The Rode NT-5 is a good condenser mic. I recently sold a pair on Ebay because I didn't use them much (it was me, not because of the mics themselves). Inexpensive and useful. Good paired in stereo for acoustic guitars.

I also sold an AT 4033 on Ebay recently for the same reasons. Another decent condenser mic.

I have a 4033 and a SP B3, and if your looking for versatility I would go with either of these. They get used on pretty much every song I record.

these are nice, diverse, and cheap condensers. you could probably get two for $300. watch out though because you could easily get ripped off and buy a fake, chinese made copy. apparently there was a big debochle with guitar center selling them for a while .

Are GC still selling the MKL2500 valve condenser?

The power supply is Chinese, but for $99, I didn't complain.

I'd look at the MXL models... maybe a bit noisy compared to some of the competition, but they have a pleasing sound. A friend of mine has used one of their budget large-D condensers for years and swears by it.

I have a pair of Rode NT1-A's, and they are pretty harsh. They sound great for close-micing cymbals on a drumset, but they're not a vocal mic at all (at least, I haven't yet found the voice for them) and they're only fair on most other instruments. I use them because I have them, but you can do better.

I have some MXL's; the LDC and the SDC. The LDC is alittle too bright as an overhead or vocal for my liking. Great for acoustic guitar or aux percussion. The SDC has a pretty wide range of use. Good for the money, but not the best thing I ever heard.

You can get two condensors with clips for under 100, though... you really can't beat that.

The "Alice" $175

Scott Helmke hand makes these little dream microphones in his basement and sells them for $175. Clear, crisp, great image, works wonders on Acc. Gtr, Overheads, Room, even Voice. Made from 1 inch copper water pipe, is about 5 inches long, built in fet power supply. Check him out on the web.

www.scotthelmke.com
ann arbor michigan

I think Tape Op did a review of the "Alice" a few months ago.

I don't mean to hi-jack this thread but I'm looking for a similar mic (only I'm in the UK so looking to spend about £150), After scoping eBay for all the mics mentioned here, I've found lots of AKG C1000s's that are in my price range. However, after looking at this "Alice" mic that piston mentioned I have kinda fallen in love. It is also within my price range, but higher up in it (about £140 I think). I can't make up my mind whether to go for the AKG (with the possibility of buying two due to the cheapness on e Bay) or the Alice (with the possibility that it is made better as it is handbuilt)

Can anyone advise me at all?

General reputation (atleast that I've seen) is that they are pretty harsch on the high end. I used one once but don't really remember much about it.

I fully endorse the AT 4033. It is a good mic. The KSM 44 is another good one but I don't know how much those are.