Home studio general purpose mic suggestions?

[lord_apollyon]

Hello all!
I'm starting a sort of "home studio." I have a small mixer (that does supply phantom power) and now I'm looking into mics. Does anyone have any suggestions on mics that range from vocals to instruments to drums? I don't want to spend much more than $175 per mic.
Also, do you recommend one or two mics for most purposes?
Lastly, what to you suggest in terms of effects processers (that might make one mic sound stereo? and/or that are just plain cool?)
Thanks so much,
Kevin

[jpleong]

Starting your mic locker with a pair of microphones would be my recommendation. These mics, ideally, would be two high-quality small-diaphragm cardiod condensers (or a multi-pattern one, if your budget permits). This will give you the most versatility as you'll be able to record voice, guitar, a drum kit, etc... in stereo or even an entire symphony orchestra if you so choose. Right now, I'd spend the bucks getting the best microphones you can afford and learn how to use them effectively. Proper microphone technique is much more important than any effects processor (remember, it's the source that matters). And when you're ready to add on to your collection of gear, your microphones will still fit in with your new toys -unlike a cheap FX processor which will gather dust...

Those are my thoughts, have fun with 'em!
JP

[lord_apollyon]

What about the SM57 or Beta57A?

[BrandonNothing]

If I only had 175 per mic to spend. I'd definatly buy nothing but beta57's and beta58's. Better than really cheap condensors I think. Hell Red Hot Chilli Peppers recorded an album with nothing but 57's and 58's. It wasn't the best sounding album, but it sure wasn't the worst.

[MichaelK]

For your budget you can't beat two 57s. If I had $175 per mic to spend, those would be my first choice - and they are only half the budget! You can make a very decent demo with them, if your songs are any good. It's all about the songs, not the mics.

Inexpensive effects processor? The Lexicon MPX100 has an excellent simple delay/reverb and a few others. I use it in my live PA rig for vocals. If you want more than that, just move up the Lexicon product line from there within your budget. When you have about $1000 or more to spend on effects, then start looking elsewhere as well. But with a small budget, Lexicon is the way to go IMHO.

P.S. - sorry, but I don't understand the poll question. At any price level, two mics usually cost roughly double the cost of one mic, while a reverb unit is always that much more. None of your choices is a "better deal" than another.

[jpleong]

I'd say the SM57 (or Beta57) is a pretty versatile microphone, though not my favorite choice on everything. I keep my pair mostly for backup or for live gigs (which is mostly what they're used for).

My choice of small-diaphragm condensers at this price would be Oktava MC-012's. They're pretty versatile and rugged and sound better on most sources than the SM57. Then again, they're about $50 more expensive too. My only real gripe with them is that they're not as feedback resistent in a live setting as I'd like them to be (that's when the 57 gets used). An added advantage of the Oktava MC-012 is that it has a multi-pattern kit that you can get with it or purchase at a later time.

I've also noticed Rode's latest offerings- the NT-3, NT-4, and NT-5. They look pretty interesting...

I'd suggest getting the best of both worlds and perhaps acquire both:
two (quality!) small diaphragm condensers
one (quality!) dynamic

This enhances your versatility for drum kit, all sorts of guitars, voice, etc...

JP

[treidm]

"home studio general purpose mic", was the subject.
I would suggest saving up and getting an AKG C414B-ULS, and a good pre, or complete front end unit. The 414 is the best general purpose mic, in my opinion, and with EQ, can be tailored to be an very good vocal mic also. I recently found one to add to the stable at $530. Most will go higher, but if you look hard enough, you can find good buys. The preamp, is as important, in my opinion, if not more than the mic. Again, be ready to save up and spend some. The wait and spending more, will be totally worth it! AKG also makes one a little cheaper, but is still a pretty good all around mic, and a very good vocal mic, called the C4000B, you might find one of them for $300-$350. They are both multiple pattern, lg. diaphragm mics. For the best general purpose one though, get the 414.

Reid

[jpleong]

I agree that the 414 is an excellent multi-purpose mic and will certainly add to any mic locker. My only problem with it is the same problem I have with every large diaphragm condenser: funky off-axis response. Large diaphragm mics generally have huge peaks and dips on the off-axis that can completely trash the sound if the recording is done in a less-than-ideal locale. Small diaphragms don't have nearly as big a problem with off-axis response and so would be better suited for beginners who don't have the money for special built or treated rooms. Checkout the dialogue in the "Choir/Band microphone" post.

And I definitely agree with Reid on the mic-pre issue. It's worth the effort to audition and purchase a good mic-pre or two.

JP