mid level dynamic mic choices

[wesley tanner]

ok so as I have been told, schooled, slaammmeeeed over and over again in my rate my mic locker thread, I need a new dynamic mic. I know very little about dynamics, I know of some decent ones, but I still know very little other than I'd like a md421. What are the differences between some of the ones in my price range (under $3-400 if possible)?

ones I'm looking at

sennheiser 421
sennheiser 441(I know very little about this mic, but it seems interesting)
ev re20
Beyer M-88 (I know very little about this mic, but it seems interesting as well)
sure sm-7(I know little about this 'un as well)

once again, thanks for everything that you guys help with.

 

[chessrock]

The 421 is kind of like a better-sounding SM-57. Good for a lot of things.

The 441 is a dynamic that sounds a little like a condenser. Same could be said for the Beyer M-88, although the 88 has a "bigger" sound to it, for lack of a better description, with a little bit of a bite to it.

Like the RE-20, this one's also good on kick drum, bass or voiceover. Speaking of which, the RE-20 is probably a little smoother and more present in the midrange; making it a good choice for guitar amps and a lot of different types of voices.

The 88, RE-20 and SM-7 are probably the more popular vocal mic choices. Each one has a uniquely different sound, though, so any one of them could shine in the right situation. SM-7 is smooth and mellow in the high end, yet aggressive in the mids ... the RE-20 isn't nearly as peaky in the mids, while the 88 has a bit of a scoop; one of the things that makes it work so well on kick.

My favorite dynamics are the Electrovoices. To me, they have the best midrange clarity and substance. And those are usually the things I use a dynamic for.

 

[wesley tanner]

thanks, that helps a TON. I def. don't want a condensor sound, I've got that under control... I'd like something to use on vox for a different sound than what I have. the re20 and the sm7 sound very interesting.. I don't really want a scooped sounding mic, i've got EQ for that kidding of course, everything has it's place. I would like to have some real smooth mids now. I feel I've got the bottom freq. dynamic covered with the d112 for now... (but it'd be fun to be able to move it to floor tom ...)

so, I think it's narrowed to the EV re20 and the SM7

I'm gonna start watchin' ebay...

of course I'd welcome more info on the subject

 

[noisedude]

Just wanted to drop in that chessrock's ears are pretty trustworthy for mics IMHO. I would take his advice seriously ... any of the mics he mentioned would be very good additions for you, so keep your eyes down for a bargain.

 

[Mark7]

You might also want to look at the Beyer M201 which, imo, is smooth and detailed with a pretty good frequency response that extends all the way from 40K (@ 10cm distance) up to 18K (and it's not too far below 0 dB at 20K), with a gentle rise from 1K to 12K. Teamed up with a decent pre amp with plenty of clean gain (60 dBs or above) it's easily the equal of any cheap SDC you may have (again... imo, ymmv).

PLUS: Being a dynamic it has no self noise

 

[bgavin]

I'm using a pair of RE27 for live performance vocal work.

I bought each used, so I suppose that qualifies as a mid-priced mic. The Variable-D feature imparts a clarity I cannot achieve with other dymamics. It eliminates the proximity woofiness resulting from the lips-touching-the-mic technique in live performing. Vocals are clear and very intelligible.

 

[mshilarious]

Well you mentioned recording hand drums, so I'd start with the MD421, with either the Beyer M88 or M201 as a second choice. I like the M201, but I haven't found much use for it other than drums, where it really excels. A lot of people like the MD421 on vocals, but it leaves me cold. However it has lots of other applications. The M88 is good at everything, but not always as good as one of the others on a specific application.

Had you mentioned vocals I'd have gone for an SM7, but again the M88 is good for that too. The RE20 looks the coolest of them all, but I am a cheap, cheap man

Finally, see if you can score an omni dynamic, these are real cheap and very handy. I have the relatively obscure Shure SM63, but there is a real common EV--the 635? Chess? Anybody?

 

[noisedude]

EV635 is the omni dynamic. Someone told me yesterday that the EV PL-5 is the same mic more or less ... dunno if that helps.