Which is the best mic from: Rode NT2-a,Audio Technica Ae 3000,Audio Technica AT 4040,Akg C3000-b......all mics are not over 300 Euro (380 US dollars)....I'm going to buy one of them

The "best" is the one you think does the job you intend to your satisfaction the most.

Audition them before you buy, don't buy based on what others think. What I like you may think sucks.

I'm glad you said that!

@ Moonfish: at the price point you indicate it would be foolish not to include Studio Projects and SE Electronics mics on your shortlist. They're good value.

neumann u87 is very good mic....

The Studio Projects C1 is an excellent choice, best of the lot in that price range IMO.



Billy, did you even read the OP?



If you can buy a U87 that WORKS for that price, buy us all one!!!!!!

FWIW, I recommend against the AKG C3000. It's a bit harsh, not at all flatttering for most work.

I like the Rode NT2-A from that list best but again choice of microphone depends on many different factors: sound source, instrumentation around the sound source, room size, acoustic treatment (RT60), quality of the instrument. It is always best t test before you buy by borrowing mics if you can.

Excellent advise.

I'll chime in with me 2 cents....I love my Studio Projects C1!!! And I mics that are waaaay more expensive.

One should never judge a mic by price, but how it performs. A few years back I was turned on to the Samson CO-2. These things are $120 a PAIR, with shockmounts, and they sound amazing. Live, they are my go to mic for violins and violas over much more expensive "brand" mics, because they sound amazing. If I lose or break one, I can replace it for $60!!!!!!!

I'd say it depends what your using the mics to record and also what sound you want to capture. Just for example - I use condenser mics when recording drum overheads and tend to use a pair of Neumann U87's for a warm sound or AKG C451's if I want a clear one. Lots of different factors to consider when buying.

As with anything it's about putting the right chain together based on what SOUNDS best.