Bottom of Table.

x

x

x

Back to A-Z List.

x

Lawson

0

x

See direct link(s) below.

x

x

x

Back to A-Z List.

x

Lawson L47MP

0

1995 list

Multipattern, large-diaphragm, tube Condenser: ???

?

""

Mix review (Received high praise.)

USES:

n

?

n/a

 

x

M

0

x

Top of table. Bottom of Table.

x

x

x

Back to A-Z List.

x

Manley Labs

0

x

See direct link(s) below.

x

x

x

Back to A-Z List.

 

Manley Voxbox

0

?

? Mic preamp, compressor, EQ, and other outboard gear?

""

OK, BUT AVALON IS 1/2 THE PRICE. G1.

USES:

n

?
&
g1

n/a

 

x

Millennia Media

0

x

See direct link(s) below.

x

x

x

Back to A-Z List.

x

Millennia Media HV-3C microphone preamplifier

(Link is mix of 3B and 3C, due in 2nd quarter 1999.)

0

3795+

list

4545+

list

Mic preamp.

I included this mic preamp here because I started to notice that many of the Mix reviews of microphones used an HV-3 preamp. There was a B version before this C version. Mix review excerpt: "The HV-3C retails at $3,795. Options include HV mic powering ($400) and a UV-22 digital through functions ($400), for applications when the user wants to access UV-22 coding without using the converters. Also available is the HV-3C Platinum Edition ($750 additional), which includes both UV-22 through and Paqrat encoding." Mix magazine review excerpt.

n

!?

n/a

 

x

N

0

x

Top of table. Bottom of Table.

x

x

x

Back to A-Z List.

x

Neumann

0

x

See direct link(s) below.

x

x

x

Back to A-Z List.

x

Neumann KM184

(180 series, more information page)

0

***

Small-diameter Condenser.

?

""

USES: OH

(On Recording Workshop’s list.)

n

?

& g1?

n/a

690 mf

595g (1X)

x

Neumann KU100 Binaural Head

0

***

? "human head replica with microphones inside of the ears…"

? "This third-generation design is loudspeaker compatible…. package includes the head, IC5 (10 meter) extension cable, AC 20 adapter cable, internal battery supply, external AC power supply unit and aluminum carrying case," Neumann Web site.

""

USES:

n

?

n/a

 

x

Neumann M 147

0

***

Transformerless Cardiod/Supercardiod Tube.

?

""

EQ magazine review.

Recording magazine review, issue B only.

USES:

Shock mount EA 1, $195 list.

n

g1?

n/a

1710g (1X)

x

Neumann TLM-103

0

995 list

Cardioid Condenser.

? Very low self-noise. Finish: satin-nickel or black.

""

"MUST," G1.

Mix review.

Reviewed in Recording, Feb. ’98. Back issue.

USES: OH

Neumanns are typically high-end pro-audio and very expensive. I put this on the list because of its low self-noise, and relatively low price.

Shock mount EA 1.

n

!
x1
or
x2
&
g1

n/a

989 mf

849g (1X)

x

Neumann TLM-193

0

***

Transformerless Multipattern Tube.

?

""

USES:

Shock mount EA 1.

n

??

n/a

 

x

Neumann U-47 tube

(Found no link. Vintage mic.)

0

??

?

?

""

USES:

Vintage tube mic. Very expensive.

n

??

n/a

Very expensive:
~$6,000+
for the tube version.

x

Neumann U-67 and its varieties.

Photo only.

0

??

?

?

""

USES:

Vintage tube mic.

n

?

n/a

Expensive:
~$1,500-$3,000

x

Neumann U87 A

(The U87 Ai comes, I think, with Swivel mount Set Z. Found no separate link.)

0

***

Multi-pattern, Large Dual-Diaphragm Condenser.

? Wooden box. With EA87 suspension.

"… probably the best known and most widely used Neumann studio microphone," Neumann Web site.

"MAYBE. [MAYBE] TOO MUCH $," G1.

USES:

n

!?

n/a

2656g (0 or 1X)

2999 mf

x

O

0

x

Top of table. Bottom of Table.

x

x

x

Back to A-Z List.

x

Okatava

0

x

See direct link(s) below.

x

x

x

Back to A-Z List.

R

Oktava MC012 (or MK-012)

0

599 list

Small diaphragm Cardioid Condenser.

?

""

"NAH. (DULL)," G1.

USES:

Active transformerless output stage. Pad. (?)

These have been on rain check for a while now: $300 on rain check.

n

?
or
!?
or
??

n/a

150 gc

2

Oktava MC219 (or MK-219 on mic)

400

599 list

Large diaphragm Cardioid Condenser.

?

""

"NAH. (HASN’T HEARD?)," G1.

USES:

Should I have bought these? (Price?)

n

B

n/a

200 gc

x

Oktava MC319 (or MK-319)

0

599 list

Large diaphragm Condenser.

?

""

"NAH. (HASN’T HEARD?)," G1.

USES:

??Just came out (in US?).??

n

!?
or
?
or
??

n/a

279.99 gc6/99

x

P Q R

0

x

Top of table. Bottom of Table.

x

x

x

Back to A-Z List.

x

Radio Shack

0

x

Did not find microphone on Web site.

x

x

x

Back to A-Z List.

2

Radio Shack Realistic PZM (33-1090B) Yeah, I know, cheapo. But I got them at a great price; and they were on clearance!

Can they be easily modified? (I heard they could be.)

100

??

PZM (Pressure Zone Microphone, registered trademark of Crown International—Patent No. 4361736) Boundary/Hemispherical pickup, "electret" capsule.

? No pads or filters. Battery powered. (12V to 1.5V AA). Unbalanced 1/4" connector. Incapable of receiving phantom power without major modifications.

USES: Talkback (on ceiling).

DOES ANYONE HAVE SCHEMATIC/PLANS AND KNOW HOW TO MODIFY THESE? (The www.gravelvoice.com equipment list mentions a modified PZM.)

n

B

n/a

Radio Shack

x

RCA

0

x

Did not find any microphones on Web site. (Those listed below are vintage, out of production mics.)

x

x

x

Back to A-Z List.

x

RCA 44 and its various versions.

Photo only of RCA 44-BX.

0

??

?

?

""

USES:

Vintage mic.

n

!?
or
?

n/a

Very expensive. ~

x

RCA 77 and its various versions.

Photo only of RCA 77-DX.

0

??

?

?

""

USES:

Vintage mic.

n

!?
or
?

n/a

Very expensive. ~

x

RØDE and
Event Electronics

0

x

RØDE has merged with Event Electronics. The Event looks a bit cooler, and has links to the mics, but the RØDE site links appear to have more information about the microphones. See direct link(s) below.

x

x

x

Back to A-Z List.

1

RØDE CLASSIC Valve

Two links:
RØDE link.
Event link.

1000

1999 list

?

?

"… probably the collectible of the future," Full Compass.

Mix said: "The RØDE Classic is the richest and biggest-sounding mic I've heard in its price range."

ELECTRONIC MUSICIAN July 1997 (article found at RØDE site): "… absolutely divine, tube-kissed sound for less than US$2,000" "you can build a darn fine studio around this mic" "I adore this mic! Even at a hurtful price of US$1,999 [List], the Classic is simply a must-have microphone. It's well constructed and full featured, and its sounds smashing on just about anything."

SOUND AUSTRALASIA 1996/97 (article found at RØDE site): "Though this mic can do justice to more or less any sound source, it excels as a close vocal mic where the tube and the transformer combination makes vocals sound richer, closer and more intimate without ever making them appear to sound unnatural. … Of all the vocal mics I've tried, this is the most memorable, and the one I'd most like to have in my studio - it's simply gorgeous beyond measure."

SOUND ON SOUND October 1996 (article found at RØDE site): "a seductive quality that leads you to believe that this is the way real life would sound if the world were in some way better than it is. The sound is intimate and warm, yet the top end creates such a sense of openness." "a dream of a mic, both to use and to look at…" "Several of us have taken the mic home … "I must possess it!"" "… the effect the Røde Classic has had on the SOS editorial staff makes Golum's [sic] ring fixation seem like a minor affectation!"

"GOOD," G1.

USES:

Also mentioned in the Mix Lawson L47MP review.

Microphone preamp (huh?) $299.

n

B

n/a

1335g (1X)

x

RØDE CLASSIC II

No links yet.

0

*** 1999 list

?

?

G1 said, "I heard it at the [Fall AES ‘99] show and it sounded [pretty] good."

USES:

n

!?

n/a

***g (1X)

x

RØDE NT1

0

499 list

?

?

Mix review excerpt by Scott Colburn, www.gravelvoice.com, Seattle by : "The NT1 is a true large-diaphragm condenser mic with a single 1-inch, gold-sputtered diaphragm. This single diaphragm creates a semi-cardioid pickup pattern that resembles a deranged figure-8."

SOUND AUSTRALASIA 1996/97 (article found at RØDE site): "a sumptuous vocal sound that might have some users asking whether there's a tube in it or not."

"GOOD… CHEAP," G1.

USES: OH

n

!
x1
or
!?
&
gl

n/a

 

x

RØDE NT2

0

749 list

?

?

""

"SUCKS," G1.

USES:

n

??

n/a

499 gc6/99

x

RØDE NTV

0

1199 list

?

?

""

Suggested by same salesperson at Guitar Center Lynnwood as suggested Blue Mouse.

USES:

Sound on Sound review.

n

??

n/a

999.99 gc6/99

x

Royer (Royal Labs)

0

x

See direct link(s) below.

x

x

x

Back to A-Z List.

x

Royer/Speiden R-121

0

995 list

50 matched pair charge

Figure-8 Ribbon.

? 30-15K

"PEELS OFF THE SHARP EDGE," G1.

USES:

n

!
x?
or
!?
g1

n/a

799g

x

Royer/Speiden SF-12

0

1950 list

Stereo Coincident Ribbon Microphone.

?

""

Mentioned this, but said maybe too expensive for my budget, G1.

USES:

n

!?
or
?
&
g1?

n/a

 

x

S T U V W X Y Z

0

x

Top of table. Bottom of Table.

x

x

x

Back to A-Z List.

x

Sennheiser.

Another link

0

x

See direct link(s) below.

x

x

x

Back to A-Z List.

4

Sennheiser MD 421 - II - 4 (or U or II?)

Another link

1221

485 list

Cardioid Dynamic.

?

"One of the most versatile and popular of Sennheiser’s dynamic microphones. Designed over 20 years ago yet…. A favorite of musicians, broadcasters, recording studios and sound contractors…." GET reference!

"ABSOLUTELY," G1.

USES: 3-4 Toms. Kick. Electric guitar.

I read somewhere that someone preferred the sound of the original over the II. Is the U a different model?

n

B


&
g1

n/a

293g special (bought 3); 325g (bought 1)*

1st: 305g (almost never goes on sale), usu. 340g (3X-4X)

*Actual buying price was 3 * 293, and B4 was 325; add $17 for using a credit card. Total is 1221 + tax.

x

Sennheiser MD 431-II

Another link

0

495 list

? cardioid

? Triple-layer steel mesh grilles, shock-suspended capsule, humbucking coil, removable magnetic-reed on/off switch.

"… the MD431-U famous among discerning musicians and engineers alike…." Full Compass.

"NAH," G1.

USES:

n

?

n/a

 

x

Sennheiser MD 441 U

Another link

0

895 list

?

?

""

Suggested by ??? Glasser.

USES:

n

?

n/a

 

x

Shure

0

x

See direct link(s) below.

x

x

x

Back to A-Z List.

x

Shure Beta 57A

0

220 or 275 list

Cardioid Dynamic.

No pads or filters.

"All the impact of the original SM57 with extended low… extended high…. With a steel grilled…." Full Compass.

"NAH," G1.

USES: Instrument (stage and studio). Betas are extended models.

Mix review of Beta 57A and 58A.

These have a metal grille!

n

!?

n/a

132m (9/24/1999)

124 is ~6% less.

160gc 6/99 w/ tripod boom BMS7701.

2

Shure Beta 58A

320

332.50 list

Cardioid Dynamic.

No pads or filters.

"… has become the world standard for premium dynamic vocal mics…." Full Compass.

"NAH," G1.

USES: Vocals (stage).

Mix review of Beta 57A and 58A.

$340?

n

B

n/a

146m (292/2=146)

140 is ~6% less.

160gc, 170mf, 170gc 6/99 w/ tripod boom BMS7701.

x

Shure Beta 87A

0

542.50 list

?

?

"Leads the field for studio-quality sound in live performance vocals…" Full Compass.

"NAH," G1.

USES:

n

!?

n/a

 

x

Shure KSM32

0

***

?

?

""

GOOD FOR UNDER $500, G1. (not a direct quote).

USES:

Sound on Sound review.

n

!
x?
&
g1

n/a

420g (1X)

2

Shure SM57

(-LC only means Less Cable, no cable.)

190

146 list

Cardioid Dynamic.

No pads or filters.

"… the ‘workhorse’ microphone of stages and studios worldwide. … The standard for drum and instrument amp micing." Full Compass.

USES: Snare, etc. Electric guitar.

"YES," G1.

Instrument (stage and some studio). Because there is no metal mic grille on the end, these tend to pick up hum.

$190?

?

B


&
g1

n/a

74.50g (d.c.=73 minus ~3%prompt-pay=70.81) 8/24/1999

100 mf

2

Shure SM58

204

188?

212 list

Cardioid Dynamic.

No pads or filters.

"The world standard professional stage microphone." ???

"NAH," G1.

USES: Vocals (stage).

$204?

Y

B

104

95.50g (d.c.=94 minus ~3%prompt-pay=91.18) 8/24/1999

99.99 gc, w/stand & boom, AND w/mic cable.

110 mf

x

Shure SM7A

0

679.80 list

?

?

"A fixture around the world… famous for making voices… sound their best. Extremely popular for radio and television, especially voiceovers…." Full Compass.

"INTERESTING. MAYBE," G1.

USES:

n

?

n/a

350g Later? (1X)

2

Shure SM81

618

441.50 list

Cardioid Condenser.

?

"One of the world's great studio or live mic. … The ultimate in precise, detailed sound reproduction," Full Compass, and Shure Web site! (w/o "The ultimate")

"NAH," G1.

USES:

(Add special screens? fc)

n

B

n/a

309 ? (ad, but gc)

fx

Shure SM98A

0

291.50 list

? Condenser.

?

"More than the world's finest condenser musical instrument microphone…" Full Compass, and Shure Web site! (w/o "More than")

"WHY?" G1.

USES:

n

?
or
!?
or
??

n/a

 

x

Sony Pro Audio

0

x

See direct link(s) below.

x

x

x

Back to A-Z List.

x

Sony C800GPAC

"Tube Mic PAC"

0

~$5k

?

?

USES:

n

?

n/a

HIGHLY recommended by PPA. One of Garth's favorite microphones.

x

Soundelux

0

x

See direct link(s) below.

x

x

x

Back to A-Z List.

x

Soundelux U95S

Flagship microphone.

0

3,600 list

? Condenser.

?

USES:

Recommended by Jack Weaver of Audio Video Systems, Seattle.

Mix review: "The U95S capsule is manufactured in Latvia by BLUE…" "The EF86 (a.k.a. 6267) is a tube… Soundelux chose a modern Svetlana tube that is superior in both shielding and linearity over the conventional EF86." "I also swapped in an EF86 … most notable was increased microphonics…. I also found that the Svetlana tube was less sensitive to hum…. However, once enclosed inside the mic housing that made no difference…"

 

??

   
 

ZZZ1

   

Top of table. Bottom of Table.

     

Back to A-Z List.

 

ZZZ2

 

KEY:

** A mixture of List and Sale Prices.
*** GET MORE INFORMATION.

       
 

ZZZ3

 

NOTE:

Prices may differ slightly from "Mics I Have Already" list.

       
 

ZZZ4

 

See also

See "Mics I Have Already" shorter list.

       

 

A - G

HIJKL

M - O

PQR

STUVWXYZ

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W

X

Y

Z

PLEASE READ THIS:

 

To top of "Microphone List Table."
To top of "Mics I Have Already" list.

 

 

 

CHANGED in 07d

NOTE: Print in LANDSCAPE mode!

Mics I Have Already

Mics I paid too much for (well, for some of them anyway!)

#

Microphone model

Price PAID (for as many bought)*

List Price EACH MIC

Combi. 1, BEST Prices Found

Combi. 2, typical m price w/ others

(Combi. 2 is primarily m, except where I had no price from m (primarily early 8/99).

2

AKG 414 TLII

$1999.99

$1,862

1388

g

1520

m

C414B TLII. ULS and TLII differ dramatically. TLII more Neumannesque. AKG-U.S. complained that prices were too high, and are now getting decent prices from Germany.

2

AT 4033a SM

$699.98

$725

586

g

620

m

349.99*2

2

AT 4051a

$349.99

$700

350

gc

! (This price looks like a mistake by gc. However, see this special offer!)

860

m

462*2 normal dealer cost, says m. (Return? G1 says NO. Great price, "a mistake"; offered to buy them from me!)

1

Audix OM-3xb

$129.99

$199

105

m

105

m

1

Audix OM-7

$260.00

$395

186

m

186

m

Sensitivity not so great; OM-6…

1

Electro-Voice BK-1 (Black Knight)

$60.80

$199

61

auc

Get LIST price. $199 is an estimate! auc=auction

61

auc

Bought USED at auction. Check #4194. Came with table stand and an XLR-to-1/4" mic cable.

*2

Groove Tubes Model MD5sc (condenser)

$599.98

599

600

gc

940

m

? - Wasn't sure of price earlier on, but on 8/19, m said that this retailed at $649, sold at maybe $470-500. (RETURN? G1 said to listen.)

2

Oktava MK-219

$299.98

$599

300

gc

300

m

n/a - They don't sell this, said m.

*2

Realistic PZM (33-1090B)

$100.00

100

100

rs

100

rs

n/a – Only R. S. sold this. Cheesy, I know.**

1

RØDE CLASSIC Valve

$999.99

$1,999

1000

gc

Other price $1335g each.

1000

gc

Savings of $335 over g. Yes, price is for two (2).

*4

Sennheiser MD421 II

$1,221.00

$485

1221

g

1221

g

293*3 + 1*325+$17=1221 + tax. ($17 was added, with my permission, for using a credit card.)

2

Shure Beta 58A

$319.98

$332.50

292

m

292

m

159.99*2, I think. CHECK.

*2

Shure SM-57

$166.99

$146

154

g

(77 on an old quote sheet. See related prices in Microphone List Table.)

158

m

$77.00 mic only + $89.99 with mic cable: CHECK.

*2

Shure SM-58

$204.00

$188

178

ad

(Seen 89 in various catalogs over the years.)

202

m

Gift ($100?) bought at A.M. (+ $104? old g price?)

2

Shure SM-81

$619.98

$441.50

618

gc

This was an fc price of 309ea. matched by gc.

632

m

gc price-matched a catalog (fc?). (RETURN? G1 says YES.)

Subtotal


AutoSum


AutoSum


AutoSum


Auto-Sum

Most of the g prices, which were a special markup sale, are maybe 6% lower then the m price.

Tax at 8.6%

$685.58
by hand

No "tax" on auction mics

Total spent on microphones

$8718.23
by hand

(Check "Price PAID" AutoSum on calculator.)

For mic budget remaining see:
Edit Overview—Notes to Barry.

(A divider is here -

- in between hyphens.)

* Prices in "Price PAID" column are from Guitar Center, unless marked in "Amt." column with a *. (For certain mics an amount was added in order to purchase with a credit card.)
** Can these Radio Shack PZM mics be modified for professional use? Would it be worth the cost to modify them? Can they be made to handle 48V phantom power, and to use balanced XLRs? Right now they can supposedly run on 12V, using two 6V batteries that are each half the length of an AA battery. (Some people run them on a 1.5V AA battery, which I would guess does not help their performance.)
*u Used mic.

 

To top of "Microphone List Table."
To top of "Mics I Have Already" list.

Thank you. Hallelujah! HalleluYah! Praise Yah! In Messiah, Stephen.

 


Hit Counter
Since 10/14/1999


Access Audio ™
www.sadsongs.org/AccessAudio/

sadsongs
www.sadsongs.org


© Copyright 2000, 1999 Stephen DeVore, Seattle, WA. All rights reserved.