Help me choose a cheap mic

[Jblount]

Here are some mics I am thinking of getting to add to my arsenal. They are all incredably cheap, and I know than you all are going to tell me to shut up and buy a neumann, but this is my budget for now.

choices include, but are not limited to:

Samson CO1
Samson CO2
Studio Projects C1
Studio Projects B1
AKG C2000B
AKG C1000S
Marshal MXL1006
Rode NT1

Has anyone used any of these mics, on the worlds smallest budget, what would you recomend?

 

[ignition]

Let me be the first to point you to the FAQ, located at: http://www.hr-faq.org/

That being said, it looks like you've got a few large and a few small diaphragm mics on your list. What do you need the mic for? Vocals? Acoustic guitar? Knowing this would help narrow the list a little.

Personally, I would get a C1.

travis

 

[BuildingStudios]

... Also dont forget about Ebay for you mic purchases. You can get some great deals on really nice gear.

 

[Richard Monroe]

Low budget mic cabinets need mics that are very versatile. I like B-1 and C2000B in particular. I have some very limited experiences with the Samsons, and I dislike them. The 2000B is a wicked underated mic, which I prefer to the B-1, largely for their pad and bass rolloff, and for their pleasing color on vocals and as rock overheads. I like the B-1 in acoustic guitar, but God knows I can't sing into it. Other people can, just ask Chessparov. 2000B is a workhorse on vocals, acoustic guitar and percussion.-Richie

 

[Innovations]

Here are some mics I am thinking of getting to add to my arsenal. They are all incredably cheap, and I know than you all are going to tell me to shut up and buy a neumann, but this is my budget for now.

choices include, but are not limited to:

Samson CO1
Samson CO2
Studio Projects C1
Studio Projects B1
AKG C2000B
AKG C1000S
Marshal MXL1006
Rode NT1

Has anyone used any of these mics, on the worlds smallest budget, what would you recomend?

What do you want to use them for and what mics do you already have?

 

[ozraves]

Check out this article:

www.piemusic.com/mp/micproj.html

If it were me, then I'd think about some of these "cheap" mics:

Shure SM57, Studio Projects B1, Audio-Technica AT3035, MXL603.

Steve
www.mojopie.com

 

[chessparov]

For whatever strange reason, the B1 works great on my voice for rock style
material. Have to use a de-esser with a C1, but that's not the
microphone's fault, it's a dental issue. (slightly chipped front tooth!).

Chris

 

[still4given]

Here are some mics I am thinking of getting to add to my arsenal. They are all incredably cheap, and I know than you all are going to tell me to shut up and buy a neumann, but this is my budget for now.

choices include, but are not limited to:

Samson CO1
Samson CO2
Studio Projects C1
Studio Projects B1
AKG C2000B
AKG C1000S
Marshal MXL1006
Rode NT1

Has anyone used any of these mics, on the worlds smallest budget, what would you recomend?

Well on the world's smallest budget, I would definately get the SP B1. Of the mics I own, (Rode NT1000, Oktava MK319, Studio Projects B1, Shure KSM32, MXL 603, Shure SM58), the B1 is my favorite. It just seems to do everthing well. The others all have their strong points, but for all around use, the B1 is an exceptional buy.

I've never heard anyone say anything good about the Samson mics and I personally don't like the AKG C1000 at all.

You might also want to look at the MXL V67G. I haven't heard much bad about it at all.

Blessings, Terry

 

[DJL]

Here are some mics I am thinking of getting to add to my arsenal. They are all incredably cheap, and I know than you all are going to tell me to shut up and buy a neumann, but this is my budget for now.

choices include, but are not limited to:

Samson CO1
Samson CO2
Studio Projects C1
Studio Projects B1
AKG C2000B
AKG C1000S
Marshal MXL1006
Rode NT1

Has anyone used any of these mics, on the worlds smallest budget, what would you recomend?

A used Shure SM57 for about $40.

 

[Aren]

While it's nothing to write home about, the MXL-1006 will be adequate for most of your recording needs (vocals, accoustic guitar, drum overhaeds, room mike). I do not like it on a guitar amp (not as a main mike at least. It's great as a room mike).
If you work on mic placement, you can get wonderful results with it.

Oren

 

[freshmattyp]

For less than $100, the B1 is the way to go. For less than $200, the C2000B or the SP B3 (not on your list) are great buys. I would second Richard Monroe's comments on the C2000. I have yet to hear it sound bad on anything. I've done vocals, acoustic guitar, mandolin, double bass, harmonica. It's my "Desert Island" mic.

 

[billisa]

I have the Samson CO1 and the Studio Projects B1. I'm selling a new, unused CO1 with a shock mount...(don't need it). I really like my B1's. One difference between the CO1 and the B1 is the B1 is much quieter. If you need a mike with low self-noise, the B1 is better than the CO1. My son however has done some dynamite rock vocals into the CO1. It's very clean, and I think fairly neutral. Even so, I like the B1 better (and he hasn't sung into that one yet).

 

[acorec]

Ah, there are so many.

Radio shack has some for $10. You could get a macintosh PC mic for $7. Some cheap Shure mics (hi-Z Unbalanced)

Look in your local Salvation Army center for $5 mics.

Alot of carbon element mics out there.
Also, for real cheap, try the mic that is in your telephone.

 

[slimcamp]

C-1

or you could try a NADY SP-1... [JOKING.]

 

[Jblount]

Thanks for your inputs. I already own 3 sm57 and 8 sm58. I was looking for cheap overhead mics for the drums and maybe a cheap condensor mic for a male rock vocal.

 

[Aren]

A pair of 1006s would do you just fine, then. They are not that great on female vocals, but for male vocals I (personally) love them.

If you want to hear what it sounds like, check out my page http://www.nowhereradio.com/Eejit/singles
In "Walking on Broken Glass" the 1006 was used on the lead vocals, accoustic guitar (which is kinda burried in the mix...) and the (crappy) drum set.
In "Break your heart" a pair was used to capture a room (mixed with the FOH mix).


Oren

 

[Jblount]

thanks, I am leaning towards the C1, found one for $160.00.

 

[Innovations]

Thanks for your inputs. I already own 3 sm57 and 8 sm58. I was looking for cheap overhead mics for the drums and maybe a cheap condensor mic for a male rock vocal.

I would go with a matched pair of MXL603 for the overheads and then a V67G for the vocals.

 

[jdier]

First let me suggest you read... http://www.hr-faq.org/

If you are going to be poor forever buy a SP C1, if you will have more money later, buy an SM57 now.

 

[keilson]

Jblount, where did you find the c1 for $160?