Best large diaphram overheads around $300

[dagosto]

A friend of mine wants a mic that can do overheads but also vocals and stuff. I am thinking a large diaphram condenser. What's the best one for this situation?

[lukedavo]

Might be worth it to save up a bit and get the most versitle mic out there, the AKG 414. But if $300 is final I would go with the C3000B, KSM27, AT4040, or the NT1000.

[dagosto]

Those are pretty much the ones I was thinking of. He probably will end up with the KSM unless somebody convinces me to get him something else.

[Nubus]

Why not try an Oktava? I've had very good results with those and they're always on Ebay.

[Bellringer]

I have a C3000B and it works great as an overhead. It does a nice job for vocals and acoustic guitar for me also.

[lukedavo]

The V67g by MXL has a nice wide pattern. So if you only had the space for 1 overhead this is what I use, $99 budget mic of course. Without a budget I'd go with a 414.

[Nubus]

The thing about a lot of these low priced condensers is that sometimes they differ from mic to mic. I know for a fact that the Oktava stuff does. I'm not sure about quality control for products made by MXL. I'd imagine the Shure and Audio Technica quality control is a bit more consistent. The best way to do it would be try out the mic and see if you like it first, especially if you are getting a pair and you want them to sound the same.

[smopo24]

why not go with a cheap MXL multi-pattern instead of risking 2 dis-similar sounding mics? they may be happier in the long run.

[dagosto]

He ended up going with the studio projects TB1. He decided he wanted a tube mic. He says he likes it but I have not tried it.

[Nubus]

Originally Posted by smopo24

why not go with a cheap MXL multi-pattern instead of risking 2 dis-similar sounding mics? they may be happier in the long run.

I didn't know MXL made any multi-pattern mic. The reason I wouldn't suggest MXL for an overhead is that they don't have pads on them, except for the 2003 which I heard sounds assy.