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Audix VX-5
list $299
A hand-held condenser originally designed for vocals, the VX-5 does a surprisingly good job at instrument mic’ing if you need something that can work double duty. This mic has a great punch, lots of warmth and low noise, making it a strong choice for solo guitarists. The mids are clear and there’s plenty of definition between strings. You can hear the flatpick moving but it’s never harsh. This mic would be a great choice for recording an overly bright guitar or for smoothing out a big dynamic range.
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MXL 604
list $179.95
The MXL 604 has a lot of warmth and solid-sounding mids. It is very well balanced mic, with nothing nasal or harsh anywhere in the spectrum. It lacks some depth in the lows and sparkle in the highs, but if you need to capture more midrange, check this one out. It also features -10dB switchable attenuation, low-frequency roll-off and an interchangeable omni-directional capsule.
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CAD GXL1200
list $99
An inexpensive, low noise cardioid condenser mic, the GXL1200 proved to be remarkably versatile in the studio. The sound is pleasing, if slightly nasal. It captured plenty of pick noise, but coupled with a good de-esser this should be no problem. Everything we recorded came out sounding great, making the GXL1200 a terrific, all-around workhorse.
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AKG Perception 150
list $279.95
Sonically, the Perception 150 is similar to the MXL 604, with slightly more presence in the high-end and a little more boom on the bottom. There’s nothing nasal, and you can hear every string clearly across the spectrum. This mic also features a -10dB pad.
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AKG C 1000 S
list $350
The C 1000 has been a studio standard forever, renowned for their fantastically warm sound. Clean, crisp and lively throughout the entire sound spectrum, this mic can work in the studio and onstage as a great ensemble mic. A PB 1000 Presence Boost adapter is also available, which provides an additional 5dB high-frequency peak, adding brilliance in the 5 to 9kHz range. As an added bonus, it can operate either on phantom power or a standard 9V battery.
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Shure SM81
list $591.60
The SM81 is an old friend and studio standby. It offers plenty of detail but the mids sounded slightly thick with our guitar and the bass rolled off a little too soon. Depending on the sound you’re after and the guitar you’re using, it may or may not work for you – guitars needing some midrange love will benefit from this mic. It has a 3-position low-cut filter, and it’s worth noting that this thing is built like a tank (as is most Shure stuff).
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Sterling ST33
list $199
Designed by Groove Tubes for Guitar Center, the Sterling incorporates a thin, 6-micron evaporated gold Mylar diaphragm and Class A FET electronics. What does that mean for you? The ST33 is hotter, the mids are warmer and there’s more detail. The added clarity delivers a brighter spectrum than either the MXL or the AKG. Toss in a -15dB pad and a low-cut fi lter, and you’ve got a great value.
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sE Electronics sE4
list $399, stereo pairs $749
Replacing the sE3, the sE4 includes interchangable hypercardioid and omni-directional capsules. It’s not an easy concept to describe, but listening to recordings of the sE4 reveals some “extra space” above and below the sound, as if the room suddenly increased in size. It’s a very balanced sound, and you can hear every detail without harshness or brittle pick noises. It features both a low-cut fi lter and a -10dB pad.
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RØDE M3
list $199
The M3 seems tailor-made for acoustics with warm midrange and plenty of bass response. This mic would be ideal for mixes where the guitar needs to shine through and would be a true companion for ensemble work. It has a lot of features for the price, including a battery power option, three pad settings (0, -10dB, -20dB) and a switchable high-pass filter.
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Audio-Technica ATM450 Side Address
list $369
The ATM450 is a side address condenser, making it handy to have around when you need different placement options – luckily, this one captures acoustic guitars beautifully. It’s incredibly rich and big sounding, and with low noise, you can hear every detail. This is a reasonably priced mic that performs like a far more expensive model. It includes an 80Hz high-pass filter and a -10dB pad.
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