After alot of shopping around and testing microphones, I am now the owner of a brand new KEL Audio HM-1 small-diaphragm cardioid condenser mic. Canadian-designed KEL mics seem to be popular in the voice over/audio book circles. The HM1 has a very distinctive sound , unlike other budget price mics that simply try to mimic classic studio mics. Should cost around 150$. Worth about 400$ - meaning it would cost you at least 400$ to get a microphone that's just slightly better than the HM-1.
The HM1 is a simple tool. No swtiches (no pad, no phase switch). Don't need 'em. I can switch phase and pad on my pre-amp anyway (I use an ART tube MP. 15$ on ebay). Speaking of preamp, I had to turn the gain down a bit. The HM1 has a very hot signal. The reviews said it had a sweet sound on vocals, and that seems to be true (didn't have time to do extensive tests yet). The high frequencies are not exagerated, so it doesn't pick up much sibilance (unlike the competitors) and is very quiet compared to other cheap condesors I've tried (MXLs or Studio project).
I love the fact that it is a unique mic with a unique sound, one that I will certainly not sell later when I have enough money to uprade to a better condenser mic.
Time to re-record those voice overs.
