Thanks Peter, thanks Robert, for the advice.
petermc61 wrote:either of the microphones you are looking at are so far beyond the capabilities of the Tascam
The Tascam recorder is for the start only, I'd like to improve my studio later, as I've said. I'm quite happy with the DR-40 - I still haven't exploited all its possibilities. It's a tremendous tool for learning.
I want good mics, because all decent mics are relatively expensive, so I'd better start off with ones that will last for a long time.
The rest of the stuff can be improved or expanded, I think.
In the meantime I've had the microphone test and both sets sounded great.
I'm allowed to think a few days before the actual purchase.
The difference in the price is not horrible, both sets are reasonably priced and excellent quality. The mics are very well-made, impressive pieces. extremely good-sounding, good-looking and good-feeling.
The FET set (NT2000) is easier to use and needs only phantom power, whereas the tube set (K2) has audibly more detail in the sound and it has a separate power supply.
According to the dealer the NT2000 (FET) has a 'cheaper' sound than its look, because it's actually an improved version of a much cheaper mic with exactly the same inside. The casing and the controls are greatly improved though.
The K2 (tube) has a completely different, old fashioned, tube inside, visibly beautifully made. The dealer says it's good value for money because for the set you pay only 300 Euros more than for the FET set. Its sound is a very nice, detailed, rich sound, very much apart from the NT2000 sound character, which is harsher and hazier, ie. the notes in fast arpeggios etc. are more difficult to tell apart.
In my opinion the separate power supply is fussier and it definitely needs a warmup time, but it gives more freedom of choice when choosing a mixer and amplifier. In fact my only worry with the tube set is the warmup time and the mics sensitivity to frequent turnings on and off.
They're the type you tend to turn on in the morning and turn off only in the evening.
petermc61 wrote:Buy the cheaper set and spend some money on a really good microphone preamp and/or a really good 24bit/192kHz recorder.
What type of preamp and recorder do you think is best, if I want to improve on the Tascam setup?
Happy New Year!
Attila