mxl 992 worth it or not ?

[g6120]

hello folks

ive been thinking of buying two mxl 992 condenser mics for recording and will be getting a korg 3200 next week .

i know i can spend more $ for such but is this example a decent mic for applications for home use .

i would like to use these mics for vocal applications for the most part . plan on using sure 57 for instrument recording and the 992 -

any thoughts from users - hope i can get some input so i can make a decision soon .

thoughts welcomed and a happy holiday to all

[woodman]

i've never used the MXLs, but they look like a lot of bang for the buck -- Musician's Friend has 'em on sale for $129. they get generally good reviews. i can tell you for sure that, in my experience, a large-diaphragm condensor can make a world of difference in your vocal recordings.

[Tim Armstrong]

I have some MXL mics and they're okay. The MXL 603s is a damned good SDC, I like it a lot on acoustic guitar, mandolin and I use a pair as drum overheads. I have a V67 that's a pretty good LDC that I use for vocals, and I have a pair of MXL 2001 LDC mics that are okay.

But for that price, the KEL HM1 is probably the next mic I'll buy. I hear good things about them...

Cheers, Tim

[woodman]

Originally Posted by Tim Armstrong

But for that price, the KEL HM1 is probably the next mic I'll buy.

wow, didn't know about them -- looks purty dang good! if it's got the TA seal of approval, i might check it out.

[octatonic]

They are rubbish.
Thin, splashy, lacking in detail- utter junk.

Get an Audio Technica 4033 instead.
More money, but you will thank me.

[Ben Harmless]

Originally Posted by Tim Armstrong

But for that price, the KEL HM1

...Hehe, probably from me!

Tim, someday we should get together, and we'll just have double everything!

I use the MXL 603s as well, and I've found them to be really great workhorses, but I've heard some of the other MXRs are hit-or-miss. I do own a KEL HM-1, and I'd describe it as the '57 of condensers. It's not absolutely the best mic for everything, but I can get a good or better sound on pretty much anything. It's not a "sparkle" mic, but it is an "honest" mic.

The other thing I'd think about is a Studio Projects B1. A friend has one that he has used to great effect on some mind-blowing recordings.

Personally though, I've been leaning more toward dynamic mics for vocals lately. It's a stylistic thing, but I've been exposed to what too many 414s ($800 condensers) on a single act can sound like, and I'm not a big fan.

[g6120]

well since this is my first venture in digital recording ive decided to get two mxl 992 condenser mics which should arrive soon .

the korg d3200 should arrive today and ive also went ahead and placed a order with musicians friend to recieve two mackie hr 824 monitors .


been looking at two headphone amps -

mackie hm 54 and the presonus hp4

anyone here have one of these examples feedback would be appreciated

happy holidays to all

thank you g6120

[Tim Armstrong]

Originally Posted by octatonic

They are rubbish.
Thin, splashy, lacking in detail- utter junk.

Jim, which mic are you talking about?

Cheers, Tim

[octatonic]

Originally Posted by Tim Armstrong

Jim, which mic are you talking about?

Cheers, Tim

Sorry, I was talking about the Mxl 992.

[ramblinmike]

So Ben, would you recommend the KEL HM-1 for recording acoustic instruments (namely mandolin and ukulele)? Or is there something better and cheaper for such applications? (hope this isn't a thread hijack)

[greggorypeccary]

Not a serious recorder here, I just mess around at home for fun. But I got an HM-1 on Ben's recommendation and it sounds great to me! Putting about 6" in front of a clean guitar amp I get a great sound. I've also used it, paired with an MXL603 on acoustic, sounds great for that too.