Best Mic For Vocals Under 400

[Nick The Man]

? lets here some suggestions

[deepwater]

Here we go again for the 100th time. But hey - thats what we're here for!!

You can score a CAD VSM at AMS for $475.00 right now and have a killer mic.

Sm57
AT3035
AT4040
Shure KSM32
Rode stuff
SP stuff
M-audio stuff
AKG 2000b
Audix OM5

[distortedrumble]

http://www.homerecording.com/bbs/sho...d.php?t=105367

read up

[picostudios]

R0de Nt1-A $200
Audio Technica AT 4040 $300
Shure Sm58 $100

[EleKtriKaz]

Ebay is your friend.

You can easily score a used Rode NTK for around $400 on Ebay. Maybe a used ADK A-51TL. A CAD M9 easily under $400. A Shure KSM 27 for well under $400 or the KSM 32 for right at $400.

Depending on the style you may want to go with a high quality dynamic like the EV RE20 or Shure SM7.

What prempas do you have?

[Nick The Man]

i currently own no preamps but im looking at the M-audio TAMPA .... just lookin for a really clean and clear sound

[deepwater]

Originally Posted by Nick The Man

i currently own no preamps but im looking at the M-audio TAMPA .... just lookin for a really clean and clear sound

Tampa is the one for you then

[roktapus]

So I read that link about microphones, and it seemed to be saying dynamic mics are dependant on preamps, not condensors... But I a great preamp is just as important as the mic, especially for a condensor vocal mic? Is that a typo or did I read it wrong?

[deepwater]

Every mic needs a pre amp.

[Dot]

Nick, what are you recording? The ADK Vienna [ and Hamburg ] has sort of leveled the playing field for what you can get in an inexpensive condenser mic. Usually runs street around $250. Works equally well on vocals and instruments such as acoustic guitar. I've written some notes on the Vienna here.

The MXL V69 ME tube mic, usually running around $299, is also excellent. I wrote about it here.

For a dynamic, the Shure SM7 runs around $399 and is a great mic for lots of apps including vox.

[baekgaard]

Is the general consensus now that the MXL 960 (from MF) is identical to the v69 -- i.e. do they sound the same?

Just wondering (and not being able to test either of them from here in Europe; mail order is kind of a one-shot from the US),


-- Per.

[wheelema]

The Shure SM7B can be had through Amazon for $315, and I have seen the Electro-Voice RE-20 for about $425. I wish I had the funds to score one of those CAD VSMs for under $500.

[Middleman]

AT4050 - I have seen a few on ebay around this price
AT4033 - Male vocals primarily and an excellent acoustic instrument mic
NTK - Not as detailed as the 4050 but rich and full sound. Not a female vocal mic.

[endodoc]

If you are looking for a versatile yet forgiving vocal mic, have you considered a Neumann KMS105? Used would be less than $400 but new is not that much more. It is great for close mic'ing with a hypercardioid pattern and built in pop filter. Dave Matthews uses it live (and on his Central Park Concert DVD).

[kidvybes]

Originally Posted by baekgaard

Is the general consensus now that the MXL 960 (from MF) is identical to the v69 -- i.e. do they sound the same?

Just wondering (and not being able to test either of them from here in Europe; mail order is kind of a one-shot from the US),


-- Per.

I use both the V69 and the new 960 and I have no reason to believe that they are the same...the circuitry appears to be entirely different...the tube sockets are wired differently (although they both employ a 12AT7 tube)...and they don't really sound the same (similar, but the V69 maintains a somewhat "darker" sound while the 960 seems more neutral)...the body and grill designs might also contribute to a different sound...the V69 is certainly more recognized as a terrific value, but at under $200. the 960 is a real nice deal...

I would also add that the SE 2200A (about $150-200. on Ebay) is a terrific vocal mic as well...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...sPageName=WDVW

[baekgaard]

Originally Posted by kidvybes

...and they don't really sound the same (similar, but the V69 maintains a somewhat "darker" sound while the 960 seems more neutral)...

Thanks for the info.

I guess this means that (in my case) to add a tube mic to an existing collection of LDC's of B1, C1, NT1000, the v69 would probably be a better choise to enhance he "pallette". Or do you feel the 960 is still a far cry from the other mics I mention below in terms of its sonic "signature"?


-- Per.

[deepwater]

The CAD VSM is the best tune mic you can buy for thay money and AMS has them on sale for $479.00 right now.