Taping Question - budget mics

[boombox]

Yes, I know there are sites like taperssection (where I have already registered and spent a lot of time), but I think I can trust the guys here to be impartial.

As of last week, I am now the  proud owner of an Edirol HR09, so can at last leave the world of dodgy knock-off mics and second-hand MDs behind and call myself a bona fide taper. Said toy will be used in a fortnight for a nice intimate Arlo Guthrie show and I have a few other shows coming up, for which I can practise with the levels at my own band rehearsals.

I would ideally like to get a mic for events where open taping is allowed, but am on a fairly tight budget of $100-150, which is not much, I know, but all I can get away with. I record anything from solo acoustic to loud rock, both  close to the stage (eg front rail for Jefferson Starship/Quicksilver Messenger Service when videoing) or further back. However, being the UK is pretty behind regarding taping, much will also be done by stealthing.

Possible solutions I\'ve looked at:

Giant Squid Omnis
Church Audio CA11s or (14s if on offer) - omni or cardioids??
Sony ECM MS907

Can anyone share therir opinions on these cheaper mics?

TIA

[kindm's]

Yes, I know there are sites like taperssection (where I have already registered and spent a lot of time), but I think I can trust the guys here to be impartial.

As of last week, I am now the  proud owner of an Edirol HR09, so can at last leave the world of dodgy knock-off mics and second-hand MDs behind and call myself a bona fide taper. Said toy will be used in a fortnight for a nice intimate Arlo Guthrie show and I have a few other shows coming up, for which I can practise with the levels at my own band rehearsals.

I would ideally like to get a mic for events where open taping is allowed, but am on a fairly tight budget of $100-150, which is not much, I know, but all I can get away with. I record anything from solo acoustic to loud rock, both  close to the stage (eg front rail for Jefferson Starship/Quicksilver Messenger Service when videoing) or further back. However, being the UK is pretty behind regarding taping, much will also be done by stealthing.

Possible solutions I\'ve looked at:

Giant Squid Omnis
Church Audio CA11s or (14s if on offer) - omni or cardioids??
Sony ECM MS907

Can anyone share therir opinions on these cheaper mics?

TIA

A lot of folks like the church audio stuff. Just make sure if you order from him he gives you a real date of arrival. I guess sometimes he gets backed up and it can take a little while to get the mics out (he builds everything by hand). Any of the solutions above are going to be more of a stealth solution anyway. The folks at ts are very good for these kind of questions as there are more stealth tapers there. I am sure Dave will have a good opinion on the matter as well.