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Rustywasp
New member
What I mean by home recording is just recording something for youtube, like let's plays. So there will be no singing or instrument playing, I just want a mic that does fantastic for its price point. No USB.
Steenamaroo
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This is for speech/voice over work only?
I'd always go with a big dynamic mic.
RE20, Sm7b, MD421. On your budget it'll be an SM58, but don't forget you need a decent audio interface.
None of these mics are going to play well with a computer sound card.
Actually, in your price range, a USB pocasting mic is probably ideal, unless you already have an interface.
I'd always go with a big dynamic mic.
RE20, Sm7b, MD421. On your budget it'll be an SM58, but don't forget you need a decent audio interface.
None of these mics are going to play well with a computer sound card.
Actually, in your price range, a USB pocasting mic is probably ideal, unless you already have an interface.
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Rustywasp
New member
I have an RME Babyface and yes only speech/voice.
Steenamaroo
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Ah, perfect. If you happen to have a nice treated room and aren't making much noise (keyboard taps etc), you have free choice,
but if either of those are a consideration I'd go with the dynamic advice above.
Stay close to the mic and keep the gain down for minimal background noise.
but if either of those are a consideration I'd go with the dynamic advice above.
Stay close to the mic and keep the gain down for minimal background noise.
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Rustywasp
New member
I don't have a treated room and I have a mechanical keyboard (Razer Blackwidow). Also what is the difference between dynamic and condenser mics? I thought dynamic mics are more for live performances and vocal/instrument recording, while condenser mics are for commentaries, speech, and voice overs.
Steenamaroo
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Negative. People think that but it's not that simple.
Dynamics are used live a lot because they are forgiving in terms of how close you can get.
The closer you are the louder the mic perceives you. This makes background noise, or feedback, less of an issue.
It's like whispering in someones ear in a busy hall instead of shouting across the room at them, see?
Dynamics are commonly used for broadcast in the states. (Frasier!)
I think condensers are probably more commonly used in UK.
In that sort of treated environment it really comes down to preference.
So many people buy condensers for their 'let's plays' then wonders why they can hear the neighbours cat purring in the background.
Anyway, in a bad environment and where background noise is an issue, go dynamic every time!
Personally, I'd go dynamic regardless.
Dynamics are used live a lot because they are forgiving in terms of how close you can get.
The closer you are the louder the mic perceives you. This makes background noise, or feedback, less of an issue.
It's like whispering in someones ear in a busy hall instead of shouting across the room at them, see?
Dynamics are commonly used for broadcast in the states. (Frasier!)
I think condensers are probably more commonly used in UK.
In that sort of treated environment it really comes down to preference.
So many people buy condensers for their 'let's plays' then wonders why they can hear the neighbours cat purring in the background.
Anyway, in a bad environment and where background noise is an issue, go dynamic every time!
Personally, I'd go dynamic regardless.
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Rustywasp
New member
Do you have a preference of dynamic mics in that price range?
Steenamaroo
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Well, the 58 is what it is. It's certainly capable.
I like the EV 635A on my voice but it'd be no good for background noise. (Omni pattern).
There's a lot of raving going on about the GLS Audio ES-57, but I don't have first hand experience.
Whatever you choose, be prepared to have to roll off some bass. That's just how it is when you get close to a cardioid mic.
I like the EV 635A on my voice but it'd be no good for background noise. (Omni pattern).
There's a lot of raving going on about the GLS Audio ES-57, but I don't have first hand experience.
Whatever you choose, be prepared to have to roll off some bass. That's just how it is when you get close to a cardioid mic.
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Rustywasp
New member
Thanks!
Steenamaroo
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Everybody gets one.
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jokerone
Guest
I got this info directly from an engineer/producer for a large east coast studio. (question was a similar to yours)
Shure SM-57 for guitar amps
Shure SM-58 for vocals
Direct Boxes for Bass and keys.
Shure SM-57 for guitar amps
Shure SM-58 for vocals
Direct Boxes for Bass and keys.
KatieTavini
New member
sE2200AII for everything! Not kidding, I recorded an entire EP with just this mic.* (Vocals, guitar, brass, strings) and it sounds great. I'll post a track or something when it's released.
It's super versatille, cheap, and can take a good bashing.
*Experiment to see if the cheapest mic in my collection could sound great, even when stacked on 60+ tracks, and it does
It's super versatille, cheap, and can take a good bashing.
*Experiment to see if the cheapest mic in my collection could sound great, even when stacked on 60+ tracks, and it does
GuitarLegend
New member
For good quality audio, any of the above are suitable, I have a few SM57s and SM58s in the kit but when I want better vocals for live or recording, I use AKG D7s, they have great frequency response and a sound quality that compares to condenser mics. Having said that, they are no substitute for condenser mics, but they come incredibly close for dynamics.
Your question on the difference between dynamic and condenser may mean that you are not aware that condenser mics have to be powered, so if your audio interface does not provide 48v phantom power, you wont be hearing anything
Your question on the difference between dynamic and condenser may mean that you are not aware that condenser mics have to be powered, so if your audio interface does not provide 48v phantom power, you wont be hearing anything
mjbphotos
Moderator
The original post is from last year, but its a good one to keep near th etop as we see this question a lot.
However, the sE2200AII goes for $250, twice the OP's amount.
Chili
Site Moderator
That's a great analogy, Steeno. I'm going to have to use that in the future.
18 hours ago by my clock.
Steenamaroo
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mjbphotos
Moderator
That's a great analogy, Steeno. I'm going to have to use that in the future.
I swear it said June 2013 when I looked at it!
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damianhk
Member
Some of the best advice i read was on this forum. Basically - a dynamic is better than a cheap condenser of the same price. Also, if the room isn't treated, you could have problems. Now that i look back, I seemed to struggle with vocal sound since i got into condenser mics. Hey, I never paid attention to details, but that's why i come here
I'm going back to a dynamic. I never owned a shure sm57, but i'm going to guitar center to pick one up. I listened to some old recordings where i used a prologue mic (cheap dynamic) and ran it though a backstage plus guitar amp. It wasn't that bad. More recent recordings with the condenser make me frown.
I'm going back to a dynamic. I never owned a shure sm57, but i'm going to guitar center to pick one up. I listened to some old recordings where i used a prologue mic (cheap dynamic) and ran it though a backstage plus guitar amp. It wasn't that bad. More recent recordings with the condenser make me frown.
Chili
Site Moderator
Honestly, I believe you. I wouldn't doubt there was a glitch in the database.
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jokerone
Guest
Some of the best advice i read was on this forum. Basically - a dynamic is better than a cheap condenser of the same price. Also, if the room isn't treated, you could have problems. Now that i look back, I seemed to struggle with vocal sound since i got into condenser mics. Hey, I never paid attention to details, but that's why i come here
I bought an SM57 & a 58 at Gearfest earlier this month. You don't want to know the Gearfest special price..
After buying it, I was listening to the engineer who re-mixed Rush's Tom Sawyer album. He said that sometimes, an SM57 out performs a $3K mic. It just depends.