Cheap mics?

[ianplegg]

Hello,

I'm looking to record both piano and vocals in a home setup, eg through a mixer (unknown as yet and into a PC) but I don't know which mics to go for.

In fact I also don't know which mixer to purchase or soundcard... they all seem very expensive for what I wish to achieve and that would be CD quality sound but without investing in a small studio!

I've been told that the AKG C1000S is great but they are also 130 UK pounds each! Are there any other phantom power mics of comparable quality and results that are cheaper, like half the price???

Thank you for any help

Kind regards,

Ian Legg

 

[Prism]

Hey Ian... (any relation to Adrian Legg?)
Piano and vocals? If that were my case, I'd get a couple Marshall 603s small diaphragm condenser mics and stereo mic the piano. As for the vocals, I've heard many good things about the Marshall V67 (I've heard some impressive samples as well) and the Studio Projects C1 is another good choice. I liked the RODE NT2 a lot, and I've been told that the more affordable Behringer B2 is the same mic, only in a different body, and about $200USD cheaper. (Not sure about exchange rates)

But anyway, using the items mentioned above, I'm sure you could get some fairly impressive results. I think some reverb would help the vocals, too...especially if your recording environment doesn't have great acoustics.

Isaiah

 

[ianplegg]

Hello Isaiah,

No I'm no relation to Adrian Legg... is he from across the pond then? I guess I could be related somewhere down the line

I had a quick look at the Marshall mics and they seem very good. However are they not a bit over specified for what I need? I must admit I don't really know a lot about mics, other than I need a condensor type Really don't know what to look for figures wise... can you shed some light?

The Rhodes mic also looks good but it also retails in the UK for about 130 pounds. Are there any mics for half that value that are just as good or do you sacrifice sound quality etc?

Don't suppose you could point me in the direction of someone who's good with mixers and soundcards could you? I also need some advice with these too

Thank you for your help

Kind regards,

Ian Legg

 

[RussK]

For vocals the field is wide open, I'm sure there are thousands of posts here on the subject.

For stereo piano (I'm just guessing it's an upright) try to demo a pair of Oktava 012 medium condensors with the cardiod capsules. Although a scientifically matched pair costs more, a random pair will run $300 - 330usd