$160.00 to BURN - On What?

[DarkFriend]

I've got a good sounding computer-based setup, but have $160.00 to burn to try to make the setup sound better.

For microphones, I'm using a Shure SM57 into an m-Audio AudioBuddy preamp. I've gotten (what I think) are some great vocal sounds out of it. I also use it to mic electric guitar and bass cabinets, as well as recording acoustic guitar. I'm happy with the sounds I'm getting, but have never used a "good" mic, so I don't really know what I'm missing either.

With $160.00 to spend, I'd like opinions on what I should consider buying:

1) A new "all-purpose" mic (if so, which one?)
2) A tube preamp for use with the SM57 (if so, which one?)
3) Both a new "all-purpose" mic AND a tube preamp
4) Something else all together (if so, what?)

BIG thanks for your opinions..

 

[Scriabin]

i'd save it. personally, i'd let it grow into a budget of 3 times that to get something that might noticeably change your sound quality. your not going to get any decent mic or preamp for that price.
my suggestion is if you must blow it, blow it on good cable for your audio connections, whether it be canari or monster this will improve your sound better than any other crap for that price.

 

[Gidge]

http://www2.marsmusic.com/store/product_new.jhtml?catid=113&prodid=11913&skuid=0


http://music123.com/Item/Item.asp?po=MarMXLV67G&uid=0DE80E1C68EC4618A670EFED5101EF40

then save next for a better preamp.....the Audio Buddy is a pretty decent preamp, but you can do better......

of course, I dont know what gear you have now and what kind of recording you are doing...there may be something you are lacking on, so you may wanna post your gear list and what you are wanting to accomplish....

 

[Prism]

Get two Marshall MXL 603s's and use the extra $40 for a couple of mic stands. Voila!

Isaiah

 

[Blue Bear Sound]

I suggest donating it to the "Buy The Bear His Meyer HD-1 monitors Fund"................

 

[Gidge]

https://homerecording.com/bbs/showthread.php?s=&postid=249125#post249125

DONT FEED THE BEARS!

 

[PannyDeters]

You could get a

Tube MP (100) and a used condensor (I have an Optimus Radio Shack condensor that was originally $30-50 and I use it more than my Rode NT1).

A Rode NT1 (200. You're close to that)

An RNC ($175)

An ART Tubepac (a tube mic pre and tube compressor in one).

DP

 

[tdukex]

Save it and let it grow.

Wait till January and see how good the Studio Projects VT-1 premap is. Or save it for a good condensor mic. Or both.

 

[chessparov]

Keep an eye out for the Studio Projects B1 condenser mike-only about
$100 list coming out. The website is www.studioprojectsusa.com

 

[Gidge]

saw in another thread someone picked up a Marshall MXLv67M at Mars for $110....thats a damn good condenser mic now, no waiting....can almost afford an Art Tube MP for $89...

 

[chessparov]

The only catch is that you have to work at Mars to get the employee
discount on the Marshall! (just kidding)

 

[vox]

I think in your situation the greatest quality improvement will come from getting a nice mic, like the MXL V67G.

Good Luck

 

[MISTERQCUE]

Send the money to me and in 2 years it will increase 10-fold
In this way you can afford to purchase a Neumann U87!


Need my mailing address?

 

[DarkFriend]

SPENT!

Thanks for the suggestions folks... I got an Audio Technica AT3035 condenser mic with shock mount for $150. Took it into the studio today and laid down some amazing vocal and acoustic guitar tracks.

I should have mentioned in the initial post, that this was a one-time deal, and saving additional cash was not an option. I basically had to spend it today - or not at all.

I'm amazed at the quality of the sound. Every nuance comes through, and the depth of range is exceptional.

Thanks again!

 

[Gidge]

damn good choice and good price.....Id love to hear some vocal clips of that mic thru the Audio Buddy......

 

[skaltpunk]

man, buy a behringer mixer... you will not be disappointed. Or, spend the money on two SM57's, you can never have enough of those beauties.

 

[Prism]

Where did you get a 3035 for $150? I auditioned one at GC, but I didn't really like it...although I guess it depends on the situation.

Isaiah

 

[ausrock]

QUOTE:......."man, buy a behringer mixer... you will not be disappointed"

Shoot the person that said that!! Better still, tie him arse up, buck naked to a horse and run him outa town.

 

[Track Rat]

Friends don't let friends buy Behringer.

 

[DarkFriend]

Where?

I got the Audio Technica 3035 at Guitar Center with the shock mount, brand new in its box/case. I know people rag on the employees there a lot, but the help I've received there this year has been phenomenal. The salesperson told me that the store manager said "don't let anyone leave without the equipment they want if they are within reason on the price." I told the sales guy I had $160 to spend including taxes for the mic and a few other small things (picks, cord, etc.) and he worked the deal.

The mic is a true dream, too.. Its already dramatically improved the quality of my recordings.