Low-end LDCs that aren't "bright?"

bill5 🎙️ · 27th February 2023

A nagging complaint of low-end LDCs I keep hearing is being overly bright. Of those you've tried (for the sake of argument, let's call "low end" $250ish or less new), any worthwhile ones that you didn't think had this issue?

Reve Vague · 27th February 2023

I have the Roswell Mini K47 and it's terrific. Mellow top end, not overly large and boosted bottom and thick mids. Just a fantastic piece. I got mine used for around $220.
Roswell released a mini k87 recently as well but I haven't had a chance to play with it. Great company and great gear.

bgood · 27th February 2023

Hey… check out an oktava 219 or 319!

Scragend · 27th February 2023

The Lewitt LCT 440 Pure isn't overly bright by budget LDC standards - a really nice mic within your stated budget and feels really nicely made.

Scragend · 27th February 2023

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reve Vague ➡️

I have the Roswell Mini K47 and it's terrific. Mellow top end, not overly large and boosted bottom and thick mids. Just a fantastic piece. I got mine used for around $220.
Roswell released a mini k87 recently as well but I haven't had a chance to play with it. Great company and great gear.

Mini K47 would be my choice but over the OP's budget!

bill5 🎙️ · 27th February 2023

Quote:

Originally Posted by bgood ➡️

Hey… check out an oktava 219 or 319!

Thanks but I think they fall outside of the stated budget. I say "I think" because I can't tell based on their train wreck of a web site and going mostly on memory...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scragend ➡️

The Lewitt LCT 440 Pure isn't overly bright by budget LDC standards - a really nice mic within your stated budget and feels really nicely made.

Wow funny you mention that - I try not to get too wrapped up in specs, but this mic specs out better than many mics costing much more.

Scragend · 27th February 2023

Quote:

Originally Posted by bill5 ➡️

Thanks but I think they fall outside of the stated budget. I say "I think" because I can't tell based on their train wreck of a web site and going mostly on memory...

Wow funny you mention that - I try not to get too wrapped up in specs, but this mic specs out better than many mics costing much more.

It's not a dark mic - but it doesn't rip your head off either - it has nice edgy mids - a bit like a 47 but with a brighter top-end. What is the mic going to be used for? Vocals? For rich proximity effect the good old Rode NT1 (note NT1 not NT1A) still sounds warm when you get on top of it - but I think the 440 is a better all-rounder - no apologies needed for the price. A good quality mic at a great price.

bill5 🎙️ · 27th February 2023

Yes, my bad, should have mentioned it's for vocals.

Scragend · 27th February 2023

Quote:

Originally Posted by bill5 ➡️

Yes, my bad, should have mentioned it's for vocals.

No probs, but just to make sure (I don't want to give the wrong impression) the LCT is bright - just not in a nasty or excessive way - the mids are really nice and it takes EQ well. It doesn't have the usual fizzy ultra hyped top-end of most cheap LDCs. The included magnetic pop shield is really convenient and does a decent job.

bgood · 27th February 2023

Quote:

Originally Posted by bill5 ➡️

Thanks but I think they fall outside of the stated budget. I say "I think" because I can't tell based on their train wreck of a web site and going mostly on memory...

Wow funny you mention that - I try not to get too wrapped up in specs, but this mic specs out better than many mics costing much more.

Buy it used!

https://reverb.com/item/63206749-okt...ntent=63206749

Jiroito · 27th February 2023

I'm trying to answer the same question as OP and i'm watching closely the Wa47-JR (multi patterns, doesn't look like having bright highs)

moshuajusic · 27th February 2023

Took me a whole minute of confusion to realize this thread is not about screens.

Chip Booth · 27th February 2023

Blue Baby Bottle can be found used around $250.00. It is a much rounder, smoother option than most inexpensive condensers I have worked with (which admittedly is not that many).

peachcasti · 28th February 2023

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scragend ➡️

The Lewitt LCT 440 Pure isn't overly bright by budget LDC standards - a really nice mic within your stated budget and feels really nicely made.

Hard disagree, in my experience the 440 is so bright it makes the Rode NT-1A sound dark in comparison. It's also hyper sensitive to comb filtering so it's not the best choice for a home studio IMO.

The Roswell Mini line is where it's at for cheap LDCs. If you buy used it's right in your price range and that's a mic you'll keep using even if you get much nicer ones down the road.

bill5 🎙️ · 28th February 2023

Again folks, talking new only FYI.

Deleted 97705a9 · 28th February 2023

How is the MXL Revelation Fet Mini?

Neat mics?

Stellar X2 Vintage?

512 Skylight?

Not familiar with any of them, but maybe someone can chime in if any of them would work.

Scragend · 28th February 2023

Quote:

Originally Posted by peachcasti ➡️

Hard disagree, in my experience the 440 is so bright it makes the Rode NT-1A sound dark in comparison. It's also hyper sensitive to comb filtering so it's not the best choice for a home studio IMO.

The Roswell Mini line is where it's at for cheap LDCs. If you buy used it's right in your price range and that's a mic you'll keep using even if you get much nicer ones down the road.

I concur mini K47 is the best choice but over budget. As for brightness - I guess it might very much depend on the circumstances/room etc. As I said it IS bright but I didn't find it piercingly so. I didn't hear any comb filtering, I have an NT1A I dislike the top-end more than the LCT 440. I wonder with these cheap mics that the tolerances could shift enough to change perceptions!

peachcasti · 28th February 2023

Quote:

Originally Posted by bill5 ➡️

A nagging complaint of low-end LDCs I keep hearing is being overly bright. Of those you've tried (for the sake of argument, let's call "low end" $250ish or less new), any worthwhile ones that you didn't think had this issue?

In this case, I agree with Scragend. It's either a Rode NT-1A or a Lewitt LCT 440. Within this price range, you sort of get what you pay for. You're not going to get a jump in quality unless you're willing to pony up for a Roswell, Sony C-80 or Shure KSM32.

Is your room treated? If not, an LDC is not the best option and you might be better off going with a Beyerdynamic M201TG.

Scragend · 28th February 2023

Quote:

Originally Posted by peachcasti ➡️

In this case, I agree with Scragend. It's either a Rode NT-1A or a Lewitt LCT 440. Within this price range, you sort of get what you pay for. You're not going to get a jump in quality unless you're willing to pony up for a Roswell, Sony C-80 or Shure KSM32.

Is your room treated? If not, an LDC is not the best option and you might be better off going with a Beyerdynamic M201TG.

I'd say NT1 over an NT1A. Smoother top-end. Would just squeeze in on the budget. (I think!)
(edit) as a new model of NT1 has just been released the previous model should be on sale - might find a bargain!

bill5 🎙️ · 28th February 2023

I've heard enough about the poor top end of the NT1-A to avoid, thanks. PS not looking to buy anything tomorrow, just interested in general experiences and opinions for now. Thanks for the replies!

Scragend · 28th February 2023

Quote:

Originally Posted by bill5 ➡️

I've heard enough about the poor top end of the NT1-A to avoid, thanks. PS not looking to buy anything tomorrow, just interested in general experiences and opinions for now. Thanks for the replies!

Agreed, the NT-1A has that scratchy top-end I don't like. The NT1 is better - still not warm though - although with proximity effect it sounds nice. What's bugging me is how I heard the LCT 440 to be smoother while peachcasti thinks it's even worse! Amazing how two people can have such different experiences.

bill5 🎙️ · 28th February 2023

Yeah you guys need to get your stories straight. ;-)

I purposely picked the $250 cutoff because once you get up around $300+, there are numerous mics available where this doesn't appear to be a problem. I guess I'm looking for those diamonds in the rough. Nothing that's going to put Neumann out of business, but punches above its price.

Scragend · 28th February 2023

Quote:

Originally Posted by bill5 ➡️

Yeah you guys need to get your stories straight. ;-)

I purposely picked the $250 cutoff because once you get up around $300+, there are numerous mics available where this doesn't appear to be a problem. I guess I'm looking for those diamonds in the rough. Nothing that's going to put Neumann out of business, but punches above its price.

I still like the forward mids of the LCT 440 - which isn't common at this price range - I found if you roll off the top-end in post you get a 47 like rasp in the mids. It will be interesting if someone can come up with a warm LDC at this price - I'd buy one too!

Perhaps I can't hear the ultra scratchy tops - I am an old fart after all!

Deleted 97705a9 · 28th February 2023

Any MXL's fit this category? V87? V88? I have not used them. Just throwing stuff out there that I know is under $250 that I would like to hear someday.

bill5 🎙️ · 28th February 2023

PS I am not looking for a "warm" LDC per se - hell that's what ribbons are for

Just one that's not overly bright.

bill5 🎙️ · 28th February 2023

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deleted 97705a9 ➡️

Any MXL's fit this category? V87? V88? I have not used them. Just throwing stuff out there that I know is under $250 that I would like to hear someday.

The 67 is touted as "warm" but I think it's just MXL that touts that.

peachcasti · 28th February 2023

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scragend ➡️

What's bugging me is how I heard the LCT 440 to be smoother while peachcasti thinks it's even worse! Amazing how two people can have such different experiences.

I think it's most likely the type of design, the Rode is trying to emulate German designs while the Lewitt is 414 through and through... I love 414s but my issue with the Lewitt was the very top end. It's airy but in a way that makes it sound harsh on some sources.

To throw another name in the ring, the Neat King Bee is serious bang for buck even though it's not "warm", the tone is really nice for the price. I think I like it better than both the NT1 and the 440.

Jaff67 · 28th February 2023

Does the 3U CM1 Black count? It's cheap enough. I know the 3U Warblers actually have treble roll-off "voicing" switches, but they might be $50 over your price limit.

B88 · 28th February 2023

I have had and have some Lewitts. I don't care for the Rode's mentioned. The Lewitts are not dark at all. I mostly agree with Scragend's description. The brightness is more airy and not bothersome and they have more mids than some cheap LDCs. They also take EQ better than other cheap condensers. Most cheap condensers have a brittle brightness that EQ doesn't seem to get rid of very well.

James Lehmann · 28th February 2023

A used KSM32 would fit the bill - lovely-sounding, smooth LDC for vocals.

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