Thoughts/reviews on condenser mics

I would like to upgrade my microphone situation for my home studio. Right now I'm using a Presonus USB interface and the recording software that came with it.

I've been using a Shure 58 for everything, but as with all things GAS related I would like to get a condenser mic.

I'm still in the research mode and my budget is around $300.00.

Your opinions and suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

I always get yelled at but for that amount of money this is the best I've used (new mic).

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/pro-audio/mxl-v69-mogami-edition-tube-microphone/271017000000000


If used then you can add in the AT4033.

for a good project studio mic look at the Shure SM7 or a Sennheiser 421.
both are in that range. I have both and go to the Sennheiser 421 most of the time. It works great for anything you'd want to record. My condenser mics are all large diaphram mics in a much higher price range but I find the trusty old 421 to be a workhorse mic in the studio.

Why don't we just make a sticky.

-I want to buy a condenser mic

--buy a dynamic

I just bought a Blue Spark Limited Blue (http://www.musiciansfriend.com/pro-audio/blue-spark-limited-edition-blue) bundle from Musicians Friend for $189.99 (called in and asked for their best price without having a coupon)

It came with shock mount, pop screen and cable. It's nice, built strong and sounds amazing for that price.

I was shopping a Shure Sm27 and Rode NT1a mics as well and felt this was a more versatile choice for my needs. Reviews say the SM27 is good for instruments, but not as good for male vocals. Rode good for Male vocals, a little shrill for female without EQ or a tube pre, but not as good on the acoustic instruments... for whatever all those reviews are worth.

The Spark gets bad press for useless pop screen (i've found it to be sufficient personally but I guess I'm low on the plosives), the shock mount is much sturdier than the reviews I've read, they might have changed something since it first came out. Works for me. As far as the sound, It works great with my vocals (I have yet to get something I'm not entirely embarrassed about to show you but will in the coming weeks). I like to sing loud and step back 8-12 inches in a fairly quiet untreated room without a reflection screen. I've not experimented with the focus control yet, have not felt the need for it.

The way I look at it, I can always upgrade later but can see keeping this one in my mic locker for years to come. At $189, free ship, it was an easy choice!

I've never priced any of the one piece Blues. We just used a Spark a few weeks ago for a session. It was way more than adequate. $200 is a bargain. I thought they cost more. I have a type B and couple of caps but that's a good bit more than $300. I love it. I'd sure try the Blues since some are in your price range.