Which Condenser Mic?

[Azzamatronic]

Hey Everybody new user here
As the title would suggest I am having trouble picking a Condenser Mic. I would really like to get an AT4040 with I can pick up from around $300 USD(I live in New Zealand), but I can also pick up a AKG Perception 400 for $450 NZD(about $225 USD) but there is very little really on the Perception 400 on the net, I've searched but I can't seem to get any real reviews on how they sound and stuff.

And of course there is all the microphones in between such as the AT3035, Studio Projects C1, Rode NT1-A, NT1000, etc which could be better options.

Any help would be much appreciated.
Oh and the Mic would be used as a general all rounder(vocals, Acoustic Guitar, room mic)

[mandosummers]

I have a Rode NT1A. I have struggled with my acoustic guitar and mandolin sounding very metallic (not woody as I would like). At this point I'm not sure if it is the the NT1a or my Presonus Firestudio Project. I am going to try some other mics and see whats up (then again, some say mics don't make that much difference???). If I get a chance to try out some other mics I'll post again. Bottom line... if you are looking at a Rode NT1a you might want to try it out first. I can tell you I'm getting tired of focusing so much on gear and not my music... it is a huge distraction.

[Azzamatronic]

Thanks for that, however now I can get a second hand AKG C3000B for the same price as the AT4040, is that a better mic? I read some mixedish reviews.

[garageband]

Spend mo' money and get the much mo' outstanding Rode NT-2A. I'm guessing in that part of the world it's not that much more than the AT.

[brandondrury]

I have a Rode NT1A. I have struggled with my acoustic guitar and mandolin sounding very metallic (not woody as I would like). At this point I'm not sure if it is the the NT1a or my Presonus Firestudio Project.

While I wouldn't entirely rule out the gear, I'd definitely take a hard look at the mic placement.

Tastes vary wildly. One guy's "dull" is another guy's "perfect" etc.

I'm trying to scrape as many of these mid priced mics as possible up for a series for some mega shootouts I have planned. Hopefully then it'll be easier to make a decision.

Brandon

[Azzamatronic]

Originally Posted by garageband

Spend mo' money and get the much mo' outstanding Rode NT-2A. I'm guessing in that part of the world it's not that much more than the AT.

See that is an option I am considering as well, I read some people find it has a harsh top end, while the AT4040 is much more neutral.

Also brandondrury that shootout sounds like it would be very helpful. Probably not to me as I'm buying fairly soon, but I'm sure there are heaps of people like me who need help deciding.