mic and mic pre

I'm just going to throw this one out there - don't get me wrong, I like using pricey gear too, but - my fellow engineering friend recently had a client come in with a Studio Projects C1 microphone. He basically said "this is what I want to use [on vox]." To the surprise of my friend, it actually sounded great. He even A/B'd it with our Gefell UMT70 and said that it held up amazingly well. The C1 is $200. For that price, you might want to try it (at least), then you could spend more money on a pre. rockrev

I will second the recommendation to check out the RNP/RNC combo. This is a nice setup - look at the mercenary audio package that includes a front panel that combines the two together ( ). I work at a commercial facility where I was using a Neumann U87 into an Avalon Pre. At home I got a Rode NTK and paired it with the RNP/RNC. Its not the _same_ as the Neumann/Avalon, but I've been very happy with the results... Just my 2 cents... jt

The RNC and RNP are designed so they can be connected using 2 TRS 1/4" cables (aka stereo or balanced cables). I use two 12" balanced patch cables. This sets the RNC as an "insert" to the RNP and sortof balances the RNC (you use balanced out of RNP). You would then connect the mic to the RNP (xlr), and the RNP output to the Mbox or 002 (this is TRS balanced 1/4" - no problem on the 002R - I'm not famaliar w/ the Mbox )... Hope thats clear... jt

Just looked at the Mbox... You'll be fine. Just connect the balanced TRS outputs on the RNP to the 1/4" inputs (line inputs combined w/ xlr) on the mbox. jt

I have the 3035 and I just spent some money to make an upgrade. I went with the SE Electronics Z5600A after hearing it in the recording studio at my college in 2005 (Fanshawe) and then reading high praises in Mix Magazine and Sound on Sound. It is well worth the $900 (CAD) that I paid for it. It has 9 selectable polar patterns and a 12AX7 Vacuum Tube. It is does a phenomenal job with steel string instruments and vocals and the omni option makes it well suited for a high clarity room mic as well. It comes with a preamp that has the pattern selector dial, a rugged shock mount, a custom cable and a metal flight case. I have worked with the U87 in a studio setting as well as the AKG C12 and I can honestly say that this mic compares very well at a quarter of the cost. If you are ready to make a moderate investment, I suggest the SE Z5600A.