Audio-Technica MB4000

Been playing music for 20 years now, guitars and things. Recording for the past 5 or so, using a Roland VS1680, a Korg D1200 and straight into Cubase (via a Mackie desk and M-Audio 1010).

I "inherited" one of these mics when I took over a project studio setup, and had so much use for it, I got another one on eBay. I don't think they make them any more, but they do crop up second hand from time to time.

It's a cardioid condenser, designed primarily for live vocal use, but equally suitable as an instrument mic. It can be powered by phantom power, or by a single AA battery- which is really, really, really useful.

I've used it mainly on acoustic guitars and as an overhead on drums, and also on various other instruments (piano, fiddle, bouzouki, double bass, and once on a koto)

The one thing I haven't used it much for is for vocals- I have nicer mics which are my first choice in the studio and live I tend to favour SM58s, but I do use these when an acoustic guitar needs mic'ing up live (a much clearer and natural top end than using a 57 for example), and I've stuck a couple of them as ambient mics on stage for live recordings.

In all these situations I've always been happy with the performance, Nice clear sound, no obvious colouration. They don't capture quite as much detail as more expensive condenser mics (I've recently got a pair of Rode NT5s and I can tell the difference), but they still do a pretty good job.

If you're new to recording and need a cheap, versatile condenser mic that you can use on pretty much anything, that doesn't need a phantom power supply, you can't really go wrong with the MB4000c. As you invest in better equipment, it's worth hanging on to, because it's good enough, and you can never have too many microphones to choose from. It's also a godsend in situations where you don't have phantom power (eg location recording) or for live use where you need something sturdy.

Been making music for 10 years, have been recording demos for all the bands that i've been in for the last 5. I mostly use a Roland vs-880ex to record and then mix/master on my computer with cubase and sound forge. My primary listening equipement is my Kenwood surround system and my Sony MDR-V900 headphones.

I like these small diaphragm condensers. I have other more expensive small diaphragms but these help in a pinch where i don't want the others to get damaged. they are not true condensers, they are back electret. for what they are they sound real good. I've used them for high hats and they sounded pretty good. amazingly enough i've also used these on some vocal tracks. primarily very quite tunes where a more in your face large diaphragm would be over powering. they actually beat out all my other more expensive mics in a couple situations when it comes to quite tunes. only think i don't like is that they don't sound nearly as smooth as alot of pro level small diaphragms. i don't think they are being made anymore but you can find them on ebay and a couple places on line.

I'm an experienced recording person, musician and live performer. I record to a Zoom 16 track hard drive recorder.

This is a condensor microphone. It can use either phantom power or a single AA battery. It has a cardioid pickup pattern. It is very well protected from handling noise.

I own 4 of these mics. They all work perfectly and have stood up to road abuse and many gigs. They are excellent vocal mics. They are also good for miking amps and cabinets or for drums. A very useful general-utility microphone. I use them with phantom power most of the time, but the ability to operate independently with a battery has been a lifesaver on a few occasions.

This is the cheapest high quality condensor mic on the market. It is ridiculous that it costs as little as it does. A favorite mic for voice, acoustic guitars, sax, and guitar and bass amps. If you pretend they cost twice what they do, you'll be happy.