6 high-end microphones for vocals & instruments
Røde NT-5 MP
A matched pair of small-diaphragm condensers like Røde‘s NT-5 MP belongs in every microphone fundus when stereo recordings are required.
The smaller membrane can vibrate faster with the airborne noise, resulting in a transient-rich sound. The NT-5 is an excellent match for strings, as well as for acoustic guitar, piano or choir. On vocals, too, small-diaphragm mics can be a real alternative to large-diaphragms.
Web: ............... www.rode.com Distribution: .. Hyperactive Price: .............. 329 euros
Icon Cocoon
A real eye-catcher! Cocoon is a large-diaphragm cardioid condenser microphone that comes with a shock mount and pop shield. With its warm and round sound, it stands out from the rather treble-emphasized competition in this price range. It delivers appealing and detailed microphone recordings of vocals as well as acoustic instruments such as guitar. The workmanship and features are good and justify the price.
Web: ............... www.iconproaudio.com Distribution: .. Sound Service
Price: .............. 579 euros
Weissklang V13
The V13 is a great large-diaphragm condenser mic made in Germany that, thanks to its natural sound without treble boost, is great not only for vocals but also, for example, piano, acoustic guitar and drums. If you want a little more mojo, a suitably controlled tube device will deliver a rich and rich sound with overtones. Conclusion: A great mic with a great price-performance ratio, not just for singing – definitely try it out!
Web: ............... www.weissklang.de Price: .............. 499 euros
AKG C414 XL II
This microphone is a true phenomenon, as it simply helps any sound source to sound good. Whether vocals, bass drum, toms, snare, guitar amps or electric bass - the 414 always works well. 9 polar patterns, from omnidirectional to figure eight, switchable high-pass from 40 - 160 Hz and a 6 - 16 dB pre-attenuation complete the package. Anyone looking for an excellent, universal large-diaphragm condenser microphone should take a closer look at the C414 XL II.
Web: ............... www.akg.com Distribution: .. Audio Pro Price: .............. 909 euros
Oktava MKL-2500
The traditional Russian manufacturer Oktava proves that good tube mics don‘t always have to be expensive with the MKL-2500, whose sound is perfect for voices and acoustic guitars in particular. The basic sound is full and warm, with a discreetly airy treble range at the same time. There are also tube overtones. A tip for all who are looking for classic tube sound at a comparatively low price.
Web: ............... www.oktava-shop.com Price: .............. 563 euros
Lewitt LCT 840
Vocal recordings are particularly well suited to good tube microphones, such as the firstclass LCT 840. It sounds excellent and allows continuous crossfading between tube and FET circuitry and switching of the polar pattern from cardioid to figure-of-eight. Thanks to its richness of detail as well as the pleasant sound coloration in the mids and highs, especially voices, but also instruments sound simply wonderfully musical.
Web: ............... www.lewitt-audio.com Price: .............. 1049 euros