Quick Mic Question

[aminadab]

Hi, I'm planing to but the RH1 when it comes out in the US. I'll be using it mainly for recording drum beats with my acoustic set and other acoustic instruments, street sounds, etc. But, I'm thinking that I'd like to be able to record the occasional jazz concert. My question: should I be looking at two seperate micorphones or is there a quality stealth type that can cover everyday recording? I'd really like to get a decent mic. My budget is 150-200USD. Any recomendations?

[The Low Volta]

check out the binaural omni mics from SoundProfessionals... they do offer great quality and with separable small (= stealthy) stereo mics mounted (on glasses) near your ears you get the best/most realistic stereo picture

for instument recording, just set them up with a pillow inbetween so you have the same nice stereo separation for your own peformance

[A440]

Drums are loud, so you will probably also need a battery module like this one:

http://www.microphonemadness.com/products/mmcbmminminc.htm

to record via Line-in and bypass the built-in preamp. As Volta says, get the best omnis within your budget.

[aminadab]

Thanks for the help, guys. It looks like the Audio Techinca AT899 is a really nice mic. It's on the high end of my budget; any experience with this mic? I'm moving abroad for a while and really nice something small, simply and terrific sounding. I can't afford to take a bunch of gear with me. Will this do? Will it do too much? Is there something else I should be looking at? Thanks agin.

[A440]

AT899 is a mono mic, and it seems to be made primarily for public speakers since it has (according to this page http://www.equipmentemporium.com/at899_lavalier.htm ) a boost in the midrange.

For music get stereo omnis. The spatial information you get by separating two mics just six inches makes music far more listenable than a mono mic.

Sound Pros has an omni pair with AT capsules. I have a pair of mystery mics that seem to be the same as old SoundPro SP-CMC-8 with omni (not cardioid) capsules, and they sound great. They're a little bigger and heavier than some smaller omnis--like a big jellybean instead of a Jelly Baby--but they are warmer and richer sounding. The basic BMC-2 (don't forget to add clips) are pretty good too.

http://www.soundprofessionals.com/cgi-bin/gold/item/SP-CMC-8

Edited May 6, 2006 by A440