Build a Microphone Cabinet on any Budget

Sep 1, 2000 12:00 PM, BRIAN KNAVE AND MYLES BOISEN

           
 

Bare Bones Midline ($700)

By Brian Knave

(1) Audix OM-2 ($149)
(1) Audio-Technica 4033a/SM ($495)

For the dynamic mic in this cabinet, I've selected the remarkable Audix OM-2, an inexpensive handheld unit that I often prefer to the Shure SM 57 thanks to its more natural-sounding (that is, less "hyped") frequency response, and also because of its exceptional transient response. These qualities make the OM-2 an excellent low-cost choice for snare drum and toms. It also sounds great on guitar cabinets, vocals, and most other sources I've tried.

Although I, too, am impressed with the new AKG C 3000B, I'm recommending the Audio-Technica 4033a/SM, a cardioid-only condenser. Not only does it cost a bit less than the C 3000B, but it also comes with the very effective AT8441 shock-mount. In addition, the 4033 provides some useful extras, including an 80 Hz low-cut filter and a 10 dB pad, making it exceptionally versatile for a fixed-pattern condenser. This microphone, which already is fairly ubiquitous in both personal and commercial studios, has a big open sound with smooth lows, slightly attenuated mids, bright and very present highs, and excellent transient response. Its response seems tailor-made for many sources - including a wide range of vocalists, acoustic guitars, and percussion - and the mic is a good choice for drum overheads. And hey, we're still about $50 under budget, so you can afford some nice mic cables, too!