Large diaphragm condenser microphones for less than $150

Special Interest Groups Recording Equipment
1

What is the best large diaphragm condenser microphone for less than 150 bucks?

2

I’ve got one of each of these and they are both quite amazing for the price:
http://www.thomann.de/gb/the_tbone_sc450.htm
http://www.thomann.de/gb/the_tbone_sc1100_grossmembranmikrofon.htm
(not sure if they are available in the US.)

Also, the Samson mics seem to have a pretty solid reputation, as do the SE Electronics SE 2000 and X1 and the Rode NT1-A.
There’s a review of the X1 here: http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/feb10/articles/x1bundle.htm )

The SE Electronics Gemini range are all pretty awesome, but unfortunately a bit out of the price range.

3

Thanks, Steve.

4

My only experience is with the T-Bone mics and they usually have a very nice quality/price ratio.

I also have a T-Bone SC1100 and I’m quite happy with it, might be a bit over your budget but I think it’s worth it. I haven’t tried the slightly more expensive SC1200, but I’d bet it’s probably a good choice too.

On the cheaper side, beside the SC450 Steve mentioned you also have the SC600. I have no experience with either of them though.

T-Bone is a german brand, not sure how much more expensive they can be outside europe… Like Steve said Samson also has some good reputation for quality/price ratio, on that price range.

5

My brother gave me a SE2200a mic and I’m having lots of fun.

6

I’ve used and modified low-end (mostly Chinese) large diaphram condenser microphones for years and for the money, the Thomann SC1200 is a great mic. Yes, it’s available in the USA. Compared to other brands, like MXL for one example, the Thomann SC1200 has the glassy sound around 10Khz to 11Khz that’s typical in these Chinese mics, but the build quality of the Thomann is excellent for mics in this price range. For what it’s worth, you can find mic mod kits (a few capacitors) for less than $20 USD on ebay and RK87 or RK47 replacement capsules for less than $30 USD. If you’re handy with soldering you might be able to “warm” the sound of cheap condensers, but don’t try it if you’re not comfortable soldering delicate printed circuit boards. I do it for fun and I like the sound of the modded mics better than higher-priced clones of classic mics like the Neumann U87 and/or U47. Bottom line: If you like DIY projects, you can buy and modify a mic for less than $200 USD that’ll sound as good or better than clones that sell for $600 or more. Not for everyone, but a fun hobby for some.

7

How would you compare the tonal character of a stock Thomann SC1200 to one you have modded with an RK87 capsule and upgraded capacitors especially in terms of midrange warmth and high end smoothness.