Small dia. Cond.?

[lukedavo]

Does anyone have any suggestions for a cheap decent pair of small dia cond.?
I'm looking for something that can pick up nice smooth lows and mids, but also has a sweet sparkle to the highs. Looking at the MXL's, Rode's, and AT Pro 37's.
What do you have experience with, and what has the best overall rating?

[Whoopysnorp]

For a bargain, I don't think you can beat the MXLs. I have the 603s, which are discontinued now, but from what I understand the 604 is the same mic with an added bass roll-off and pad. I mostly use my 603s for drum overheads, and I find the top end to be bright but not brittle. It's not as smooth as the Rodes would be, but of course those mics cost quite a bit more than the MXLs. I would like to upgrade to a more expensive pair of small diaphragm condensers at some point, but the MXL603s will always have a place in my mic collection.

I'm rather curious about those Pro 37s--I'd like to know how those stack up against the competition. Has anybody used them?

[clineaudio]

I'm rather curious about those Pro 37s--I'd like to know how those stack up against the competition. Has anybody used them?[/quote]

Actually I have a pair of the pro37r ...have been really surprised at how good they sound on just about everything. As some of you may know, I do a bit of classical recording and have found those to work very well, I've tried other pairs, some of which imparted unnattural, ugly tones to the instruments. Everytime something doesn't work, I go to those. They have sounded great on just about everything I've put in front of em. I even used them for ADR recording that I wanted to sound a little "thin" to emulate "outdoor" voices. They spec a roll off around 16k, but I don't really feel like I'm missing much. Not a ton of low end though, as you'd expect from small dia. mic, but in a "neutral" manner...no "thinness". Just a bit of a "bite" up top (6-8k???) but sound overall is very flattering. Ixnay on trying those for a close-ish mic on acoustic guitar, such as you might use a 451, that little bump was very unflattering in this application

Secondly for a little more detail, and particularly a bit of top end, I'd check out the SM81s, which I also have. Of course the best app I've heard for these is OH, but... Definitely a little rise towards the top and upper mids (going by ear), but there's also more mid and high detail overall...and pricing would indicate the same. Have used for acoustic gtr, as spot mic or for secondary mic a few feet out with usable results.

I'd still say AKG 451 are some of the best small dia, multi-purpose mics avail.

[dagosto]

I've been recording some more uncommon instruments lately (eg. orchestral bells, recorder, clairinet) and have gone with the SM81 prettty extensively on these. One thing I've noticed lately is how well the mic responds to eq. I would reccomend it if you have the cash.

[smopo24]

Originally Posted by dagosto

I've been recording some more uncommon instruments lately (eg. orchestral bells, recorder, clairinet) and have gone with the SM81 prettty extensively on these. One thing I've noticed lately is how well the mic responds to eq. I would reccomend it if you have the cash.

i've used the 81 on several things with good expierences: snare top, high hat, overheads, acoustic guitars, etc. it's a good mic for the money.

[Nubus]

I used the AKG C391 a whole bunch in college. Jack Alexander called it "brash".