Mics on a budget

[anugroove]

ALright, I am on a budget on my quest for a home studio, and Im in need of an army of mics.
So far I have found:
3- Nady SP-5s for $25 Musicians Friend
6- Nady Sp-9s for ~$30 shipped eBay w/soft case
2- MXL 990 & 991 pair for around $50 shipped
1- Behringer ECM8000 for $15 shipped
1- 7 CAD Drum mics for $45 shipped
1- 7 Samson Drum mics for around $55 shipped

I need: A good vocal condenser mic, a guitar mic, kick/snare/overhead/tom mics(4), extra guitar mic, extra vocal mic. Atleast, im just doing demos for local artist and bands. I was thinking about getting the MXLs and one of the drum kits. If I get those Ill basically have: a good vocal mic, kick/snare/overheads, Ill use the 3 toms for 2-guitars, and one backup vocals, and then the 991 for acoustic instruments.
What do you think?
CHris

 

[scrubs]

Check the Mic FAQ (top of the forum) and this article on building a mic locker.

Here's what you "need"

1. Large Diaphragm Condenser - This is primarily for vocals (& some instruments). I would recommend you not totally cheap out on this, but then, I'm a singer. $100 will get you the Studio Projects B1, MXL V67g, or similar. $200 will put you into the Studio Projects C1, Rode NT1A, ADK Vienna/Hamburg, CAD M179, etc.

2. Pair of Small Diaphragm Condensers - These are for acoustic instruments and drum overheads. For super cheap, a pair of the Nady or Behringer reference mics will work (<$100). The MXL 991 would work, although the 603s or 604 might be better (<$200).

3. Versatile Dynamic(s) - For snare drum, guitar cabinets, some vocals, etc. The old standby is the Shure SM57 ($80-90). Some say the GLS knockoff is about as good and about 1/3 the price (so you could buy several and use them for toms, etc.). Other contenders would be Sennheiser e835, etc.

4. Large Dynamic - For kick drum, bass cabs, etc. AKG D112, Shure Beta 52, Audio Technica ATM25 are pretty standard. Electrovoice RE20/27 would be better, imo, but they are pricey.

Basically, I would stay away from the starpower mics and most drum mic kits, as these will just leave you disappointed. Start with miking drums using 3-4 mics (1-2 overheads, 1 kick, 1 snare). This will produce demo quality results (or better) with a lot less hassle.

 

[anugroove]

thanks, i was thinking about that, but Ill be getting most the mics off ebay, so theyll prolly be half those prices or so.
CHris

 

[Nakatira]

When I first wanted to widen my varities of mic`s I also first looked at the samson\nady\superlux mic sets.
But after reading and reciving advice I went for a simular setup to what Scrubbs was telling you, and belive me I was not dissapointed.
I have tried some of the really dirt cheap mics and I think If you go that cheap you will regret it.

So my money is on Scrubbs suggestions

 

[Dani Pace]

Audio Technika AT N20, around $40-$45, is a pretty decent mic for acoustic guitar and not bad for overheads. Just thought I'd throw that in. Of course there are better but they will cost you more.

 

[soundchaser59]

GOOD

CHEAP

MICROPHONE


.....Pick any two....

Personally, I would not buy anything less than the SM57. It is a good rule of thumb to consider the SM57 as your baseline mic. Anything lesser or worse stay away from, and then you have no where to go but up in quality.

There are only 3 or 4 small dynamics under $100 that I have ever considered buying, and I own them all now:

Shure SM57 and SM58
Sennheiser E609, E825, or E835
AKG D770

For condensors, I use the same rule of thumb with the Studio Projects B1 or C1 being my baseline mic. Anything lesser stay away from. If I have a choice, I will take Rode over SP, but that's my personal preference. The B1 and C1 are the least expensive condensors that I have not heard anybody say really bad things about. The other budget condensors I hear mixed reviews, some are ok with them while others hate them. For example, the things I read have convinced me that I will never buy a Behringer or a Samson mic. But from the C1 and on up I have not heard any complaints.

Scrubs is right.....