Printable Version of Topic

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Jun 9 2013, 07:27 PM

I was curious about what would be the ultimate home studio mic on the budget.
Mic that is used mainly for vocals and maybe acoustic guitars.

From what I've seen online, these two condenser mics seem be be the best bang for the buck :

* Behringer B-2 Pro
* Rode NT1-A

They come with similar gear (pop filter, shock mount and case/bag). The price is relatively similar as well, Rode being more expensive.

Any other budget mic that falls into this price range and that provides best bang for the buck?

I'm always curious about Behringer stuff as I heard some of their gear which was really excellent. In this case, I'm kinda leaning towards B-2 Pro mic as better choise between the two, but this is only based on reviews.

Anyone have experience with these mics?
What would be the best choice for this price range?

Posted by: deeaa Jun 10 2013, 06:51 AM

I have owned a couple of rode mics and I was quite happy with them. They are a sure bet for resale value and quality, Behringer can be hit or miss, and in my experience a bit too often the latter. Buying sight unseen or without testing I'd go for the rode.

FWIW, with budget recording (large diaphragm mics in particular) the sound itself is usually very good in even the cheapest ones. The quality or lack thereof shows first and foremost in how directional they are. Meaning. that when singing fir instance if you move a little, even an inch to the side of the axis, the sound clearly changes. With more expensive mics, you can move much more freely and use the proximity effect and going farther etc. without changing how it sounds basically.

Also sensitivity to pops and handling noise are traits if cheaper mics, but can be avoided with a screen and care .

I don't think there will be much difference in their audio performance, and I'd pick the ride for resale value alone already,.

Posted by: maharzan Jun 10 2013, 07:10 AM

I was too looking to buy the Rode mic next.

Posted by: PosterBoy Jun 10 2013, 08:18 AM

Have a look at Thomman they have they're own brand called T. Bone I've got one of their LDCs and it has been reliable and sounds good to me.

Posted by: deeaa Jun 10 2013, 10:13 AM

Samson also has cheap and good sounding mics, c1 I think it was I had a pair of...good sound but very directional.

Just remember, any cheap Mic can sound even great, but you always do get what you pay for. a few bux more may mean a Mic you get what you paid for ten years from now, ad opposed to something nobody will want used. And in mics in particular....there are always some qualities that simply cost money.

Also, not always us the best sound the best sound , if you know what I mean. If I had to pick a Mic for everything I do, I'd rather have a shure 57 than any cheap condenser Mic really.

You will see rode n1 even in bigger studios alonng with top mics....but you'll never see a behri in one. Nuff reason that too.

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Jun 10 2013, 10:49 PM

Thanks a lot for your help guys!
I'm also starting to see Project Studio C1 popup as good budget mic option - any experience with that one?

Some say that Behringer B-2 Pro might be slightly better (usually due to ability to choose different polar patterns) then Rode Nt1-a but the opinions are completely divided... I'm not sure I feel that experimental though. Also Rode feels more "high quality" just by looking at the pictures so I'm sure the resale value is much higher and it does make sense to always buy quality gear with good resale value for future upgrades.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jun 10 2013, 10:52 PM

There are very good answers on this thread. I haven't tried one but I would go for the Rode one based on comments that I received from many audio engineers and musicians that had one of them.

Posted by: bobg Jun 21 2013, 07:43 PM

I agree with the Behringer "Hit or Miss".
I've Auditioned the RODE NT1A and actually owned the Project Studio C1 AND C3.
The Project Studio Mics were very nice with some added "High-End" emphasis that may or may not work for you.

However, if you are considering a mic in the $149 (US) range, I'd suggest you try out the Audio-Technica 2035 vs the RODE NT1A. The RODE NT1A was a bit more sibilant for my tastes, but it sells well.
FYI-http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/AT2035
Relative to wanting to buy a "RODE" I'd buy the RODE NT2A before the NT1A although it might be a stretch budget-wise.

I've had a fun relationship with the folks at sE Electronics over the years and really like their mics.
However, they don't come into play until you get to $199 (US) however, they may be less expensive where you live.
If you can find a used Z3300A or used SE2200A, you'd be way ahead, quality and sound-wise.

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jun 22 2013, 01:06 AM

I'm by no means a "Cork Sniffer" when it comes to gear. So it's not out of prejudice that I'd say STAY AWAY FROM BEHRINGER MICS. I've noticed the quality seems to drift from units even in the same line

I'd say look at the

MXL 909 Condenser Microphone

Which is tough to beat at that price point. I really try to squeeze every penny out of gear budget and personally ended up getting the step down MXL 990 with shockmount since I couldn't hear much difference. But the 909 does have better electronics and folks with more picky ears than mine say it does sound better

Todd

QUOTE (Bogdan Radovic @ Jun 10 2013, 05:49 PM)

Thanks a lot for your help guys!
I'm also starting to see Project Studio C1 popup as good budget mic option - any experience with that one?

Some say that Behringer B-2 Pro might be slightly better (usually due to ability to choose different polar patterns) then Rode Nt1-a but the opinions are completely divided... I'm not sure I feel that experimental though. Also Rode feels more "high quality" just by looking at the pictures so I'm sure the resale value is much higher and it does make sense to always buy quality gear with good resale value for future upgrades.

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Jun 22 2013, 09:29 AM

Hey guys - thanks a lot for the input. I ended up getting Studio Projects B1 mic. I think it sounds awesome and I got a chance to test it out against Rode nt1a in my room. Rode sounds nice and kinda warm but I liked the character of B1 better. It was a bit more alive to my ears and slightly brighter but not over the top and somehow it felt like it had more details in the sound. Really nice and probably "overlooked" mic! It feels sturdy, quality made and has a neat low cut filter on it and very heavy in weight (in relation to Rode) - I like gear that has "weight" to it

Posted by: tonymiro Jun 22 2013, 11:00 AM

Congrats - that's a nice mic for the money. This may be of interest to you Bogdan:

http://recordinghacks.com/microphones/Studio-Projects/B1

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jun 23 2013, 07:30 AM

Congrats That's a really nice mic. I'm glad you got that one instead of the other two. It's just flat out better Your gonna love it!

QUOTE (Bogdan Radovic @ Jun 22 2013, 04:29 AM)

Hey guys - thanks a lot for the input. I ended up getting Studio Projects B1 mic. I think it sounds awesome and I got a chance to test it out against Rode nt1a in my room. Rode sounds nice and kinda warm but I liked the character of B1 better. It was a bit more alive to my ears and slightly brighter but not over the top and somehow it felt like it had more details in the sound. Really nice and probably "overlooked" mic! It feels sturdy, quality made and has a neat low cut filter on it and very heavy in weight (in relation to Rode) - I like gear that has "weight" to it

Posted by: Mattfig Jul 4 2013, 01:47 PM

RODE makes excellent mics for the money....Behringer has made a few winners and a few dogs...

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jul 4 2013, 03:26 PM

QUOTE (tonymiro @ Jun 22 2013, 07:00 AM)