Large Diaphragm Condenser Mics?

[Rivers]

Looking to use the mic for acoustic recordings and was looking at a AT4040 for $290. Are there any other recommended large diaphragm condenser microphones under $350?

[Rudy4]

There's a lot of sub-$300 LDCs available. I like my Roswell Mini K47 a bunch.

You can find a lot of Youtube review of it, here's one:

[phcorrigan]

I use an ADK Hamburg for vocals and an ADK Vienna for guitar.

[Chipotle]

They are only demoing vocals, but check out the Sweetwater LDC shootout. Plenty of choices under (and over!) $350 and listening might give some idea of the differences between mics.

I recommend downloading the full-quality audio files and demoing them in your DAW through good speakers so you can easily A/B. At the very least, download and listen through good speakers. Listening to the web samples on computer speakers won't be a good test.

Also, check out this gearslutz article: Ten Best Vocal Mics under $300. Again vocal-focused but most of these would do well on acoustic guitar too.

[DukeX]

Any will do fine. The AT4040 is a good all around mic.

I like my 3U Audio Teal CM1 a lot on acoustic.

A few years back I remember reading that the AT4033 was very popular in Nashville for acoustic, but you'd probably need to buy it used.

[alohachris]

Aloha,

I recommend that you audition vocal mic's. Do a shoot-out of 2-3 LDC's. Then let your voice make the final decision. You should also audition one LDC upwards of $1K for comparison's sake, as a control mic.

IMO, LDC's start getting more interesting north of $1K. Try to find a used Mojave-200 or 300. Better than the cheaper mic's for most voices. I bought one used 10 years ago for $600. Love how open it sounds.

Let your voice decide.

Online files only provide the smallest snap-shot of what you need to see value in any mic. Audition on your home rig.

Good Luck!

alohachris

[Jgavin]

The Vanguard V4 sells new for $399, so it's just outside of your budget. I mention it because I think captures acoustic guitar really well. It also works well for vocals.