M-Audio Solaris

[rotaryunison]

I thought I'd give this whole review thing a shot (albeit a non-technical review, forgive me) :

1. Price paid: $260 from Pro Audio Toys.

2. How long I've had it: 1 week.

3. Rating (subject to change): 8.

4. The Good: Upon receiving the mic, I was very impressed with the packaging from M-Audio. Included is a locking (funny) aluminum case and a shockmount. As Tweak noted, this mic has some heft to it and the build is of good quality.

I'm most accustomed to recording vocals with dynamics, but I recently thought my little nasally voice would benefit from a decent condenser. The first thing I noticed is that it seemed to greatly improve the sound of the higher register of my voice. It has a nice "airy" quality to it without being harsh. Even when nearly whispering, the Solaris seems to add detail that I didn't even realize I had in my voice. It has really opened up a new way of singing for me, as it's made me listen differently. The bass roll-off switch is nice and I'll probably always use it to cut out some of the less-than-stellar room that I've been condemned to be in at the time. Speaking of which, compared to other cheap condensers, this mic doesn't seem to pick up a whole lot of room (thankfully, for me). This is just using the mic through the pre-amps on my Traveler (when I pick up a P-Solo, I'll be back to update). Overall, it's much better than I thought it would be for under $300. In fact, I'll probably buy another one.

5. I've only had it a week, so as of yet I've not run into a whole lot that I don't like about it. The manual is a little weak, but that's minor. I'll update this thread as I continue to use the Solaris.

There you have it, my first review. I hope it's helpful.

[MASSIVE Mastering]

I have a pair that are probably used 10 times (easily) more often than the 414's.

[nanashiwanderer]

how do you think these would do as drum overheads?

[MASSIVE Mastering]

I've used them and was happy - Although admittedly, I tend to lean towards SDC's for close overheads (and the Solari in the distant areas of the room).

[nanashiwanderer]

Well I plan on having a pair of SM81s and 2x M-Audio Solaris
however I can't have both at once, so which to get first. I lack a good vocal condensor, I'm beggining to think i waisted my money on the B1s.

[rotaryunison]

Well I plan on having a pair of SM81s and 2x M-Audio Solaris
however I can't have both at once, so which to get first. I lack a good vocal condensor, I'm beggining to think i waisted my money on the B1s.

This is my same issue. I agonized over which mic to get because I need them all at once. I think my next mic purchase will be another Solaris and then I'll go from there. Maybe an RE20 because it can double as a kick drum and vocal mic. On a limited budget it's always difficult to know which mics will be the most useful overall.

I've held off on them for a while until I could get a few that I'll always have and use.

[mcatalao]

B1.

One is enough, imho...