Entry level mics

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JFogarty

JFogarty

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I'm looking to get my first decent mic. I've been recording some stuff on my computer using some generic 20 dollar mics that sound like crap. I was wonder what would be the most affordable mic (like less than $150) that also sound pretty good. Also, what mics work best for alot of different things, like drum over heads, vocals, amps, and accoustic guitars?
 
If you're looking for a mic to get started recording with I would buy a small diaphram condenser. They are good for overheads, acoustic guitars, vocals, and they are pretty affordable. Ultimately, you want to build a cabinet (collection) of mics to serve your various needs. I wouldn't start with a dynamic mic because I don't think they are sensitive enough to record acoustic guitars well. However, they are more affordable than condensers and you will end up buying them too because they are useful for instruments that are loud and produce high SPL's. (sound pressure level) Like drums and loud guitar amps.

Considering your price range I would look at the following;

Crown CM700 $210

Audio Technica 3525 $180

AKG C2000B $200-250

There's many more you could consider but I recommended these because I've read multiple positive reviews, and I own a pair of the CM700's. I feel that most mics on the market are good and it just takes awhile to learn how to use them well to get good results. Don't forget to buy a good mic stand. Considering the investment you will make in microphones, buy stands that can support the weight of heavier mics.

Good luck.
 
Do a search on "decent mics" and see what comes up. Hahahaha. Just pick 5 random posts in this section of the forum and youll come across at least a half dozen suggestions for a mic in that range. If you could spend just $30-40 more though, you have a whole bunch of solid versatile mics that will be a part of your arsenal for a long time. The rode NT1, AT3525, AKG C1000, are all good starting mics for under $200.
 
I did that search, and your response turned up number one. hahaha
 
I have a pair of Rode NT3s and am very happy with them. I got them for $150 a piece at Guitar Center (they matched a price that I found on the 'net). They are small-diaphragm condensers and are pretty versatile - I mainly use them as overheads for micing my drum kit - and they sound great. I've also done some vocals, percussion micing, and bass guitar micing - all with good results.
 
Hmmm,

Most of the mics y'all are recommending require phantom power, which I don't think JFogerty has. A Shure SM-57 might be a better bet as a starter mic, since he'll always be able to use it for something.

Just a thought.
 
no, I have phantom power, I have a little MX602A from the hated Behringer. Buts its small and does what I want, for now.
 
JFogarty said:
no, I have phantom power, I have a little MX602A from the hated Behringer. Buts its small and does what I want, for now.
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LOL Never mind.

You might like the Marshall 603 a lot - a very good mic for not much money. You can probably buy a pair of them for around $150 or less. For vocals, you'll need a pop filter if you get in close.
 
Mr. Gerst, what do you think of the deal at Musicians Friend, 2 MXL1000's plus a dynamic mic for 149.99?.....
 
Gidge said:
Mr. Gerst, what do you think of the deal at Musicians Friend, 2 MXL1000's plus a dynamic mic for 149.99?.....
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First of all, there is no "Mr. Gerst" - just Harvey. Second, it's a good deal. The little MXL Fox dynamic mic ain't too shabby - a little scooped in the mids, but it works fine. And I believe the MXL-1000s come with a nice little shock mount as well. Just remember to unscrew the ball end (on the MXL-10000) and put that part away - they sound really shitty with the ball on them.

Harvey Gerst
ITR Studio
Sanger, TX
 
Harvey Gerst said:
The little MXL Fox dynamic mic ain't too shabby - a little scooped in the mids, but it works fine.
Click to expand...

Sound like this could be a killer mic for "Pantera-toms" :-P
 
Wide Awake said:


Crown CM700 $210

Audio Technica 3525 $180
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Wide Awake-
Where did you find these prices? I've only seen the Audio Technica for like 300 and I can't even find that Crown.
 
JFogarty-

You can find them both at www.8thstreet.com

The Crown CM700 is $209 and the AT3525 is $169

I've never heard the AT3525 but from the reviews it sounds really versatile, and that's a very good price. I've bought many things from 8th Street and they have never let me down.

I bought a matched set of the Crowns to use as overheads, and to record acoustic guitar and hand percussion. I'm impressed with it. The shockmount is 45 or 50 bucks.

You can find a review of the Crown CM700 at www.prorec.com
 
Start with these and just move up from them!

AT 4033 - Who cares how much it cost. This is a mic the has been used on many vocal tracks on "hits" you have probably heard. There is a reason that it is the best all time selling large diaphram condensor mic on the market, and it will probably retain that title! The 4033 also has blown away many high dollar mics I have tried for acoustic guitars, and is very good for drum overheads. For high quality horn tracks, it is killer! I have used them for micing Leslie cabinets and got scary realistic sounding results. On percussion, it excels! The 4033 is probably the best bang for the buck mic on the market, and don't let ANYBODY try to tell you otherwise, because I have not met another engineer who has argued the results many have got from this mic. I consider a 4033 to be MUST in any studio.

Shure SM-57 - Who cares how much this one costs too! I don't think there is another mic on the market that has sold as many as this. Great for snares, toms, a must for guitar cabinets, and very workable on most horns. Some have used it for tracking vocals. A mic that will stay in your selection ALWAYS!

AKG C1000S - While not an "exciting" mic, it works very well for drum overhead, acoustic guitar, and works surprisingly well for micing any kind of amplified keyboard, and in my opinion, is the best sound I have ever got for micing a ride cymbal (yes, I have dedicated a track for the good ol' ride in many recordings with the client jumping up and down over the sound we got with the C1000)

AT Pro 25 - While far from my first choice of a kick drum mic, I think it sounds much better then the "revered" AKG D-112, and only cost around $130. Great for the money, and a very workable sound.

A pair of AT 4033's, a pair of C1000's, and around 6 or 7 SM 57's, and one ATM 25 will get you very nice results in just about any recording session.

Ed
 
Again, he said he was looking for his first "decent" mic that "sound pretty good" for $150 or under....how hard is it to answer that post?.....
 
Sey JF, For instruments get SM57's. For vocals, SM58's. You won't go wrong and.. you will not break the bank ok? Later....Dr.Den
 
I would never recommend dynamic mics for recording acoustic guitar. They just aren't sensitive enough. A condenser mic will yield better results in high frequency detail and transient response.
 
There are still millions to made with a good ol' SM58.
 
Octava MC012 is a good sounding inexpensive mic. About $150 at g-center. If you want to spend less, then take Harvey's reccomendation on the SM-57. Its a studio standard
 
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