Number 4 ADK A-51 TC ($595.00 street)
So here is our first of two tube mics to make the list. I really like what Larry
and the guys at ADK are doing for the world of budget (and even some great USA made not-so-budget) microphones. You may remember
that not too long ago before his passing, Ray Charles, became quite enamored with the ADK TT. The TC is basically a smaller,
single pattern version of the TT. The designers at ADK, like a couple of others such as Brent Casey at Studio Projects seem
to have a knack for preamp design. A resistor here, a capacitor there, trim here boost there, and they are producing some really
fine sounding microphones, and with ADK’s recently updated power supplies coupled with simply the best ring and shock mounts in the
industry, bar none, these are worthy mics to any collection. I struggled a bit with the placement of the TC above such a venerable
mic as the AT 4050 because of the 4050’s switching and pattern versatility, but ultimately, what makes great recordings is great tone,
and if you really want to slam a mic with a 150 db guitar amp, you’re better off with a dynamic mic anyway, saving this beauty for
vocals, strings, percussion, winds, and other sources LDC’s normally shine on. The word for this mic is “sweet”. I have
a pair because they also make great overheads. The ADK TCs are not really copies of any other mic. They have their own
unique tone. Try one of you can, they are well worth hearing!
Number 3 Rode NTK ($529.00 street)
I love Rode mics. Many manufacturers try to take credit for being the first to “break the price barrier” but ultimately, whether Rode was truly the
first or simply the best for the money, I think this honor should go to them. Like the ADK’s and a tiny handful of other makers,
Rode excels at design. Their capsules, such as the HF-1 and even better, the HF-2 are Australian designed industry leaders,
and the preamps are simply outstanding.
Rode mics are also manufactured consistently. The housings are first rate, as
are the electronics. I have opened up a few NTKs and they all have pristine, well laid out circuitry. I also think the
power supplies are first rate for the money.
