Newbie - pulling my hair out over mics!

[UNCTaylorplayer]

Yea, but what if it comes down to a bunch of chepies versus one nice one?

This is actually one of my main questions, and I'm super-excited to see this conversation starting... If you're on a budget [and assembling a home studio], is it better to have one uber-nice mic or a few to fill specific applications....?

(I have to say I'm thrilled to get this sort of response on a thread, especially as a newbie... I'm grateful, inspired that such knowledge is out there, and rejuvenated in my quest to complete my mini project studio.)

Danny

 

[chessrock]

I have mixed feelings about that depending on the mics... for example, the Marshall MXL 603S is a cheap budget mic... but it can sound awesome on acoustic instruments.

I agree with that, and I also have mixed feelings. I guess it would depend on what mics we're talking about, specifically.

If I had the theoretical gun to the head, and had to choose between the following ...

* 603 for accoustic
* SM-57 for clean electric
* Marshal V-67 for vocals

Or

* One solid mic for all three ... something like a KSM-44 ... maybe a C-414 or a Blue Dragonfly.

I just don't think there'd be any question, there. I'd feel a lot more comfortable with one really solid mic. The 67 is a worthless piece of crap in my book, and would be a major liability in just about any vocal tracking session. The other two I'd be fine with ... but I might still feel better with the nicer mic, depending on the situation.

 

[UNCTaylorplayer]

Another bump to the top here, but...

I've searched and seen a lot of good feedback on the CAD M179 as a versatile and nice sounding mic. Are switchable patterns going to help get me closer to my "vocal, guitar, occasional amps" goal?

And, if I went with the 179 as a LDC at about $200 with gear, what would be a smart move for the other mic... SDC? Brighter/darker LDC? Or, replace the Senn. 835 with a SM57?

Getting closer to the finish line, thanks to all of your collective responses!
Again, all the knowledge and advice I've found here is priceless, and I feel lucky to have found such a rich resource.

Danny

Danny

 

[DJL]

Sorry, I thought we only had a $300 budget to work with?

I agree with that, and I also have mixed feelings. I guess it would depend on what mics we're talking about, specifically.

If I had the theoretical gun to the head, and had to choose between the following ...

* 603 for accoustic
* SM-57 for clean electric
* Marshal V-67 for vocals

Or

* One solid mic for all three ... something like a KSM-44 ... maybe a C-414 or a Blue Dragonfly.

I just don't think there'd be any question, there. I'd feel a lot more comfortable with one really solid mic. The 67 is a worthless piece of crap in my book, and would be a major liability in just about any vocal tracking session. The other two I'd be fine with ... but I might still feel better with the nicer mic, depending on the situation.

I hear what you're saying bro... and of course we disagree about the V67G... but that's nothing new... lol. Anyway, as you know... I have and like both the KMS44 and C414... but, I still use the V67G, SM57 and 603S's too.

UNCTaylorplayer... in my opinion, the CAD M179 is one of the best (if not the best) LDC vocal + type mics under $200 on the market... however, it's not a KSM44.

 

[UNCTaylorplayer]

The search is narrowing down, and the suggestions have been both guiding and enlightening...

At this point, its looking like one LDC and one SDC (and I'll hang on to my current Senn. 835 for live and random uses.)

For the LDC... either a CAD 179 or Shure KSM 27. I've read they are both great, semi-neutral mics. I got a chance to spend some time on The Listening Sessions page, and found the sound of the 179 to be quite appealing, neutral, but warm. Is the sure similar? The 179 has switchable patterns, the Shure is standing on a bombproof reputation (plus it comes with a shockmount). Versatility is key, and keeping in mind these will be my only mics until the next round of saving up dough, I'd love to have a vote or two in either direction.

The SDC seems a bit easier, still floating between an MXL 603S or Joemeek JM27.

Thanks again for the feedback, and I hope to wrap this exausting search up soon!

Danny

 

[DJL]

The search is narrowing down, and the suggestions have been both guiding and enlightening...

At this point, its looking like one LDC and one SDC (and I'll hang on to my current Senn. 835 for live and random uses.)

For the LDC... either a CAD 179 or Shure KSM 27. I've read they are both great, semi-neutral mics. I got a chance to spend some time on The Listening Sessions page, and found the sound of the 179 to be quite appealing, neutral, but warm. Is the sure similar? The 179 has switchable patterns, the Shure is standing on a bombproof reputation (plus it comes with a shockmount). Versatility is key, and keeping in mind these will be my only mics until the next round of saving up dough, I'd love to have a vote or two in either direction.

The SDC seems a bit easier, still floating between an MXL 603S or Joemeek JM27.

Thanks again for the feedback, and I hope to wrap this exausting search up soon!

Danny

I haven't used the KSM27 enough to really commet... but, the MXL603S gets my vote. The JM27 was another PMI-AG attemp to copy/complete with Marshall... the JM27 is just a wantabe MXL603S. Get the the tried and trued Marshall MXL 603S.

 

[smtcharlie]

One cool thing to keep in mind is that e-bay is a great place to buy and then trade as needed. If you buy a used mic for $100 used on ebay and it doesn't work out for your voice or guitar, you can sell it for about the same and try something else.....