Shure KSM44 Large Dual-Diaphragm Microphone Review

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(More customer reviews)This is Shure's flagship studio condenser mic. It is also the most versatile and underrated/overlooked mic on the planet.
This is the best sounding microphone under $1000. You will not find a better mic for around $600. It is built like a tank, has superb frequency responses, is one of the quietest(7db self-noise) I have ever heard, and sounds just as good as those uber-expensive German mics. With the adjustability of patterns and pads, you can use it on anything. Voice, guitars, drums, up-close, overhead, whatever. The sound when matched to a quality tube preamp is amazing.
This mic has delivered everything it promised and more. I have a decent list of clients that are completely blown-away by this obscure powerhouse. Go ahead and read other reviews online. Everyone is impressed and extremely pleased with the Shure KSM44. I am getting a second one and will keep them forever as the first mics I grab out of the locker.
Thank you Shure! How about a tube mic to top this one?

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The KSM44/SL is a multiple pattern (cardioid, omnidirectional, bidirectional), externally biased, dual large diaphragm condenser microphone with extremely low self-noise (7dB). Developed to meet the needs of studio recording musicians, the warm, rich sound of the KSM44 delivers exceptional performance, tailored to deliver vivid reproduction of voice for the most critical recordings. The KSM44 also offers great flexibility in a variety of recording applications, working well on acoustic and amplified instruments, as its capacity for managing high SPLs accommodates loud sound sources such as drums and guitar amplifiers.

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MXL V67G Large Capsule Condenser Microphone Review

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(More customer reviews)This mic is fantastic! I've been singing, writing, and recording for almost 30 years and this mic is pretty much just as good as all of the silly expensive German mics I've used in larger studios over the years. There's a very slight presence peak, but nothing like most of the other Chinese mics. It isn't shrilling or peaky at all. Male tenor vocals and acoustic guitar sound great without any need for EQ whatsoever beyond a hi pass filter for the sub 100hz stuff. This mic is also an excellent candidate for a Michael Joly mod, he calls it one of the 7 audio wonders of the world because it makes no sense that this mic is this good at under $200. Michael mods these mics and you'd be hard pressed to be able to tell the difference between this one and the famous U87 with the German name that starts with an "N". I'm using it totally stock and it's been great. Buy it.

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Samson C02 Stereo Pair Condenser Microphones Review

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(More customer reviews)[Edited for usefulness on 11/15]
I can't bring myself to be super-critical of the Samson C02, because in spite of my occasional dissatisfaction it does have a lot going for it. I've had my pair for about a year, and I use them frequently as overheads on the drum kit, on acoustic guitar, and as "room sound" mics for vocals.
For the latter two applications they are adequate, or at least I can't complain. Unfortunately as drum overheads they have been disappointing, and this is what I primarily wanted to use them for. To my ears they sound a little thin and lack presence and clarity, especially on cymbals. I like the overheads to get a detailed overall picture of the drum kit, so that's a drag. Another bummer is that there are no switches on the mic - something like a bass cut or -10dB pad would have been nice. Without a pad switch, putting this mic under a snare drum is a recipe for disaster. Or maybe you could just ask the drummer to play quieter?
So I guess when it comes to small-diaphragm condensers I still haven't found what I'm looking for. The bad news is that the $400-$700 price bracket is apparently where I have to look next. On most of my projects over the last year I have been able to use a famous similar type of microphone made by AKG, and the comparison is not exactly flattering. Of course, a pair of AKG's "Microphone X" costs about ten times what you're looking at here. And maybe we've come to the root of why it's hard for me to say a lot of nasty things about my Samson CO2s. They are so, so cheap for what you get, namely: a pair of condenser mics, two mini shock-mount/mic clips, two windscreens, and a sturdy, padded plastic carrying case. My griping aside, these things do a borderline-acceptable job as overheads, and in other applications (such as acoustic guitar) they are quite useful. I would probably recommend them to beginning engineers, people on a recession budget, or to anyone looking to keep a couple of budget mics on hand. More serious project studios and home recordists might want to save up for something a little nicer.

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MXL 2006 Large Gold Diaphragm Condenser Microphone with MXL-57 Shock Mount and Carrying Case Review

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(More customer reviews)I got it for a locution actually, and it's a very good mic. Could be better with a right preamp though, at least better than mine, but from money/quality aspects is a very nice mic with clear response and even nice looking :)

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