Condenser Mic for a Newbie

[Vaigod]

Im looking into getting my first Condenser for my home studio. I dont need anything for "Pro Production" quality, but I would prefer to see a huge difference from the No-Name Omni-Ball mic I am using now. I understand that the higher end mics will be relatively expensive, and that is why I dont need "top notch". I am basically looking for the best bang for the buck. If I can get in around 200 or so, and get some "decent" sounding vocals out of it then i will be happy. Any help that you guys (gals) could offer would be of great assistance. Thanks Alot.....

 

[Gidge]

try out a Marshall v67....remember that with condensers, you need phantom power and a preamp.....you could also look into the Rode mics (NT1,NT3).....also dont count out the sm57 dynamic mic as a serious vocal mic, and at 79.00 a helluva bargain....I could point you to quite a few good mp3's where a sm57 was used on vocals......

 

[Vaigod]

Thanks for the input. I have also heard a couple good things about the Apex 420 and 430. I saw a bundle for under 200 that included the Apex 430 and an Art Tube MP (which im not crazy about). But, if it works, it works. I'll keep my eyes (and ears) open.

 

[Gidge]

will you be doing anything besides vocals with it?....

 

[Gidge]

BTW, Id say definitely on the ART...damn fine unit....

 

[Vaigod]

I hadnt really planned on doing anything else with it. I guess I might try mic'ing an acoustic guitar every now and then, but for the most part I would be using it for vocals. Right now as far as equipment goes, I'm coming up short the most in that area.

 

[giaschel]

I bought a Rode NT1 some time ago for USD140 and I use it for vocals and acoustic guitar. I was in the same situation as you. It was my first condenser mic and I like it a lot. Of course, a lot of people will tell you it's not perfect, but I feel i'm getting pretty decent results for the sound I'm looking for. And it helped me a lot to learn how to record with a condenser mic.

 

[Gidge]

The best advice I can give is to try out mics with your guitar and voice before you shell out $$$...it will also help to try it out with the preamp youll be using (Art Tube MP???).....

 

[Vaigod]

Im gonna see if I can get the gimps at Mars to set up the Apex with the Art Tube Mp so I can hear what I can expect when I get em home. If I cant con them into that (For 200 bucks with NO RETURNS, I shouldnt have a problem) Then I guess I'll just keep an eye out for a deal. I figure that I am still going to have to run the output of the Mp into my mixer prior to the recorder due to the single Mono outputs. At least then I wont have to split the signal onboard. (Dual mono outs would have been nice.... ) If you are as satisfied as you say with the Tube Mp, then I guess I must have one too.

 

[Gidge]

I would still go straight into the recorder and skip the mixer.....all that would do is add unnecessary noise and distortion.....

 

[Vaigod]

I agree with you on the signal path, I just hate creating a (simulated) stereo image from a single mono track. Even using a DAW like I am, It annoys me. maybe I'll just split the signal coming out of the MP into 2 (doubled) mono signals. That way I'll have a dedicated left and right image for my stereo input. At any rate, i honestly think that I am gonna wind up with the Apex 430 and the Art Tube Mp. The price is right, and from what you tell me about the Mp, it sounds like I am gonna be pretty happy with it. I'll keep you posted on how it goes. Thanks again!!

 

[Gidge]

If you are recording with one mic, even with a dual channel preamp, you are getting a simulated stereo image...the only way to record a true stereo image is to record with two mics.....

 

[blinddogblues]

Maybe you should consider getting 2 of the Marshall 603 small diaphragm condensors. They are $75 each and according to many on this forum, they sound great (I do not have them, nor have I heard them, but if they are good enough for Harvey Gerst, they are good enough for me). That way you could record in stereo or mono.