Suggestions for Microphones for Studio/Vocals - Budget is ...

[Suharsh]

I am looking for a good (basically best value for money within the budget) mic for home studio recording. The mic will be used primarily for vocals. The HD recorder that I am using is Fostex VF-80. Budget is $150 - $250.

I have an SM58, however when I went to do some window shopping at a local pro-audio stores, I tried one Audio Technicia (don't remember which one) expensive model and realized that there was a huge difference since I compared it with SM58 in the store itself. Therefore thinking to go for a better mic.

Will be thankful for your suggestions.

After looking at some posts where some folks have been suggesting mics for about $1000 odd, I am feeling a little down :(

Can you get a good mic in the my price range which is significant improvement over SM58?

[Hynek]

Suharsh,
if this is to be your first slightly more expensive mic. I'm suggesting the same thing I did a couple of years ago. My first was AKG C4000B. Its specs are very respectable and mainly - it has 3 switchable polar patterns which brings an extra flexibility plus it later helped me understand a lot of things about sound and mics. As this mic is over the budget you mention, I would recommend Behringer B-2 or Superlux H8C or Rode NT-2. You should be able to get the B-2 under $275 even though I don't rule out the price in the States shall be a bit higher.

justathought

BTW: Beware of using terms like "better mic", trust me.

Hynek

[Suharsh]

Hynek - Thanks for your recommendations. I guess I agree 'better mics' is a little loose ...

I will check out the mics you suggested.

[johnnybass]

I bought a pair of AKG C1000S's to start, and have been very happy with them.

I use them mostly on Acoustic Guitar, vocals and some banjo.

You should be able to get them for under $200 each without any trouble.

[GTifft]

Marshall MXL 2001 are a good inexpensive vocal mic. ($150.00=/-)I used them for a season til I could upgrade. Than they became real good for miking acoustic guitar.
GT

[Suharsh]

Thanks to all for the suggestions. I tried all the mics that have been suggested and were available at my local store. The ones that I couldn't try were Behringer B-2 or Superlux H8C because none of the stores had them.

So what did I buy? Ok I was deciding between the Rode NT 2, AKG, Shure KSM 27 and Marshall 2001 when the salesman informed me of a supersale they were going to have. Went back on that day and found Alesis AM61 for $299 and a free stand! After trying the tube microphone I couldn't resist though it was a $100 over my budget.

I came home and re-recorded songs that I had earlier recorded with SM58. Now I understand what people say about the 'warmth' of tubes. It certainly is a big improvement and for now I am happy till the 'upgrade itch' bugs me again.

[Hynek]

Shame it's cardioid only 'cos many, many egineers like to use an omni mic to record vocals. However, for the money it seems like a killer-deal. Have fun, Suharsh!

H

[michaelhoddy]

Audio-Technica 4033. They can be found for around $250-300, and are quite a surprise for an inexpensive mic. Good to great on most vocals. Smokin' on acoustic guitar, especially with the right preamp. And it's a mic which is well-respected and used in the pro studio community by people who have access to much more expensive and exotic mics, and which will maintain its value and usefulness over the years.

I've even heard stories from people in the Nashville studios who have picked this mic over MUCH more expensive (coughSonyandNeumannCough) mics for certain lead vocals. Not saying that it's a substitute for those mics, but this gives you an idea of its credibility. I'm not sure the same could be said for many of the other inexpensive choices out there.

You might also want to have a look at Studio Projects.

[Hynek]

Let's stop tempting Suharsh to spend another $300 on one more piece, people :-)

H

[Suharsh]

Thanks to all for all the suggestions and info. I will keep them in mind when I am in the market for a new mic again and knowing the upgrade itch I get I know it won't be long :)

[Milo]

i'm looking at the Joemeek JM-47, Behringer B2, and Studioprojects C1 right now.

I returned by NT-1. Just didn't like it.

[johnnybass]

Milo,

Let me know how you likethe C-1. They've been getting some good press, but I'd like to hear from a "real" person.

What didn't you like abouthte N-1?

Thanks

JB