Best mic under $300 -- Studio Projects

[sandpiper]

If you haven't picked up this mic yet, be sure to check it out.

Studio Projects C-1

I now use it on vocals, acoustic guitar, drum room mic, etc.

Anyone tried the Studio Projects small condensors?

[elambo]

I'd tend to agree with you, but if you're going to spend $300, upgrade to the C3 and get the additional patterns. Aren't they still under $300?

[Chiba]

Agreed - the C1 is a great mic for the money, but I have a C3. When I got mine a few years back, I imagined using the omni & 8 patters - which I have - so it seemed like a smart move.

Same basic capsule in both mics though, so there's that.

--chiba

[loudboy]

OTOH, I've tried two different ones and thought, along with everyone else in the room, that it was terrible.

Harsh, and cheap-sounding.

So there you go. <g>

Loudboy

[sandpiper]

You thought the C-1 was terrible?

I also have a Neumann TLM and I use the C-1 just as much.


I've thought about getting the C-3, so you guys would recommend that?

[sandpiper]

Also, has anyone tried the Studio Projects small condensors?

[david eaton]

I haven't tried the small ones, but I'm continually amzaed at the versatility of the C-1. I've used it both in the studio and live (the old bluegrass around one mic deal) and am very pleased with the sound.

[LSchefman]

>>I also have a Neumann TLM and I use the C-1 just as much.<<

I am not a fan of the TLM, so I can understand why you'd make that choice.

In 15 years of studio experience, I've found that there is no "best mic at X price point," there is only "does this mic sound good on this vocal/instrument in view of what I'm trying to achieve sonically."

Different projects, different instruments, different vocalists, different sonic objectives...to me these make most mics useful for a given purpose.

I spent a lot of time only using Neumann U series mics; I got kind of uppity about it. Now I use whatever works, even bargain mics like Rodes. In fact, the Rode NTK - a $500 mic - is the best sounding mic for one of the guys I produce, over a 414, U89, Blue Kiwi, etc. Goes to show that a full mic locker is a nice thing to have.

[loudboy]

Originally posted by LSchefman
Goes to show that a full mic locker is a nice thing to have.

Truer words were never spoken. I'll take mics over any other part of the chain.

Loudboy

[sandpiper]

Fully agree. Yeah, the TLM is weak.

Mic locker... slowly getting there, piece by piece!

[thesedaze]

For what it's worth, the C3 isn't just an 'upgraded, multipattern C1'. I've worked with a C1 and as people are saying, for the price, and with a good pre, it kills.

From what I've read, even from folks like Harvey Gerst, the C3 is a little different. Not so much a lead vocal mic like the C1 is.