I've been into omni dynamic mics like the EV 635a for a while, but have found great utility for them recently as I try to record my drums with as few mics as possible. I've been having some fun digging up some old, forgotten mics that can be had for cheap, as I'm on a pretty tight budget. In my search I've found some EV catalogs from the 60s that have some old interview mics in them which seem to give some really pleasing mid-range information. Also found some offerings from Lanier, who it appears cloned some microphones for the Japanese market in the 80s and 90s (I could be wrong about this).
What are all your favorite sleeper omni dynamics?
Re: Cheap Omnidirectional Dynamic Microphones
2Shure makes their own reporters mic (basically a 635a) called the VP64. It's decent but very similar to the 635a. There's also the EV PL9 and RE50 but they're mostly variations on the 635a.
In the not so cheap because they're old and covered in chrome category you can chase down EV 630, 631, 636, 649, 654, & 655 or the Shure 525. These all range from ok to really good but prices are often unreasonable because the mics are old and look cool and as such often get sold as antiques or movie props.
Not cheap but better than most of the mics listed above is the Sennheiser MD211. Also the Altec/Western Electric 633a aka the Salt Shaker. It might be the best snare mic ever made. Again, not cheap but a really great mic.
In the not so cheap because they're old and covered in chrome category you can chase down EV 630, 631, 636, 649, 654, & 655 or the Shure 525. These all range from ok to really good but prices are often unreasonable because the mics are old and look cool and as such often get sold as antiques or movie props.
Not cheap but better than most of the mics listed above is the Sennheiser MD211. Also the Altec/Western Electric 633a aka the Salt Shaker. It might be the best snare mic ever made. Again, not cheap but a really great mic.
Re: Cheap Omnidirectional Dynamic Microphones
3Shure SM60!
DLR vocal mic on the first Van Halen album (for which the input list is kind of hilarious)
DLR vocal mic on the first Van Halen album (for which the input list is kind of hilarious)
Re: Cheap Omnidirectional Dynamic Microphones
4Tell me more. I got a handful of EV 635's for $10/each thinking along the same lines, but I'd love to hear specifics of how you've used them and your results.but have found great utility for them recently as I try to record my drums with as few mics as possible
Re: Cheap Omnidirectional Dynamic Microphones
5635a in the heart/crotch/wurst position (middle of the kit above the beater side rim of the kick) can be a wonderful thing on its own or with other mics. Even better run into an overdrive pedal.thecr4ne wrote: Tue Aug 24, 2021 11:43 amTell me more. I got a handful of EV 635's for $10/each thinking along the same lines, but I'd love to hear specifics of how you've used them and your results.but have found great utility for them recently as I try to record my drums with as few mics as possible
Re: Cheap Omnidirectional Dynamic Microphones
6Yes! Also love 635a's as mono or stereo overheads.a.david.mackinnon wrote: Tue Aug 24, 2021 1:34 pm635a in the heart/crotch/wurst position (middle of the kit above the beater side rim of the kick) can be a wonderful thing on its own or with other mics. Even better run into an overdrive pedal.thecr4ne wrote: Tue Aug 24, 2021 11:43 amTell me more. I got a handful of EV 635's for $10/each thinking along the same lines, but I'd love to hear specifics of how you've used them and your results.but have found great utility for them recently as I try to record my drums with as few mics as possible
Re: Cheap Omnidirectional Dynamic Microphones
7Love love love those old chrome EV mics. I haven't pulled the trigger on any but have seen some go in the $50 range but prices can get ridiculous. I'm dying for a 211, I've heard really great recordings of those on piano.a.david.mackinnon wrote: Tue Aug 24, 2021 7:54 am Shure makes their own reporters mic (basically a 635a) called the VP64. It's decent but very similar to the 635a. There's also the EV PL9 and RE50 but they're mostly variations on the 635a.
In the not so cheap because they're old and covered in chrome category you can chase down EV 630, 631, 636, 649, 654, & 655 or the Shure 525. These all range from ok to really good but prices are often unreasonable because the mics are old and look cool and as such often get sold as antiques or movie props.
Not cheap but better than most of the mics listed above is the Sennheiser MD211. Also the Altec/Western Electric 633a aka the Salt Shaker. It might be the best snare mic ever made. Again, not cheap but a really great mic.
Re: Cheap Omnidirectional Dynamic Microphones
8Outside of the realm of the old, weird, plastic and chrome; around 12 years ago I bought a pair of Naiant XO omni condensers for $49 each.
They were built to order, and continue to excel at whatever I task them with, over a decade later.
Not sure if the company still operates.
They were built to order, and continue to excel at whatever I task them with, over a decade later.
Not sure if the company still operates.
DIY and die anyway.
Re: Cheap Omnidirectional Dynamic Microphones
9They're not dynamic, but I had a pair of these and unfortunately seem to have misplaced the little bastards. I loved them for doing live sound recordings off my digital mixer - I'd just plug one back directly into the board and get a pretty decent capture of what I'm hearing at FOH.brownreasontolive wrote: Naiant XO omni condensers
But yeah, looks like they're still making mics (although not the specific ones I had unfortunately) and I'm happy so I can order another - thank you for mentioning them and jogging my memory!
https://naiant.com/
Re: Cheap Omnidirectional Dynamic Microphones
10super crushed 635a as overheads is a pretty great trashy drum sound. I also like them on guitars along with a darker mic sometimes. Cool mics. Mega cheap. I remove the foam from them as it tends to dissolve and to my ears, the mic opens up a little when it is gone.