OT - AKG mics @ Musicians Friend

[AL]

I'm in need of a new mic that I can use for practice and small venue live applications.  There appears to be a few good deals at musicians friend on AKG mics. The problem is I can't find any information on these mics.

There is a 2 for 1 deal on the AKG D9000 ($80) and the same deal with stands and chords on the D8000. There is also a single C9000 for $80.  These look like good prices but I can't find a single review - AKG's website doesn't even have the first two listed. Does anyone have any experience with these mics? Are they worth it or should I just get another SM 58?  Thanks

AL

[MarkB]

For rehearsal/live - spend the extra few bucks and just buy an SM58 or two... they really are about as close to indestructible as any piece of equipment I've ever used.

The old Peavey CS800 came close, but...
"-)

[Jun]

If your mixer has phantom power try the Studio Projects B1.
http://www.humbuckermusic.com/studprojb1re.html
It is a very versatile mic for only $79.  Very good for electric guitar, vocals, acoustic instruments etc.
Jun

[Rory]

Check out the OM2 by Audix.  Its actually a better mic than the shure (in my opinion) for the same amount of money.  Its frequency responce is better, you can drop the hell out of it and it wont break (the capsule is spring loaded), and you get more gain before feedback.  It is also more directional.

[petemoore]

I had one of those. What A deal on an amp.
 50 cents a watt !!! They worked just great and were quite indestructible.
 Before those amps came out I was paying more like a dollar a watt.
 SM58's I've seen with smashed windscreens and still 'work'.
 I use an EV757, like the 357 [just a little less hot than 757], there's a little hotter output, I like them for stage mics.
 Other than that it is hard to beat the old pro's singing/instrument standard SM58/or the SM57 for instrument.
 SM57 gets a little more' before feeding back than a 58, because of the openings near the diaphram, [I used to like this cause I could tend to drive a monitor harder to 'fight the amps' on stage, but 57's catche 'mouthwind' real easy, if you pop your P's your best off with an SM58.

[moosapotamus]

I own a Studio Projects B1 and agree that it is a fantastic sounding mic; incredible bang for your buck. But, I would not recommend it for live performing, rehearsals, gigs, etc... It's just too sensitive. Like just about any decent large diaphram condenser, without being able to isolate it, I would expect some major feedback issues. I love using it in the studio, tho.

You can't go wrong with either the SM57 or SM58. Both are industry standards and are extremely versatile. They work well both in the studio and live settings - vocals, drums, amps, etc... No regrets.

For a budget option, around half the price of a Shure, Audio Technica makes good mics, too.

~ Charlie

[AL]

Thanks for the responses.  Sorry for my delayed response - I had a busy weekend.  I have a few SM58's and I love 'em - they're great mics. I was just wondering if the 2 for $80 was a good deal? Since I won't really be taking them out that much "built like a tank" is lower on the list than just getting something so I can here some more vocals.  Thanks again

AL

[casey]

it's hard to go wrong with akg.  i have not really heard the mic
that you are talking about......but i would venture to guess that
it is at least pretty decent for practicing or small venues.

i really like the om2 as suggested above.  i have toured with
one extensively, and it has performed flawlessly.  

i hope it works out for you.

[downweverything]

yeah if you want to go 20 bucks cheaper than an sm58 you can go with an 57 and get a pop filter for it.  it looks a little gaudy but i think 57s sound better than 58s anyway (its not that much a difference though they have a lot of the same parts).  ive had 57s and 58s that were almost completely flattened and the diaphragm still worked fine.  the audix mics are a good choice to if you are looking for a good rejection and gain before feedback... i personnally dont like the harsh high end but lots of people seem to like those mics.  and if you are looking for a tank id avoid just about any cheap large diaphragm or even condenser mic... nothings worse for reliablity than a shotty preamp circuit.