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IMHO through an cheap pre (or mixer), in dynamic microphone under $200, you'd be better off with something like a Electro-Voice RE15 or RE16. They work very well with a large variety of vocal types, and aren't as fussy as to "which pre"-like a Shure SM57 or 58. Plus they have the variable-D...

Depends on the skill of the AE... In the hands of Bob Ohlsson or Tony Visconti, for example, the SM57 is more than capable of high quality "release" level vocals on anyone! (assuming the singer CAN sing) BTW there are affordable pre's around now, like those based on a Burr-Brown chip, that the...

Add the Sennheiser MD421 (not the MKII!), and Beyer M88 to the short list. Chris

Without hearing a voice in person, I'd go with a RE15 or RE16. Then with any $$ left over, get something like a Studio Projects condenser for variety. Chris

They have a neodymium element, like the Shure Beta series, so they have a truer transient response. Excellent vocal mic BTW. Chris

Sure you can get high quality vocals on any pop singer worth recording with a SM57. Just takes recording chops, along with a decent vocal recording chain etc. (M-Audio DMP2 pre/Fmr Audio RNC compressor combo on up) A nice parametric EQ also can work wonders as the '57 responds to EQing well...

Anything like one of the new Joe Meek's or a DMP3 would work fine. Am assuming you're not stacking a bazillion tracks and/or recording Michael Buble BTW :). Just that it's for something like making a "nice demo" or indie kind of thing. Haven't scoped out the "under $200" pre's lately, but at...

An Electro-Voice RE15 (or RE16) sounds a lot like the RCA 77 ribbon on vocals. Chris

Electro-Voice RE16 or a RE15 w/foam piece. The same mics Elvis used live BTW. Chris

Virtually all the lead vocals at Chess Records between 1966 thru 1972 were cut on an EV RE15 or EV 666. Also tons at at RCA (like Elvis') and Atlantic (like Aretha's). IMHO the "RE's" (including RE20), offer tremendous versatility on a variety of singers. Another one which often sounds great is...

Try the Studio Projects T3 too. That's the only "under $500" LDC I feel major gearlust for so far. Then you'd have plently of room left in the budget for a EV RE20 and/or a Shure SM7. Chris

While it may not be the "best" for your voice, without hearing it, the EV RE15 (or RE16) should produce a high quality vocal recording-other things being equal IMHO. They have similar sonic characteristics to a RCA 77 ribbon, like a rolled off top end, which can help flatter a cheap digital...

Now a word from the other "chess"... IMHO if you're running these mics through a budget mixer or pre (less than DMP3 or less than VTB-1), start with the non-Shure makes. The EV's/Beyer's/MD421's all tend to be whole lot less fussy about optimal "loading". (only have tried MD441 through a...

Ric, what kind of parametric EQ are you using right now? Makes a huge difference, especially with the dynamics, along with careful mic placement. IMHO for $1000, a T3 and a EV RE20 merit serious consideration. Both mics meet or beat many uber-expensive LDC's/ribbons, like for yours truly. In...

IMHO a VTB-1 plus a EV 635a omni (over the V67) would be one smart way to go. Also consider a Joe Meek 3Q instead of the VTB-1. Chris

They sound different (MKII vs. MD) largely due to the MKII having a neodymium element which makes it MUCH brighter toned. Many MD421's have XLR's BTW. FWIW most top pro AE's who post on the 'net prefer the prior models- particularly for vocals. Chris

The later MP20's have a cheaper transformer in them, that's why the old one's are more respected. Some people have modded the newer ones as a result too. Another good dual channel pre for under $200 used is the Symetrix SX-202. You could have www.audioupgrades.com modify the box later for...

Have had the DMP3 (sold it), and still have a DMP2 (really a Duo). Anyway... The ThreeQ is tangibly a superior (more detailed/smoother) pre than the two DMP boxes. Does sound VERY much like a Grace IMHO, partly due to the fullness of the bottom end response. The M-Audio's are somewhat thinner...

Wouldn't pick the NTK as an "all rounder", some singers (like me) sound too sibilant on it. Multi-patterns like the Studio Projects T3, AT 4060, perhaps the Rode K2 (haven't heard), should be on the shortlist to try out. BTW the MD421 is a great solo vocal mic for many singers, and can record...

Tee, do you HAVE a SM57 right now? Any mixers and/or pre's at hand? Then another reasonable path would be to ask "what would be some good choices in a parametric EQ unit for under $200?". (in order to get more mileage out of this mic) Supposedly, the SM57 is able to make pretty decent...