good Chinese mics?

[billg]

Hope I'm not repeating anyone but wanted to pass this on . . . I'm always chasing that "warmth" (sorry to use that beat term) that I used to have in my analog recordings . . . yeah, ok I'm an old guy! I've been thinking lately that a ribbon mic might help to make things full, rounder, warmer, (fill in here with your own term). A lot of Internet poking around and asking some pretty gear snobbish friends, I keep hearing about the Cascade Fathead. Seems it's won some awards & critical acclaim & a lot of them are turning up in some pretty "upscale" studios. I was blown away by the price ( $160!) which I have to admit makes me a bit skeptical. BUT they offer a 30 day return if it doesn't work out for your specific needs, you only pay for return shipping. Then I found b-stock (they claim there are problems only in the "finish") same warranty, same 30 day return policy . . . $129 includes shock mount, wooden jeweler's box, aluminum flight case. Mmmm . . . Anyone else tried one of these? I hate to fall for some gear hype but figured there was nothing to loose so I ordered one. Also had a friend that I respect a lot that claims his high dollar mics haven't been used since he bought a Karma K-58 . . . yet another inexpensive Chinese mic . You can try the Karma mic for 7 days without purchasing it! Anyway, I know cheap mic questions always pop up & I thought I'd pass this on because I had not heard about these before & it seems that I can't find anything (written or otherwise) except good things about them. Maybe someone else will chime in -

[mazz]

I got a Fathead b stock (they also have a Fathead 2) and used it to record my trumpet. (Look for the Film Noir/Jazz thread in Peer to Peer and listen to Valley of Stars.)I was impressed by the warmth of the sound, particularly considering I was using a mute which can make the trumpet sound very buzzy if the mic is not right.I like the Fathead, and the price is right!Mazz

[billg]

Thanks for the reply Mazz! My Fathead b-stock is on it's way. Everything I've heard is that it's awesome on horns & also for mic'ing guitar cabs. I hope it can smooth out my nasty "eessy" vocals. It's refreshing to hear of something at that price that isn't the normal "flavor of the week" bs. Did you find that headroom from your pre was a problem at all? I've heard it can be.

[mazz]

I didn't have to crank the preamp up that much because I pretty much mic'd the trumpet from around 12 inches away. Softer sources may need more crankage because, as you know, ribbon mics have a low output.The packaging is very nice on the Fathead and the shock mount works well. Just make sure your phantom power is off before you plug it in!!Have fun!Mazz

[bleuciel]

Hi,Like your friend, I work with a Karma K-58 each day and I think it's one of the nicest mikes I've ever experienced in many years of recording.Jean Custeau / bleuciel@mail.com

[ernstinen]

Quote:Hi,Like your friend, I work with a Karma K-58 each day and I think it's one of the nicest mikes I've ever experienced in many years of recording.Jean Custeau / bleuciel@mail.comI'd like to hear the Karma K-58 --- looks pretty cool!http://www.karmaaudio.com/images/k58.jpgErn

[djdeweese]

tagging this thread for later reference-- thanks guys

[billg]

Well my Cascade Fathead mic arrived today. Haven't recorded with it but hooked it up & checked it out with vocals through the headphones. Awesome sounding mic. My first impression is that this mic is everything it's advertised to be. If anyone is looking for a full rich tone without the hyped up brittle top end that so many mics have these days this mic might be what your looking for. FYI I bought a b-stock that was supposed to have a finish flaw but I can't find it, looks perfect to me.