Blue Microphones Baby Bottle Cardioid Condenser Mic Review

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(More customer reviews)I've experimented at my home studio with many mics in this price range... and I've worked in very high end rooms where we had Neuman's and old Sony's. It doesn't matter, if you don't have basic mic techniques down, you can make a 7ooo.oo "moded" Telefunkin sound like the condenser in your old cassette recorder.
With That in Mind...
This Mic Rivals Mics costing three times it's list price to my ears.
Plenty of bottom, well appointed high's .. and a very present but un-screechy midrange. Excellent for loud guitars, snare drums.. even lower "bout" mic-ing on a Larivee Concert Grand acoustic at a slight off-axis proved bright and full. But where this thing really shines, is on Female Vocals... Gospell/Country/Even Pop,, close and warm with low low noise...wow~
I have a "Studio Projects" original C-1 with a slight mod that I use for Male/metal/Pop vocal stuff as it delivers a munch sharper mid and high, the Baby Bottle for Female Vox/Acoustic git/Electric git/horns and Piano... over head, a pair of C-1000's an "Earthworks" drum "set" and a Sanheiser for Electric Bass cab.. and that's about it. If I have a Thousand bucks total invested I'd be surprised. And I'm charging 80.00 an hour (home studios can make money)
If I had only "1" to go do a job with.. It would be the Blue.. I'd really like to buy 2 preferably in sequence and then I'd get rid of the C1000's all together.
Lastly..It's got a "Euro" Vibe ...I can't put my finger on it any better than that. Funny thing about Chinese Mics they all sound the same,,,(except for the SP C-1), None of them have that real clarity without the sibilant shrill top end.. The Bottle is so low noise and silky smooth it's an immediate thing... you'll feel it.
If I lost It..
I would replace it immediately.


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Rode NTK Tube Condenser Microphone Review

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(More customer reviews)Great mic - excellent sound. I have been a pro voiceover artist for over 30 years and have dealt with a variety of studio mics. In building my own studio I really wanted a front end that had a clear and smooth full-range sound. The R0de NTK was recommended to me by another "big voice" artist, and completely lives up to the recommendation. Everyone I have talked to says it's about the best value out there. If you have cash to blow, you can get a "noyyyyyymannnnn" (raise eyebrows here), or you can enjoy the sound of this mic and take the extra $3200 and spend it on more gear. The hard plastic padded case for the mic and power supply are a nice touch. Don't forget to buy a shock mount for it!
Enjoy -

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RODE NT1A Cardioid Condenser Microphone Review

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(More customer reviews)If you are in to producing/engineering and want a super mean condensor mic without spending alot of cash, this is one to get; very cheap with an extremely expensive sound. It does not have any polar switches or any built in eq's, but most all DAW's do have eq's and phase reverse abilities. Plus, its better to cut freq's that are there, then to try and boost freq's that aren't there; the latter is impossible actually. I'm telling you, don't let the price tag throw you off; this baby makes everything sound good. I've used it on vocals, acoustic guitars, drums as an overhead/ride mic as well as a room mic for ambience. I also have a matched pair of NT 5's that are also absolutely amazing. Rode is a great Australian company that makes amazing mics with a 10 year warranty; yep...10 years. Get one, you won't be dissapointed. Remember though, bad acoustics = bad recording sound.

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The original NT1 was voted "Best Microphone at Any Price" by the editors of Electronic Musician magazine. The NT1A delivers performance usually associated with higher priced microphones. Features: large capsule (1") with gold-plated membrane; cardioid polar pattern; ultra low noise, transformerless circuitry; state of the art surface mount electronics; heavy-duty satin-nickel finish; internal shock mounting system; gold plated output connectors; true condenser (externally biased); full frequency response. The NT1A will blow you away! Ultra low-noise, transformerless circuitry.Cardioid polar pattern.Large capsule (1") with gold-plated membrane.Surface mount electronics.Heavy-duty satin-nickel finish.Internal shock mounting system.Gold plated output connectors.True condenser design (externally biased). WARRANTYAll RODE products are warrantied for 1 year from the date of purchase. Your purchase may be registered ?on-line? or by mailing the warranty card. The RODE Warranty covers parts and labour that may be required to repair the microphone during the warranty period.The Warranty excludes defects caused by normal wear, modification, shipping damage or failure to use the microphone as per RODE's Instruction Guide.

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Audio Technica AE5400 Handheld Condenser Microphone Review

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(More customer reviews)I purchased this microphone as a gift to a very talented Vocalist. I looked at many brands and models. After giving this microphone, I received several demo tapes on which it was used. Amazing! What a difference over the 58 wired and wireless he was using. One big attraction is the ability to use the microphone in either flat or low roll off modes. This extends the utility dramatically. I'm glad I went this way.

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M-Audio Solaris Multipattern Condenser Microphone Review

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(More customer reviews)Happy with product, only took about a week. It actually came with a shock mount which that wasn't list to come with it. Thanks

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The Solaris is a large-capsule condenser microphone that sounds as good as it looks. Beneath the stylish exterior lies the best-sounding solid-state electronics available at any price. Vintage design principles merge with incredibly tight manufacturing standards to yield no more than +/-1dB of deviation across the entire 20Hz-20kHz frequency range. The industry-thinnest evaporated gold diaphragm also delivers incredible sensitivity. Multi-pattern architecture provides flexibility that makes it ideal for just about any miking situation--included capturing vocals, guitar, piano, drums and live events. It's like having three mics in one.

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Shure SM27-LC Cardioid Side-Address Condenser Microphone, includes Zipper Pouch and Stand Adapter Review

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(More customer reviews)I bought this mic to record/amp my sax and other wood winds when I am on stage and in the studio. I liked this mic because it is built tougher than others which were meant for only studio work. I like a mic that can come with me on stage and still give me great sound. This mic has excellent noise rejection and allows me to move around as I play and still get good coverage. As a horn player it is hard get positioned around a mic this one lets you just stand naturally and it will pick you up. It is not super sensitive so when I recorded my flute, it sounds good, but it is pretty quite. Probably not great for a vocal condenser, but makes a great amp or instrument mic.

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Shure DMK57-52 Drum Pack + 4 Whirlwind Cables Review

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(More customer reviews)I have been using Shure mics for about five years, all I can say is "they don't break" these mic are tough. I was happy to see this bundle of quality pro mics and cables for such a low price. I am very happy with them. They work as expected. I am currently using these mic on an Album project, you can hear what they sound like at my website [...] buy this bundle best value I have seen so far.

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AKG C214 Condenser Microphone Review

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(More customer reviews)Nice Sounding Microphone. Interestingly I find it to have a similar frequency response to many stage-vocal condensers in that it has a distinctive curve meant to flatter its sound source--flat until 1000hz. This is not a neutral microphone but rather a microphone that accentuates. Your opinion may vary but I think it sounds nice. When the bass cut is selected, and without the -20db pad, it reminds me of a Neumann KMS 104. AKG makes nice mics and for the price it is a nice addition to a collection. I bought this microphone to use in conjunction with a Shure Beta-57 on a guitar cab for live work but also recording. The price, pad, and the frequency curve were its selling points. But it sounds good on anything with a voice.

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Rode NT2000 Vocal Condenser Microphone Review

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(More customer reviews)Everyone should have a multi-pattern mic around for utility purposes and this is the one I chose after demoing a half-dozen of interest (I had particularly high hopes for the Blue Mics). Aside from one super-expensive, and unnamed mic, the Rode NT2000 was actually my favorite by quite a margin. As I regard this type of mic as a utility piece, I was looking for a mic that was fairly neutral on voice/cardioid and without too heavy a proximity effect, airy and crisp on omni, and had to have an attentuation switch.
The NT2000 has all that, plus a rugged build. I've been very pleased since purchase, having used it for voice, acoustic guitar (could probably use a warmer mic here), cab miking on electric, bagpipes, recording ambience, and percussion. I'm especially pleased with the mic's ability to capture detail in high sound pressure conditions.
The NT2000 has continuously variable patterns, not a fixed selection of patterns. It has a variable pad, not a simple cut type attentuation switch, which really helps in nailing the sound without having to compromise the mic's position. Finally, the high-pass filter is also continuously variable. All go a long way in making this a HIGHLY adaptable mic.
After my demos, I went in to buy one mic, got an offer I couldn't refuse on two, and walked away poorer but happier! You won't be able to equal that price, as it was something of a favor, but the price here is good.
Although I love NT2000's sound and capabilities, I'm not wild about the controls (pattern, etc.). These aren't knobs you grab and turn - they're thin and flat. They have an edge pattern, but I can't turn them reliably by trying to grab the edges. I have to put my thumb on the knob surface and rotate it that way. It works and the knobs won't get accidently moved, but it's not exactly the height of convenience.
Great multipurpose mics.

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Shure SM7B Vocal Dynamic Microphone, Cardioid Review

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(More customer reviews)If you are looking for a microphone for voice-overs or broadcast use, THIS IS WHAT YOU NEED TO BUY.
The Shure SM-5 and SM-7 microphones are the best voice mics ever made. The large SM-5 is no longer made, so you can only find it used, but the SM-7 is just as good.Either one, you have the best.
Don't let the price fool you. I have brought this in to studios that have $3000 Neuman condenser mics and they laughed when I said I wanted to use my $300 Shure mic instead.I told them to put up both mics and do an A/B test while I spoke into each of them. The three other audio engineers in the studio had to agree, the Shure was better and it was a night and day difference, not hard at all to decide it was best.
This mic has a warmth and rich sound no other mic can give you.
Even industry publications like MIX MAGAZINE and RadioWorld have done reviews where they did the same tests and said the same things about this mic in comparison to the expensive condenser mics...
--------------------------------------------
from MIX MAGAZINE, March 1998, page 53:
Eric Paul has made a career out of recording country giants like Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash and many others: "My favorite overall microphone for voices is the Shure SM-5. If they can't get a Shure SM-5, they can still get Shure SM-7s, which are still available. If you've tried out three very expensive tube mics and you aren't happy with any of them, then the next step should immediately be a Shure SM-7. I will almost always guarentee you that if the expensive mic doesn't work, an SM-7 will. For some reason, people sound better on them."----------------------------------------------
from RADIO WORLD, February 18 1998, page 62:
Joe Stack, director of engineering for ABC radio said: "When I worked at WATH in Athens, Ohio, I had someone call and offer me ten RE-20s for the three SM-5s we had. I turned him down." ------------------------------------------
from EQ MAGAZINE, July 2006 issue:
The SM7 is perhaps most famous for being used as the vocal microphone on Michael Jackson's Thriller engineered by Bruce Swedien. -----------------------------------------------
Some interesting facts about the SM-7..."When we were doing "Off The Wall", "Thriller" and "Bad" I ended up with 6 Shure SM7's. That is a fantastic mike." - Bruce Swedien
The Red Hot Chili Peppers have used the SM 7 on vocals on every album they have done.
You can see James Hetfield from Metallica singing into a Shure SM 7 on the "Some Kind Of Monster" DVD.
----------------------------------------
Another thing I have noticed in the studio, is that some of my other mics require gating and downward expanders on the mics to get rid of room noise, but the SM-7 doesn't need it. It is quiet all by itself.
And to save many hours trying to edit out mouth noises, clicks and smacks from voice-over talent that use expensive CONDENSER microphones, just have them use the SM-7 next time, and no more wasted time editing out mouth noises anymore.Throughout the years on the Howard Stern Show, they have replaced and tried all sorts of microphones, from the Electrovoice RE-20 to Neuman mics. But if you notice, the Co-host, Robin Quivers, STILL uses the Shure SM-7 and refuses to change to any of the other mics. You can see throughout the years on the TV show that although the mics are always changing for everyone else, Robin ALWAYS has the SM-7 to this day.
Since the Howard Stern Show has moved to Sirrius Sattelite, the show had to buy new microphones, (couldn't take them with from CBS) and everyone seems to be using the same mics they did before. Robin has another SM-7 so she really likes this mic! It looks different now, because she has the larger windscreen that now comes with the SM-7.


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CAD Trion8000 Multi-pattern Condenser Microphone Review

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(More customer reviews)Please note that this mic does not connect directly to a standard XLR mic cable. It has an odd 6-pin cable that connects it to its power supply. (The power supply box DOES have XLR out.)
My problem is that the 6-pin cable wore out rather quickly, and finding a replacement is rather difficult. No one at the music supply stores know what I'm talking about when I ask for it
I am not sure why this mic couldn't have been powered with a standard XLR cable. Whatever the reason, it has turned my mic into a paperweight.
From what I remember, this mic sounded good, but it has been years since I've been able to use it.

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Audio Technica AT4050 Condenser Microphone Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I've been using this microphone for years. I have two of them, actually. I didn't buy them as a matched pair, so one is a bit brighter sounding than the other. That can be an advantage, as I use the darker mic for overly bright sound sources, and vice-versa. I've used these mics with good results in my project studio, on vocals, guitars, and hand percussion, and actually earned a major film festival award for music I created in that studio. I think the mics sound particularly good on female voices (as a number of reviewers have noted). The figure-of-eight pattern offers the flattest response curve, and I almost always use that for vocals. (The cardioid and omni pattern give more treble/upper mids boost--useful for some applications, but a little harsh on my voice.)
Bottom line: This is a well-made, versatile microphone that will do pretty much anything you ask of it.

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The Audio Technica AT4050 multi-pattern condenser microphone is like getting three completely different microphones for the price of one! Meet the studio condenser that captures every nuance. With three switchable polar patterns, the large-diaphragm Audio-Technica AT4050 exhibits a remarkable combination of qualities: high-SPL capability with transparent and airy uppers/mids complemented by rich low-end qualities. Its dual large diaphragms are gold-vaporized and aged for consistent, outstanding performance. A precision-machined, nickel-plated brass acoustic element baffle provides rock-solid element stability and exceptional sensitivity. Ideal for studio use and live sound productions with vocals, piano, strings, drum overheads, guitar amps, and more. Audio Technica AT4050 Features Transparent uppers/mids balanced by rich low-end qualities combine with advanced acoustic engineering for extensive performance capabilities and highest quality Dual-diaphragm capsule design maintains precise polar pattern definition across the full frequency range of the microphone The 2-micron-thick, vapor-deposited gold diaphragms undergo a five-step aging process so that the optimum characteristics achieved remain constant over years of use Three switchable polar patterns: omni, cardioid, figure-of-eight Transformerless circuitry virtually eliminates low-frequency distortion and provides superior correlation of high-speed transients State-of-the-art surface-mount electronics ensure compliance with A-T's stringent consistency and reliability standards Switchable 80 Hz hi-pass filter and 10 dB pad Custom shock mount provides superior isolation

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Rode Procaster Broadcast Dynamic Vocal Microphone Review

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(More customer reviews)Like many podcasters out there I've been using the AT2020 Condenser microphone, complete with a shockmount and pop filter for over a year now. I've had great success with it, however the environmental noise has always been a constant battle, even echo from my own voice within the environment.
Looking at the Rode Procaster I was concerned that because it wasn't a mic that required phantom power that it wouldn't be able to pick up all the intricateness of vocals during a session. I was wrong. The Rode Procaster sounds amazing, even without a tube preamp or compression being utilized.
The first test I performed on the Procaster was simple. I kept it in the same recording environment as my AT2020, but I made sure the dryer was running in the laundry room and my surround sound in the living room was playing as well. My Procaster, thanks to the tight cardoid pickup pattern, couldn't pick up the noise from the other rooms. I would have those turned off and my AT2020 would still pickup noise from the air conditioning or even the fridge running. Don't be alarmed when switching from a condenser to the Rode Procaster, or any dynamic mic for that matter. You will have to crank the gain up a lot more than what you have before.
If you are constantly battling poor acoustics or environmental noise and you want a professional broadcast quality sound, this mic is the one you want.
Pros:
-Solid Construction. It's built like a tank.
-Comes with a 1 year warranty, free upgrade to 10 Year warranty through rodemic.com
-Mic Stand clip is also solid.
-Sound quality is amazing.
-Noise reduction is unmatched.
-Very Low self-noise (less than any other mic I've used yet, including the MXL 007 USB, AT2020 USB, AT2020 XLR).
-Looks professional.
-Nice pouch included for transport.
Con:
-No bundles yet available to include a shockmount
Oh and one last thing, when was the last time you bought a mic and saw a handwritten quality checklist in the box? Amazing attention to detail and quality from Rode Microphones. Highly recommended.


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Rode Podcaster USB Dynamic Microphone Review

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(More customer reviews)For recording my voice (baritone), it does a great job. For extra warmth that means close-miking, which in turn means not popping your p's, etc. If you hold it close to your mouth but don't directly face it end-on, that's easily done (or get a pop filter). [...].
The microphone electronics are extremely quiet - the audio is sampled at 18 bits.
It comes with a warranty which is easily extended to 10 years for free.
The real-time headphone monitoring is a great idea and works well.
It's a bit heavy (part of being built like a tank), and you need to think a little about how you're going to mount it, since some cheap desktop stands can barely manage it.
Some things to keep in mind are:
1) It likes close-miking (at least for male voices)
2) It is USB-only
3) It is a on the bit large and heavy side.
If those don't bother you, and the price is in your range, then you will probably like it a lot.

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