"Best-Bang-4-The-Buck" microphones...

[kidvybes]

...everybody who does a fair amount of home (or studio) recording has probably got a mic or two that proved to be "more useful/better quality" than the original cost would have suggested...in my experience the venerable multi-tasking Studio Projects B1 (under $100) gets high marks, and on the tube-mic tip, my $200 MXL V77 kicks butt...how about giving the rest of us your choice of "Best-Bang-4-The-Buck" microphone (most mic for the least money)...

 

[MCI2424]

...everybody who does a fair amount of home (or studio) recording has probably got a mic or two that proved to be "more useful/better quality" than the original cost would have suggested...in my experience the venerable multi-tasking Studio Projects B1 gets high marks, and on the tube-mic tip, my $200 MXL V77 kicks butt...how about giving the rest of us your choice of "Best-Bang-4-The-Buck" microphone...

I rather like the U87. Best bang-for-the-buck mic ever made (except for the Sure Sm57). The U87 can be used almost everywhere and stacks up quite nic ely in a dense mix.

 

[DonGraham]

i have been really impressed with my Groove Tubes GT-55 $299

 

[chessrock]

Well, a few come to mind off the top of my head. CAD M177/179, and Oktava mc/mk012. Basically anything by Audio Technica.

 

[jkokura]

I'm gonna agree with the Mk012's... I'm glad I own them and I think they sound better than they cost!. I hear though that the v69 is a much better mic than the 300 price tag attached...but i don't own one.

Jacob

 

[noisedude]

My Beyer M400 cost me about £20 and sounds great on loads of cabs, vocals and even some acoustics! Saved me saving for MD421s for the time being, and will have a role in my mic locker even as I expand my collection.

 

[ozraves]

What Chessrock said.

 

[chance]

I see there are a few Oktava 012 users out there.
I have posted this quite a few times but is worth repeating.
I got two of these mics for overheads and loved them for my lo budget projects. I used to use my C-12's 47's, and 67's for everything. I later got some low priced mics ( like the 012 ) for some of my inexperienced clients. An example of this is a drummer moving his hi-hat with no regard to the mic that is sitting next to it. In Sept 2003, Recording magazine had a DIY article on how to hot-rod these 012 mics. I did the simple mods and difference was amazing. It was like someone had lifted a veil off the mic ) They are now precious to me for overheads. I reciently got two more, but lost that magazine and just ordered another copy. Recording mag also had an article to hot-rod other Chinese mics in the January 2002 issue

 

[jeff5xo]

I'll second the SP B1. Bought one used @ GC for 50 bucks. Very impressive.
Another great deal is the GT-44!

 

[pohaku]

What chessrock said, but I'd add the Groove Tubes AM-40/GT-44 to the list if you can get it for less than $250. They were a screaming deal when GC closed them out for $200 new last year. A really nice sounding and very useful mic.

 

[punkin]

mxl603s and while not cheap...very useable...AKG414...it gets used a lot.

 

[Harlequin Man]

would the SP B1 be a good mic for vocals?

 

[JHOOKS]

no one like the rhode nt1a??? hummmm

 

[Ronan]

Shure SM57 is probably the best bang for the buck piece of recording gear period.

 

[jkokura]

would the SP B1 be a good mic for vocals?

Most people would say no...But it's usable. The C1 is better for vocals...

Jacob

 

[jkokura]

no one like the rhode nt1a??? hummmm

I've never heard of a 'rhode' nt1a...hehe

But seriously, the 'røde NT1a is a great mic in this budget. Watch out for the NT1 - I hear the NT1a is a different mic and far superior. You can tell by the casing - the NT1 is brass I think, and the NT1a is brushed so it's more silvery...someone feel free to correct me if I need it.

Jacob

 

[mrbowes]

it's not cheap, but i would consider the Pearlman TM-1 to be "bang-for-the-buck" for mics over $1,000.

 

[JazzMasterWil]

But would the Studio Projects B1 be good for vocals? (The only mic I have that vaguely resembles a vocal mic is a shure pg 48, and I'd really like to upgrade).

 

[jeff5xo]

But would the Studio Projects B1 be good for vocals? (The only mic I have that vaguely resembles a vocal mic is a shure pg 48, and I'd really like to upgrade).

Some would say no. It depends on who you're recording. I'm actually upset with myself for actually liking this mic. I thought for $50, I'll pick it up and use it on acoustic guitar. I find myself using it quite a bit on vocals.

 

[warble]

But would the Studio Projects B1 be good for vocals? (The only mic I have that vaguely resembles a vocal mic is a shure pg 48, and I'd really like to upgrade).

I'd say no. Owned one and tried it on my vox, but wasn't happy with the results. It seemed a touch harsh to me, and for some reason I had trouble with sibilance (which I don't have when using better mics - even my CAD M177). I was running it through a VTB-1 preamp FWIW.

The CAD is a pretty darn good multi-purpose mic, and I am surprised how well it works on vox (at least my vox). Great drum OH mic too.