Build a Microphone Cabinet on any Budget

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

           
 

Bare Bones Deluxe ($3,500)

By Myles Boisen

(1) Sennheiser MD 421 II ($485)
(1) Neumann U 87 AI/SET A ($3,010) The Sennheiser MD 421 II is one of my favorite dynamic microphones. It has a defined, rich tone that works great on electric guitar and drums, and it features a useful onboard low-cut filter. The 421 is also a highly regarded voice-over mic that offers an instantly identifiable, radio-ready sound.

My choice for a deluxe, solid-state condenser mic has to be the venerable Neumann U 87, thanks to its clear, smooth, airy highs; exceptional low-end warmth; and ability to deliver a big sound at any distance. This multipattern mic is truly a rarity - even in the world of pricey transducers - for the way it can provide great results with almost any sound source. Indeed, as I have stated before (see "Recording Musician: Ten Mics I Swear By," in the April 1999 EM), if I had to pick only one mic to use for the rest of my life, I'd choose this one. Also, the U 87 will do its part to bring in business: brand-name recognition, whether justified or not, is an important marketing consideration for any studio that accepts outside clients. Best of all, the U 87 will make both you and your client smile when the session is over.

For this cabinet, I have specified the U 87 AI/SET A, which comes complete with a swivel mount, windscreen, and cable. After all, the mic won't do you much good if you have no way to mount it on a stand. However, the U 87 is also available without accessories for $2,825.