How Low Can You Go

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hairylarry

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Hi,

I'm Hairy Larry and I've been lurking and commenting for a while in the
microphone forum, learning from the big thread and all the recommendations.

Everyone seems to have a different idea about how cheap a cheap mic is. Some
think anything under $1000 is cheap, some under $500, some under $100, some
under $50.

The question is how low can you go and still make quality recordings.

Recording acoustic guitar I have been using two Realistic 1070b omnis with an
Audio Technica Pro 37 as a center channel. I bought these mics used on ebay, $31
for the pair of omnis and $67 for the Pro 37. That's under $100 for all three
mics.

We've heard Timothy Lawler record some fantastic classical guitar using two
msh-1a omnis at $44 for the stereo pair.

https://homerecording.com/bbs/showthread.php?t=208086

Dr. Philgood has posted some drum tracks showing off the Superlux FK-2. This
kick drum mic goes for $43 on ebay, new.

https://homerecording.com/bbs/showthread.php?t=206808&highlight=superlux+fk-2

Scroll down to second Philgood post for links to drum mp3s.

Several threads have discussed the GLS Audio ES-57 microphones. Many prefer them
to SM57s. This cardiod dynamic is $38 for one, $30 each, quantity 3, brand new
shipping included.

So just for fun, how low can you go. It's a different world out there for
microphones.

What is the cheapest mic you have made quality recordings with?

What cheap mics do you recommend?

What cheap mics do you use and rely on?

Thanks,

Hairy Larry
 
The cheapest mic I use is an Audix i5 that I paid 60 bucks for.
 
Well, theoretically, the lowest one could go would be free.

I say this because it would be impossible to go any lower than that.

Unless, of course, someone actually paid you to take their mic off their hands. I would imagine that would be rare, but I've heard of stranger things.

Would that cout ? (someone paying you to take their mic) If so, then the lowest you could go would actually be the highest someone else would pay you to take their mic. Again, in theory of course.

.
 
One time I scored a Shure SM63 (kinda like the EV 635a) for $35. The seller had it listed as an SM65, which is a model number that I don't think exists :D
 
Sm61

Hey,

I have a pair of SM61s. They are omnis. Sound similar to the EV635a. They have a plastic grill and are pretty light overall but very well constructed. Are you familiar with them? Are they similar to the SM63s?

One of them was free. A gift from a friend. The other must have been yardsale cheap. I used them as a stereo pair recording a band outdoors. They sound good.

I have been looking at the Audix i5 but haven't found any for $60. Free would be good but I haven't had anyone offer to pay me to take their microphone.

Thanks,

Hairy Larry
 
hairylarry said:
Hey,

I have a pair of SM61s. They are omnis. Sound similar to the EV635a. They have a plastic grill and are pretty light overall but very well constructed. Are you familiar with them? Are they similar to the SM63s?
Click to expand...

Yeah, I haven't used that, but from the spec sheet it looks like the SM63 predecessor. Try cramming one (or the pair) real close to an acoustic guitar soundboard, good chunky tone without the proximity effect you'd get from cardioids :cool:
 
57song

HMusikk,

HMusikk said:
The only mic used here is a Shure SM57...
http://www.studioreviews.com/57song.htm
Click to expand...

This is a very interesting article and a very good recording. Part of what I notice is that he arranged the song to fit the equipment. And his simple and clean arrangement works for the song.

Thanks,

Hairy Larry
 
How's this for cheap gear:

AKG D2300S: $6 each.

I use one on each of my toms.

:)
 
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