Is there a really good, low cost vocal mic?

  • Thread starter Thread starter DivaRae
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DivaRae

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I do all my recording on my computer, and right now I'm using a crappy $10 mic, simpy because it's the only thing I've found that has an 1/8" plug that will fit in my computer's jack. I've already asked the computer recording forum about how to hook a professional mic (with a 1/4" plug) into my computer (but no response yet). But, my question to you is how to find the right mic for my vocals. I'm a poor graduate student, so I don't have loads of money to spend. I'd like to keep it under $150 if possible. I need a good quality vocal mic that can handle everything from soft, sweet vocals to loud, high operatic vocals. I've heard that some mics are really good at keeping the volume even, no matter what style you're singing, and that would be a big bonus. I have almost no knowledge of microphones, so any help is appreciated.

Thank you!!!
~Rachel
 
sm58

shure sm58 for a dynamic. if you are only doing voice, or say, acoustic guitar get a nt3.
 
Rachel,

Check out the Nady SCM 1000. This mic is a large diaphragm condensor mic that would sound wonderful compared to what you currently have. It's not as harsh (in the upper frequencies) as the Rode NT1, which everyone seems to refer newbies to, it cost a bit less (although the shockmount to attach it to a mic stand is sold separately), it has a 10 dB attenuation filter (for really loud voices or sources) AND it has THREE polar patterns (cardiod, omni and figure 8)! All this for $150!

I thought that I was just getting a junk condensor mic that I could safely put near really loud sources. This mic turned out to actually be a solid and pleasant mic. IMHO, this mic is one of the most underrated mics in this price category. No one seems to talk about it.

Check out http://www.musiciansfriend.com to get this mic. I think that it would be well worth your money (at least try it for the 45 day trial). It was mine. Since this mic is a condensor, you will need to have phantom power on your mixer in order to use it (or buy a power supply or preamp)

Rev E

P.S. Here's the routine, I don't work for musicians friend, etc.. Just a happy customer.
 
Thats a graet suggestion Rev, but the poor guy does not have a pre-amp with phantom power for a condeser mic. The sm58 woulb be a great choice or even something like the AKG D880 emotion mic. I bought my son one for Christmas and it only cost me about $50 at MF's. whether you get this mic or the sm58 you will still have a little problem in that the connector ont the sm58 uses a din mount. I know that you can get a transformer adaptor that will convert that connector to a 1/4" jack (I have 2 of them that I got at Radio Shack). The only last problem is getting it to the 1/8" jack in the computer. If you were to get the AKG mic, you would still have $100 to stpend with which you could purchase one of those cheap little Berhinger mixers.

Hope this helps.
Joe
 
Believe it or not, a used EV RE16...

I just picked up 4 for 200.00, so for 50 bucks you get a nice dynamic mic that I've been reaching for more and more these days for female vocals of every sort...great underrated mic.

Screw the SM58...
 
you can buy a 1/4" to 1/8" converter also at radio shack, so you can go from xlr-1/8 with the help of a few converters.
 
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