recording mic

[Na Lij]

Hey i was just wondering what you guys think is a good mic to make audio with. im gonna make hip hop songs and would like a quality mic with the price range of around 100. well if you reply it would be helpful thanks.

[wx3]

Well if you are using it to record vocals, at that price range I would recomend the Studio Projects B1. You will be looking for a large diameter condensor. For this you will need a phantom power equipped pre-amp. Condensor's are great, but they pick up everything. If this will be a problem for you, I would look for a dynamic mic, something like a Shure SM-58 or 57? What do you say guys?

[bleyrad]

it depends on the type of hip-hop you're doing, but at that price range, you might be better off scrounging around at garage sales and Radio Shack for the crappiest XLR mics you can possibly find.

i say this because a lot of hip-hop favours a really dirty, low-fi sound on actual recorded material (the samples and synths are, of course, the hi-fi element of the recordings)


this is just one direction to take. if you're looking for smooth, pristine vocals, then go for the B1. however, depending on what you're going for, you could be better with dynamics at that price range, even if you don't the the "crappy as an effect" route (i.e. pick up a used beta57 or something)

[int]

I'll second the used Beta 57 route - good low end that can get dirty when you put it halfway down your gullet (not literally). Just find the right spot and leave it there, using your distance from the mic to get the sound you want on particular words or phrases. Just remember if it doesn't work with your voice you should try another mic, like a Sennheiser 845 or one of the AKGs.

If those don't work try an sm 58 or one of the comparable competitiors (like a Sennheiser 835). There are plenty of dynamic mics available in the $100 range (give or take a few 10s).

Otherwise, there are some condensors that other people here probably have better descriptions of. Try running a search.

[TheOutkast]

Im very new on this and not familiar with hardware whatsoever. I too am planning on doing hip hop recordings. Can someone please break down what you mean by "get dirty" and the strengths of each model number of the mic you guys post? like the B1, or the SM-58, etc? Im looking for a mic also. I was told I need atleast 2 mics for different purposes to record. Budget is a prob but i dont mind paying the extra dough to get the better sound. Please give some advice. Thank you

[ambi]

Dirty is in underground hip hop, and usually from either using distortion as an effect, or the fact that it's really underground and they can't afford anything better than a radio shack mic going into a sampler, or whatever. Gritty, dirty, crackly, etc... I guess so it matches in with gritty beats and samples? Some people use that as their style, but it's uncommon except with a few underground groups.

I have used a shure sm58 with an art studio mp for hip hop vocals and i find it to be too muddy. Muddy mic, muddy pre, muddy recordings. But i record a lot of instruments as well. I don't really sample much, and when i do vocals in the future they will be more like singing, but writen sort of like a hip hop song.

Just get the best you can, do not go for gritty.But remember if your bad, the better your gear the worse you'll sound. You gotta practice like crazy. But recording yourself and hearing how bad you sound can help a lot to make you better. you can work on the things you hear wrong, and keep trying until they sound better, and a good mic would give you a better view of what's bad and good.

[wx3]

Originally posted by ambi
But remember if your bad, the better your gear the worse you'll sound.

Words from the wise for sure.

My B1 gives me a very clean crisp sound through my Mackie pre. I second the notion that u should go as clean as possible. You can't pollish a turd, but you can add distortion and effects during mixdown....

[Na Lij]

wow thanks for all the replies... hmm i dont know what kind of hiphop im doing its not the things your hearing on the radio thats for sure. im gonna do more like Nas and Talib Kweli and 2pac if you know them. i dont want to get a condensor because i need to get a pre amp. so as for now i think ill try out a few and prolly get the SHURE. Well can you give me more suggestions and explanations please. thanks alot

[wx3]

Every mic needs a pre amp. Condensor mics need a pre amp with phantom power. If you want to go with a dynamic mic I would say to get the Shure SM 58 or 57 and maybe an audio buddy preamp?

[c9-2001]

sm57 tend to be a little muddy for hiphop vocal production..the B1 would work well under $100.. but under 100 you don't have a lot of choices