A Mic Buyer's Guide: Large Diaphragm Condenser Edition

[@narrator-timothymckean]

Some ideas I share when people ask me about mics: 1. Pick the budget you're comfortable with first, then look at the Audio Technica mic in that rage. It will be a good mic. And a great place to start your mic journey (but probably not where you stop) 2. Quality usually improves as price doubles $200, $400, $800, $1600, etc.. "Upgrading" from a $150 mic to a $200 mic isn't going to do much for you. Sadly, neither will upgrading from a $600 mic to a $900 mic. 3. Anything over $300 (ish) is probably good enough. After that the differences are not about quality, but about features and subtle nuances in the color or flavor of the sound. 4. Know what you're paying for when comparing two mic models. When upgrading are you buying a better capsule, different circuit, more / different polar patterns, body shape / style, or just a fancy badge? 5. If you buy used you can probably resell it later for about the same price. If you buy new you will probably resell for about 50% - 70% the original price.

[@TheRecordist]

These are great points! I covered some of these in my “how to choose the right mic” video. I appreciate you taking the time to write these. I’ll pin it to the top of this video so that others may see it. It’s great advice! Cheers!

[@darrelldoespodcasts6225]

"if i was offered money would i take it?...........DAMN RIGHT I WOULD!" bwaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahahahahaaha I'm not a sell out, I got bills! your wit, delivery, comedic timing mixed with REAL world AUDIO gear knowledge once again delivers on every level. And the award for audio gear awards goes to, THIS GUY!

[@TheRecordist]

Hahahaha. Thank you so much, Darrell! I love when others appreciate and share my type of humor! Thanks for making my day!

[@Dracomies]

Your explanation of the RODE NT1A is so perfectly articulated and concise. I've been trying to explain this in the way you explained it. It's a very difficult mic to EQ, it never quite sounds right. But your video explains the WHY of why that is.

[@TheRecordist]

Glad I could help! It’s the worst to work with. Any mic I’ve worked with in the last 3 years (which is a lot of mics), both cheap and expensive, was easier to work with. I hate the NT1a. The NT1 is much better. Still cheap sounding, but much better.

[@Dracomies]

@@TheRecordist It is so difficult to work with!! :D We have so many voiceactors who used that mic in a voiceacting Discord and I think I only know 3 people who sounded good on it. It's such a weird mic in that it's super bright but also super muddy at the same time which baffles my mind :D

[@TheRecordist]

@@Dracomies it is a universally baffling mic! I hate it. So I made it the villain of my channel. I must have 20 or more videos where I refer to the NT1a as the worst mic ever made. I even have a sing or two where I refer to it as awful. Haha. And Røde can take it. They’re doing just fine. Always punch up!

[@musar03580]

At the turn of the millennium, I was looking for a quiet microphone that would deliver uncolored sound, primarily for ambient recordings, sound effects, and the spoken word. The Neumann TLM 103 was recommended to me. I bought two of them and have not had any regrets since.

[@TheRecordist]

Oh yes. The TLM 103 is a great mic! It’s very crisp but it’s easily fixed with a little EQ or a de-esser. You’ll never go wrong with a 103!

[@northcoaststudios]

Was it me, or was there no mention of Sennheiser in this video?? Thank you for making such a video. Very helpful to many. Years ago when I was looking for my first LDC mic I decided to look at the equipment list of a number of successful VO people. By successful I mean those who regularly do work for big name brands we all know. AT THE TIME (very important disclaimer) the mic that was not $1,000 or more that these people were using was the Sennheiser MK-4. A "cheap" mic as mics go, and well within my budget. I also listened to their samples and they sounded phenomenal. I of course realized they were EQ'd, and had every other tweak to make them sound as incredible as possible.....but it began with "that" mic......of the ones who were not using mega-buck mics. So this is how I chose mine. If you are interested, I would be happy to send it to you for a review, if you don't already have experience with it. For me, it's the mic that does the job I need done, but it doesn't get used much. I never knew Deckard's first name, so thanks for that.

[@TheRecordist]

Hahah. They thanks! You’re right, I never mentioned Sennheiser. I’m sure that name will get dropped a pant-load when I do the shotgun mic buyers guide! 416, 8060, 50, etc! But if you want to be super nerdy, I did mention them a lot, but not by name. Neumann was bought by Sennheiser a while back. Hahaha. I have never worked with the Sennheiser MK4 but I’ve definitely heard of it. I’d love to review it on my channel, but I get anxiety when people send me their mics to borrow. Who knows what could happen on the way here or back? Couriers aren’t like the milk men in the days of old! Some of them hate their lives! But I appreciate so much the offer! Let’s see if I can get Sennheiser to send me one! Thanks, as always, for your always well thought-out comments! Cheers, man!

[@fotoralf]

I'm not aware of any LDC made by Sennheiser. That's what they bought Neumann for.

[@Tomaslaravo]

The MK4 is a BEAST. Great mic.

[@northcoaststudios]

@@Tomaslaravo - I've been impressed with it especially at the price that it was 8 years ago, or so.

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

Great guide to get people up to speed on what is what. Very nicely done. And the NT1a can go kick rocks.

[@TheRecordist]

Hahaha. Thanks, Mark!

[@jacksp8de]

Man I dig your style. You’re hilarious! And you’re right it takes a minute to develop an ear for mics. Ever tried the WA8000? I bought that mic and it was the most I ever spent up to that point. Thought it would be a huge upgrade from my sm7b. I found it to be a bit harsh on the top end. Some people love it though. My fav mic is the Atlantis right now. I also dig the Telefunken TF51.

[@TheRecordist]

Oh man. The Atlantis. So far it’s the top mic on my channel, in my opinion. The Stam is amazing and I would consider it number 2 only because it’s very colorful and not every situation calls for color. I’ve heard the same thing about the WA8000. I’d like to try it one day. Thanks for the great comment!

[@-theNerd]

love the sense of humor, love the set!, but love the advice from an obviously talented and experianced pro-thanks for this and all the rest to coming to a time zone near by

[@TheRecordist]

Hey thanks very much for the awesome comment! Cheers!

[@Dracomies]

I can comment on the 20:56 on the AT 2020. The AT 2020, at the time, was recommended as a solid beginner XLR mic. But today it's just not up to par. Very bright and sibilant. Imo the PROAR 414 (same mic you mentioned) beats it at $30 less.

[@TheRecordist]

I fully agree. But it’s a popular beginners mic. So I mentioned it. The ProAr 414 runs circles around it for sure.

[@AnomieDomine]

Thank you! I'd had a used AT2020 on my list for when I'm ready to spend more money. Mic. Ass. did the Amazon video demo and it does sound great. Most importantly, it'll look much better positioned with the instruments I don't use than my Fifine

[@TheRecordist]

@@AnomieDomine haha. You’re right!

[@mattmarinelli5241]

Give it up for the Aston Origin!! I was so happy you had honorably mentioned it, as it is truly a piece of engineering!❤ With that, it isn’t for every occasion… which is more than okay.👌 Thanks for this awesome video, as well as your others. Subbed!

[@TheRecordist]

Hahaha. Thanks very much! I appreciate that!

[@mikeillgaming4224]

"Take the rode nt1a.... That's the worst mic ever made by the darkest forces of mankind" 😂😂😂😂😂... Measuring tape stories are always on point.

[@TheRecordist]

Hahahaha. Thanks so much! I love comments like yours! Cheers! 🍻

[@jonbuder]

Thanks for the effort you put into your videos, they're entertaining and the decor/lights in the background of your room look sweet.

[@TheRecordist]

Oh you’re very welcome, Jon! I really appreciate the compliments! It makes me feel like I’m doing something right! So, thank you!

[@DRETD2124]

The Rode NT1A is fire 😭🔥 it's sooo good on pop and underground vocals. Hell, Bryson Tiller recorded "Don't" with it. 9 times out of 10 it's never the mic, just a skill issue. I think the main thing for newbies is to learn how to mix/process for desired taste . Overall though, this a great video for information.

[@TheRecordist]

Hahaha. Well, I normally agree with you. You can do anything with anything, and in fact, I say that all the time on my channel. However, the NT1a is not a decent mic. It needs a lot of work to fit in most mixes, and half the time it just doesn’t fit at all due to the distortions. This is my experience. And also, I have made the NT1a the villain of my channel. Haha. Rode can take it.

[@fennixshark2584]

I did not expect this video to be so amazing! This was entertaining and contained a lot of information. What you you think about the Neat King Bee II? I saw down below, that you didn't like the original one but wanted to ask for your opinion on the two.

[@TheRecordist]

Hey thanks! I appreciate that! You know, I haven’t tried the King Bee II. But I’ll try and get one for review! Cheers!

[@fennixshark2584]

@@TheRecordist this would be really amazing! I’m looking forward to seeing your thoughts on it! I’ll have a look into your other videos till then!

[@ragkong]

Thanks for a very informative and entertaining video as usual. Almost at 10k subs, good work!

[@TheRecordist]

No worries, man! You’re very welcome! And woohoo! 10K here we come! Cheers!

[@keeppushin]

New to this page i like it here lol

[@TheRecordist]

Haha. Welcome home!

[@tiagoamarquesmusic]

I share the same feelings about the Neat King Bee v1 as you do about the Rode NT1A. There was a lot of online buzz surrounding it back when I bought it, but I haven't found much that suggests it delivers a nice-sounding recording, after trying it on a LOT of different sources.

[@TheRecordist]

You know what? I agree with you. That mic is highly recommended by a lot of KZbinrs. Yet, I think it sounds kinda cheap. By the way, your buzz pun did NOT go unnoticed nor unappreciated. Hahaha.

[@2MinuteSoundBytes-2msb]

Thank you, now I have an idea what to get (can afford) Vs what I really want (can't afford).

[@TheRecordist]

Hahaha. Not sure that’s good or bad. Hahaha.

[@2MinuteSoundBytes-2msb]

@@TheRecordist It’s a never-ending quandary.

[@ramspencer5492]

Roswell has some interesting offerings.... I'm partial to the Mini K67x with the transformer. Maybe they would send you a review copy.... Their affordable models (under $500 including the formentioned K67x.... Hint) are also handbuilt in the US.

[@TheRecordist]

That’s so strange. I had Matt from Roswell Pro Audio contact me this evening. It seems a viewer of mine sent him one of my videos and he’s offered to send me a mic to review. Hahaha. Was that you?

[@jonbuder]

I was going to ask the same thing, I have been looking at theirs. I like to support companies making things in the US when I can afford to.

[@TheRecordist]

@@jonbuder fantastic! I’m going to be reviewing two of their mics coming soon! Lauten Audio also makes all their mics by hand in the USA.

[@Old_SnakeTwitch]

Perfect timing, thanks for the vid. I've been clueless since the NT1 got ruined, I wish I bought one back then. The sE T1 and sE 4100 seem about perfect, now the question is do I want black or grey 🤔

[@TheRecordist]

Hahaha. Well the 4100 would be smoother and the T1 would be sharper. One capsule is gold sputtered, and the other is titanium sputtered. I’ll be reviewing both in the coming month or so!

[@Old_SnakeTwitch]

@@TheRecordist Yeah thanks for saying so, i realised that and I've decided the 4100 was right for me, I got my Line CM4's for faster response stuff

[@TheRecordist]

@@Old_SnakeTwitch roger that! No worries!

[@barryburns911]

Good Day, Eh! I'm Bob & Doug MacKenzie! I don't own a vintage measuring tape, but I do own a Rode NT2000 mic, I can't seem to find much in the way of recent reviews and/or commentaries on this particular mic. Is there any chance you've run across it in your time preservation travels? Thanks and coo loo coo coo, coo coo coo coo!

[@TheRecordist]

Woo hoo! Strange Brew! So funny you said that. I have a reference to them in one of my upcoming videos! Hahaha. The NT2000. I know of it, but I’ve never used one. They seem highly regarded by many users, though. You may be looking for confirmation bias - which I myself like to do from time to time: look up positive reviews of something I already own. Haha. I’m afraid I can’t help you there. The single worst mic ever made (IMO) is the Røde NT1a. And because I say that a lot in my videos, I don’t think Røde wants to work with me. Haha. So probably no chance of testing it out in the future. Sorry about that!

[@garrrbarr]

I ended up going with an nt1 (signature edition) because it’s for a project where we’ll need 4 of them later on and it’s the best sounding in the price range. Not perfect, but it makes the project possible. Hope that later on we won’t find that this edition doesn’t compare to 4e haha

[@TheRecordist]

Hahaha. I’m sure they’re fine! Four of them? Yes, good call. What application would you use four of them, if you don’t mind my asking?

[@garrrbarr]

@@TheRecordist live group recorded audio drama. One mic per actor, give everyone a chance to react to everyone else in real time during recording!

[@TheRecordist]

@@garrrbarr oh that’s fantastic! What a great thing to do! You made the right call!

[@h1asthemfmoon644]

would you take the SE4400 over a second hand TLM103? Mainly for Melodic Rap and R&B

[@TheRecordist]

Yes. I would personally take the 4400 over the TLM 103. While the 103 is a nice mic, it’s very bright. I’m not a huge fan of overly bright mics. But of course, this is my own opinion. Yours may differ.

[@onedramaboi]

Do you have a video talking about the best approaches you've found to acoustically treating a home space? As with bad mic reviews, I'm sure there's also bad audio treatment advice out there too!

[@TheRecordist]

You’re absolutely right! I don’t have a video about that topic specifically, but I have mentioned a lot of that in many of my how-to videos. My space is wrapped in moving blankets and three rows of curtains. Haha. Literally. That plus entirely too many things crammed in here. This is how I get my good acoustics. I suppose it’s the cheapest way to do it. I’ll try and do a video about that topic in particular. Thanks!

[@onedramaboi]

Thank you for the _sound_ advice!

[@mainsailsound983]

This video was long. It was also great. Thank you!

[@TheRecordist]

Hahaha. Well thank you, I think! Hahaha.

[@mainsailsound983]

@@TheRecordist hey! Me again. I thought I might try to ask you a question, as I don’t know where else to turn. Thinking about getting an LA320 and have noticed the threading at the bottom of the housing. Would you happen to know if that is a standard size? A standard sized thread that might fit perfectly in the lovely shock mount of my NT1? Cheers and thanks again from Kelowna, BC. The great content is appreciated.

[@TheRecordist]

@@mainsailsound983 oh man. So sorry for the delay in reply. Also. A fellow Canadian! I’m in Ontario. Haha. Ok. I will have to go down to my studio tomorrow. I wonder if you might email me to remind me. I get a lot of messages here and they easily get buried - hence the delay in replying. recordist @ thetps.ca I’ll try to screw the LA320 into the Røde shockmount. Just in case you didn’t know, the LA320 comes with a shockmount. Anyway, email me and I’ll get back to you with confirmation!

[@vampula12]

Comment before watching to boost this one:)

[@TheRecordist]

Woo hoo! Thank you!

[@AnomieDomine]

Is there a way to know if a mic will respond well to equalization? It sounds weird but it's becoming apparent that a well designed planar magnetic headphone is a near zero distortion chameleon

[@TheRecordist]

Hey there. Well, the only way I ever know if a mic will respond well to EQ is to test it out. I don’t pay attention to what people say online. The best way is to try it them out. Sorry I couldn’t be of more help.

[@samwallflower7875]

I always learn something when I watch your videos. Thanks for the excellent content. P.s. are ribbon mics like the beyerdynamic M160 good with EQ? Thanks.

[@TheRecordist]

Hey thanks! Ribbon mics are very delicate but can be very rewarding. I’ve never had issues using EQ on a ribbon mic, but I’ve not personally played with the M160. Sorry about that!

[@CaptainMoto]

Rick, My first LDC was an Nt1, as a newbie at the time , I kept thinking I was doing something wrong because it never met my expectations. So glad to see you tell the truth about that, too bad more newbies will never see this 😢 I invested in a sound isolated studio build with lots of absorption and diffusion so, I’ve got most noise and reflections controlled. I’ve been using an AEA KU5A as my main vocal mic and it seems to work well with my voice. ( I’ve developed notable sibilance just below 5kHz) Recently grabbed a Roswell Mini K 67x, as it has a dip just where I need it. Have you tried either of those? ,

[@TheRecordist]

Hey thanks for the great comment! Actually, I have never tried either mic, if you can believe it. I’ve heard great things about the Roswell, though!

[@CaptainMoto]

@@TheRecordist I'd love to see your review of a Roswell mic. I'd bet Matthew Mcglynn over there would work with you to get it done. He also runs a very nice resource on all mics called "recording hacks" .........look him up.

[@Chonke_Monkeh]

I'm really curious as to what about the 25mm variant of the Beifeili c414 makes it your recommendation over the 34mm capsule. As with almost all audio products, the degree to which a person enjoys a particular product is highly subjective and opinionated. However, I'd love to understand your thought process and reasoning behind picking the 25mm over the 34mm. Specifically, whether the decision was based purely on subjective preference, or whether there are/were objectively discernable differences between the two, objectively making one superior to the other.

[@TheRecordist]

Hey. That’s a great question. It’s 100% purely subjective. I made mention at the beginning of my video that most of what I say is going to be subjective. I normally would have chosen the larger capsule but for some reason, I like the sound of the 25mm one. Maybe it’s quicker transients? Maybe it’s more colorful? I’m not sure. I just prefer that one… personally. Haha. There are no wrong answers when it comes to what we all prefer. Haha.

[@brandonhogue4135]

Excellent and very informative video! Quick question: I know you briefly mentioned it, but what are your thoughts on the SE T1/T2 as an all-rounder? I know it's sorta meant as a percussive mic due to its transient response, but I heard that it is also great for vocals and other stuff for that same reason. Thanks for the great content!

[@TheRecordist]

Hey thanks! The T1 and T2 are fantastic mics! They’re basically the exact same mic, minus polar pattern options. The T2 was used by Andy Serkis (who plays Gollum/Sméagol in LOTR) when he narrated the all three LOTR audiobooks. It’s fabulous on voice. Very articulate. But can also be used as an all-rounder. It’s a little less smooth than the 4400/4100 but still fabulous.

[@pathegartyfilmssongs9487]

Which Mic?? You may find this interesting (or not) I find the Peavey PVM 520I (Made in USA) a fantastic vocal mic. Great for VO also. Just my opinion, I'm definitely an amateur/hobbyist. My vocal range would be Baritone and my style is pop/country. Any thoughts......

[@TheRecordist]

Hey there. I have never tried the Peavey PVM 520I. I absolutely hated their amps but loved their USA guitars. So you never know!

[@pathegartyfilmssongs9487]

@@TheRecordist I also use the akg p120. I enjoy your channel very much. Greetings from Ireland.

[@Ed-davies]

My brain and wallet just exploded!

[@TheRecordist]

Ha!! Isn’t that always the case?? Hahahahah

[@trayvonstinnett]

I'm debating on the telefunken tf17 and the lauten audio la-320, mixed use. Anyone have any preference?

[@TheRecordist]

Hey. Well, I have no experience with the TF17 but I hear great things. That’s the new one from their Alchemy series, right? I think that’s a FET mic. Not a tube mic. So, a huge difference from the LA-320. I DO have experience with the LA-320 and I think it’s the best tube mic in that price range. Tube has that vintage saturated sound. The LA-320 has a really pleasing and rounded low end. I friggin love that mic. The TF-17 might sound more like a U87 with a mid-forward sound. The price looks doubled on the TF17 from the LA-320. It all comes down to what sound you’re after. Have you seen my LA-320 video?

[@trayvonstinnett]

@@TheRecordist yeah i heard it's a bit darker than the tf11, which I think would suit me a bit better. Might just pull the trigger, it'll be my first tube mic coming from the video side of audio, ie deity shotgun mic and rode wireless pro. Trying to do my due diligence.

[@trayvonstinnett]

@@TheRecordist I've got the tab open right now. I'll do some more research on fet mics, thanks for the reply

[@TheRecordist]

@@trayvonstinnett understood! It’s a great mic! Say, you said you had a Deity shotgun. Which one? I have an S-Mic 2.

[@trayvonstinnett]

@@TheRecordist The v-mic d3 pro. I think, like 5 years old.

[@narrator-timothymckean]

I was kind of sad that you didn't measure any of the mics. You know... this measuring tape was actually made by BLUE, by actual musicians before they were popularized by Apple, and then bought by Logitech.

[@narrator-timothymckean]

Crap... commented too soon. 🤦‍♂

[@TheRecordist]

Hahahahaha. I snuck it in right at the end!

[@mikebauer6917]

Sigh, untreated, ground floor NYC apartment with multiple kids and a fire department on the block…dynamic mic guy obviously.

[@darrelldoespodcasts6225]

i would be interested in knowing if something like those vevor isolation balls or the more expensive kaotica eye would work in your situation? Also, covering a closet in temu sound isolation tiles and cheap walmart comforters might do the trick to help....???

[@mikebauer6917]

They might. Fortunately my professional mic needs are modest. I’m a scientist who does way too many online meetings. I am often the only native English speaker with English being the agreed upon common language. As crazy as it seems, it is worth it to me to use pro audio equipment and techniques to ensure that I am as easy to understand as possible. Over time my colleagues have slowly dropped their laptop mics and speakers to understand and be understood in the same way. As a side bonus I can record my guitar and singing with way better equipment than it deserves. Re20 and Sm7b being my main jams.

[@darrelldoespodcasts6225]

@@mikebauer6917 i have 2 re20's and 2 re320's love them both! do you use cloud lifters?

[@TheRecordist]

I didn’t know that about you, Mike. What’s your particular field of science? Hey man, the RE20 and SM7b are fabulous mics! NYC apartment with multiple kids? Oh man. I feel for you! Plus a fire department nearby? Oh man. Sounds like an isolation booth might be something you’d want to look into. Whisper Room or Studio Bricks are too choices. When you see the prices, you’ll barf, but you might be able to trade a kid or two for one. Hahaha. I’m kidding. I’ve got a couple myself!

[@TheRecordist]

I have an RE320 and it’s nice. I’ve worked with the RE20 many many times, but I think I’m going to grab one again.

[@windpeoples]

Androids do dream of electric sheep. So you probably do too.

[@TheRecordist]

Hahahaha. You know it!