low/mid vocals.

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dmbfan1981

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I have previously inquired about a good mic for around $200 bucks and have had several suggestions. Now I would like to give a little more description of my vocal-style and maybe open up the brand line. I believe that most of the brands in my price range would be....

AKG
Studio Projects
Rode
M-Audio
Audio Technica
Marshall



Which one of these brands in the $200 range ( new or used ) would be the best for my vocal style. I need to accentuate the lows and mids and not so much of the highs. I have a style that is kinda of a mixture between John Mayer, Duncan Shiek, and Rob Thomas. A little breathy like John Mayer on quite mellow parts, but not quite as gritty and gravelly when he is singing full force. when singing at a comfortable register I am probably closest to Rob Thomas or Duncan Sheik. Not sure if that helps or not. Its hard enough for me to try to compare myself to others and actually have it be useful.


It would also be a sweet bonus if the mic could be useful on micing a dreadnaught acoustic. Thanks guys.
 
I did a little research and came up with a few mics for consideration.

M-Audio Luna

Sterling Audio ST55 Large Diaphragm FET Condenser Mic

R0DE NT1-A Anniversary Model Microphone

MXL 3000 Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone

Audio-Technica AT3035 Cardioid Condenser Microphone

AKG C 2000 B/H100 Microphone with Shockmount

MXL 9000 Tube Condenser Microphone

Studio Projects B1


Or anything used that you guys are sure can be found for $200 bucks.
 
i've heard great things about the sp-b1 being a great all-around budget condenser for both acoustics and vocals as well as amps and overheads. my 2cents.
 
Expand your budget a little and get a real mic.

Shure SM-7.

.
 
Audio Technica AT4054

Hi,

The AT4054 is an excellent vocal mic that also does a real good job recording guitar.

It has bass rolloff built in, unlike it's sibling the 4055, so probably not too good for kick or bass or trombone. Well, maybe ok for trombone, never tried it.

I got mine for $110 used but you can usually find them around $200.

Thanks,

Hairy Larry
 
I've got a low mid voice (check some of my recordings) and I love my at-3035. I'm not running threw any fancy preamp either just a mackie vlz. No eq or next to no eq. If you want to here it check my sig' and listen to "it's in my gender" or "another day" those where both done on an at3035.
On the other hand most decent LDC's would do good with a dark voice. I happen to feel that for a new $200.00 LDC that the at-3035 is as good as anything out there and it comes with a shockmount.

Just my opinion.

Good luck.

F.S.
 
chessrock said:
Expand your budget a little and get a real mic.

Shure SM-7.

.
Click to expand...


Your the man Chess so this is a serious question. Does the sm-7 capture the hi end detail needed on a pretty dark (Barry White) type of voice? And no I don't sound like Barry White!

F.S.
 
Freudian Slip said:
Your the man Chess so this is a serious question. Does the sm-7 capture the hi end detail needed on a pretty dark (Barry White) type of voice? And no I don't sound like Barry White!
Click to expand...


It depends on how much detail you need, and how good you are with a parametric EQ.

.
 
I'm a baritone/bass and have had reasonably good luck with an early model Rode NT-1. I also happen to like the Apex 460 tube mic for my voice, which is about $230. Both are bright and clear mics, but they seem to work well on lower voices without getting harsh.

Under $200, the best all-around mic, imo, is the CAD M179. I use it for background vocals and acoustic guitar regularly and it always does a solid job without getting in the way. If you want a mic that you will keep and use for many years to come, this is the one I would recommend.

If you want a mellower/crooner type sound, consider one of the Chinese ribbon mics. The Nady RSM-2 is about $200 and sounds pretty cool.

If you could find a used AT4040 or Shure SM7, as previously suggested, those would be great choices as well.
 
+1 on the AT4054 if you can find one. It uses the same capsule as the AT4050 in a hand held package. It has since been replaced by the AE5400 which has a roll-off switch. I've picked up a couple of them on e-bay for @$150 each. A bargain at that price.
 
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