In our previous article, we looked at some recommended large diaphragm condenser (LDC) mics for studios on budget. In this article, we'll look at the high-end ones used most often in professional studios.
While LDCs are most popular as vocal mics, they are also known for their ability to capture a lot of detail and tone. While not exhaustive, the following models are a good place to start when looking for a professional LDC mic to make your recordings richer.
AKG C414 - $1100
With three pad settings, three bass roll-offs and five switchable polar patterns, the AKG C414 is popular for being able to record just about anything that’s put in front of it. It has low background noise and excellent sensitivity. Some producers prefer a traditional switch to the LED selector for the mic’s settings; with how they sound, however, nobody seems to be complaining.
Mojave MA-300 - $1300
Based closely upon on the MA-200 , a vacuum tube condenser that’s been well-received for its warmth, flat response and affordability, the Mojave MA-300 adds a pad, pattern selector and switchable bass roll-off. And, like the MA-200, it's designed by well-respected ribbon microphone designer, David Royer. If you’re heart is set on a tube mic, this one will give you the most bang for your buck.
Neumann TLM 107 - $1700
Though only a few months on the market, the Neumann TLM 107 has received a lot of criticism for it’s untraditional design. But, don’t be surprised if it quickly becomes one of the most popular mics in pro studios in the next few years. Like the C414, it features multiple bass roll-offs, pads and polar patterns–making it one of Neumann’s most versatile mics. It’s said to have an even more neutral response than the respected TLM 103. To get these features, with the venerated Neumann name, for under $2k, seems to make it a sure bet.
RØDE Classic II - $2100
Rather than giving a perfect rendering of your audio source, the Rode Classic II tube mic adds warmth and air. But, that doesn’t mean it doesn’t sound really good. It works on all instruments, but probably is best on vocals. Once again, if you like tube mics, this is one of the best.
Manley Reference Cardioid - $2700
The Manley Reference Cardioid is another tube condenser worth looking at. It offers a bright, detailed sound that, for some, is a good alternative to the Neumann U87. While it’s probably best on vocals, it’s been used on acoustic guitar or as a drum overhead. It brings a little tube flavor to your mix and EQ’s well, but doesn’t add as much color as the Rode.
Neumann U87 - $3600
The Neumann U87 is the benchmark by which most other LDC’s are compared. It’s very often found on the top of the list of mic reviews and is trusted by countless producers for its flat response, versatility and consistent quality. It’s the most expensive on our list, but many would say it’s well worth it.
If you can afford it, any of these top-tier mics will be integral to producing a professional sounding mix. You can still get a great sound for less, but these mics are designed with the best components and, when used right, can take your recordings to the next level of sound quality.
So, Why A Membership?
Let’s face it — trying to create professional mixes without the correct knowledge, tools, services, and network is like playing a concert with a broken instrument to an audience of no one.
That’s where the Sage Audio membership comes in — the membership gives you everything you need to create professional mixes consistently.
The membership is the secret to your success — it’s the difference between the 1,929,999,999 of poor-sounding mixes and the .00000002% of mixes that make people say 'WOW!"
There are 7 unique value-points included in your Sage Audio membership.
Let’s go over each one so you can decide if the membership is right for you.
1. Sage Audio University
- SAU Flagship Mixing Course: 23-video in-depth mixing course that reveals the little-known secrets of mixing and matches the needs of the new music industry.
- SAU Flagship Mastering Course: 19-video in-depth modern mastering course that dives into every nuance of making professional-sounding masters.
- SAU Pre-Mastering Course: Concise pre-mastering course that details the latest industry standards for preparing your mixes for mastering.
- SAU is designed for every experience level, ranging from budding mixing engineers to advanced engineers. The techniques and concepts taught can be applied to any DAW to create industry-leading mixes without expensive software or plugins - and free plugin alternatives are suggested throughout each course.
- Each SAU course includes Start-to-Finish session walkthrough lessons for multiple genres so you can follow along with your preferred genre.
- SAU Certification Document, which can be downloaded and showcased on your website and social channels.
Yes, I want to join the membership now >
2. Private 1-on-1 Mentorship
- The Sage Audio private 1-on-1 Mentorship gives you direct access to us for advanced mixing feedback, in-depth discussions, and customized guidance that's tailored to your specific needs.
- Unlimited private access to us for advanced mixing feedback, where we provide detailed suggestions for improvement.
- Unlimited private access to us for in-depth discussions to help you improve every aspect of your mixes and masters.
- Customized guidance that’s tailored specifically to your needs.
- Fast communication so you can improve your skills quickly.
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3. Unlimited Mixing Feedback
- Unlimited professional mixing feedback directly from us so you can consistently improve your skills and create professional mixes.
- Mixing feedback is invaluable, and the Sage Audio membership gives you continual direct access to us for real-world feedback so you can improve every aspect of each of your mixes while you're in the process of mixing.
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4. 50 Free Mastered Songs Per Year
- 50 free mastered songs per year with your own dedicated professional mastering engineer so you can get all your mixes sounding like professional songs.
- You get your own dedicated Sage Audio mastering engineer to create custom masters that are specific to you and sound exactly how you want.
- Unlimited revisions with your dedicated mastering engineer. As a standard of our service, we are not happy until you are happy with the sound of your masters.
- All masters are delivered as commercial, industry-standard high-resolution 24-bit HD WAV masters so they will sound clean and clear on every platform.
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5. Community
- The Sage Audio community is a tight-knit community of passionate audio engineers who can provide you with additional real-world mixing feedback, meaningful discussions, networking, collaborations, and more.
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6. 70+ GB of Curated Sage Audio Downloadable Content
- 36 multitrack sessions spanning multiple genres for mixing practice.
- 57 un-mastered mixes spanning multiple genres for mastering practice.
- 62 Recommended Free Plugins List (vetted, tested, and approved, so you don’t have to).
- 39 Recommended Paid Plugins List (vetted, tested, and approved, so you don’t have to).
- 71 Sage Audio custom plugin presets to improve your mixes and masters.
- Sage Audio Membership Badge to showcase on your website, social channels, and portfolio.
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7. 800+ Video Catalog
- Access 700+ in-depth Sage Audio mixing and mastering videos - curated and organized into categories so you can easily take a deep dive into all aspects of audio engineering with thousands of hours of concise, expertly crafted Sage Audio videos to continually improve your skills at your own pace.
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