Recommend a vocal mic for me?

  • Thread starter Thread starter porphyrous
  • Start date Start date
P

porphyrous

New member
I would like recommendations on a vocal mic for my home studio. I presently have a CAD 22, which is marginally better than the Zeron I used to use, but still not really very good.

My criteria for purchase:

Absolutely maximum price of $200. Preferably around $100, if that's possible.

Used is okay.

I don't know if I should be looking for a condenser mic or not. What are the advantages/disadvantages versus other types?

Any help would be greatly appreciated. If you need more info from me on my needs, please let me know. Thanks!
 
Honestly, Porph, that's tough to say without hearing your voice (or whomever/whatever you wish to record) and knowing what sound you're going for. Someone should be along in a minute to recommend the MXL V67M from Mars Music for about $99, and it's a good deal to be sure. But it's also a "one-trick pony" in that it's mainly just a good vocal mic for the voices it suits and not much else.

If there's a Mars Music near you, they have a display with their mics setup all running through a Mackie. You put on the headphones and sing, or have someone sing into one and see what you think. Not scientific, but it'll give you the idea. Failing that, any dealer that deserves your business will set up a comparison demo for you.
HTH!
-kent
 
Shure all the way, otherwise go straight to boom style for no less than a couple hundred, and be sure to read the specs before buying... make sure (*cough* pun) that they have good saturation (90+ db sensitivity) and come with a good manufacturer's warranty (you'll probably own it for a while).

Just my amature opinion.

**Note: One thing I like about Mars is they have their mics out for testing... but right next to the car stereo pit :p
 
vocal mic

If what you can afford is a cheap mic, I'd choose one that will still be useful to you later, when you have better stuff. For $100, I'd just get a good dynamic, say Shure SM58. For a cheap condenser, I'll admit to being a little wierd, I'd use AKG C2000B, approx. $180 with the shock mount included. That leaves just about enough for a cheap pop filter, because the internal one does suck. Just make sure that you have a mic pre or other source for the phantom power condenser mics require. There are inexpensive condensers that can run on batteries, but none I know of that I would choose for vocals.- Best of luck- Richie
 
the Marshall MXLv67, $99 at Mars....hands down winner.....
 
I have to give the nod to Marshall as well. Just a different one.

v93 @ $150, includes shockmount, bass rolloff and -10 db pad. And it's so much more than just a vocal mic.
 
Actually the rode has a problem with making an annoying harmonic in the high end. By the way I would wait a few days and see how the first SP B1s sound to some of the guys who are getting them.

I avioded the Mxl because of the flimsy construction,Its like I could crush it in my hand, It sounded Better than the rode but not as full as the C1. I could like a v67 but Id rather have something that could survive being dropped or something.
 
Because we say so!

You may want to check out also probably the next "cheap champ", the
Studio Projects B1, weighing in at around 80 pounds-I mean dollars!
Ladies and gentleman, in this corner wearing the silver trunks the B1,
and in the other corner wearing green trunks the V67...
 
Hey porphyrous...

Are you a guy? Are U a girl?
A rock shouter? A Crosby crooner?

Sounds like price is an issue...
Here's a hot tip...an EV RE16 dynamic...
Can be had for 50 bucks, and is a great vocal mic for a lot of different styles...
Reminds me of my U87, BION, and I use it instead of the U87 alot, especially in noisy situation when rejection is needed...

Bruce
www.bruceharvie.com
 
knownuttin said:
Honestly, Porph, that's tough to say without hearing your voice (or whomever/whatever you wish to record) and knowing what sound you're going for. Someone should be along in a minute to recommend the MXL V67M from Mars Music for about $99, and it's a good deal to be sure. But it's also a "one-trick pony" in that it's mainly just a good vocal mic for the voices it suits and not much else.
Click to expand...


You can hear my voice by listening to any of my tracks on my artist page at Ampcast. http://www.ampcast.com/davidvesel. I record synthpop. I don't mind a vocal-only mic. All of my other instruments are electronic, except for a piano and a Wurli that I like to mic the hammers on, and I can use the CAD or Zeron for that.

If there's a Mars Music near you, they have a display with their mics setup all running through a Mackie. You put on the headphones and sing, or have someone sing into one and see what you think. Not scientific, but it'll give you the idea. Failing that, any dealer that deserves your business will set up a comparison demo for you.
HTH!
-kent
Click to expand...

There's a location in Bridgeton, MO, about 30 miles north of here. I could drive that far, though if the same brand is at Guitar Center, that's a whole lot closer to me.

Thanks for the feedback!!
 
Re: vocal mic

Richard Monroe said:
If what you can afford is a cheap mic, I'd choose one that will still be useful to you later, when you have better stuff. For $100, I'd just get a good dynamic, say Shure SM58. For a cheap condenser, I'll admit to being a little wierd, I'd use AKG C2000B, approx. $180 with the shock mount included. That leaves just about enough for a cheap pop filter, because the internal one does suck. Just make sure that you have a mic pre or other source for the phantom power condenser mics require. There are inexpensive condensers that can run on batteries, but none I know of that I would choose for vocals.- Best of luck- Richie
Click to expand...

I have a Mackie 1202 mixer. I've been told elsewhere that the mic preamps in it are okay. Is that your opinion as well?

I don't know the merits of dynamic vs. condenser. I understand they work diffferently, but I don't understand what the implications are of using one type over another.
 
Well I will put my 2 cents in and wait to get blasted for it, but even though it is my company and I do gain by it, I still have opinions and am entitled to offer them. After all, I have engineered for many artists in very high profile studios, and still do.

The Studio Projects B3 at $159.00 offers 3 patterns, Hi-Pass filter and 10db pad. You "Do Not" need a shock mount as it is already done for you internally. The advantage of the three patterns is endless, and the sound of the B3 is amazing. I have used it against many other mics, but will not make judgements other than to say this mic will floor a good deal of users...even on this group when they actually use it.

They have been shipped to the dealers, so MacMidi, Back Porch Music, Coast Recording, 8th Street, Full Compass, Music Center, and many more will have them in stock. Some tomorrow, some Friday, and we continue to ship, so by next week I know many of you will be getting your mics. So I think you ought to give this one a good look, and it comes in well under your budget, and offers more than any of the mics mentioned so far. :D

Ok guys, now is the time you hammer me for Spam!

Alan Hyatt
 
Hey Alan, what's your impression of the Marshall mxl 2003?

Just curious.
 
chessrock said:
Hey Alan, what's your impression of the Marshall mxl 2003?

Just curious.
Click to expand...

Hmmmm...Should I answer that one! I think it is pretty good. I do not like the transformer, and it is a bit edgy for me. Good low end, decent mid, but I do not care for the high end. With a different transformer, that mic could be much better, but I like it better than the V67 I have, but with all fairness to Marshall, they may have updated them since I obtained the one I have. I think the 2003 is one of the better mics Marshall ever had.

Alan Hyatt
 
I don't think it has a trannie, Alan. You must be thinking of the 2001, which I think is kind of el-stinko.

I apologize for baiting you on that one, though, Alan. I just wanted to test and see if you'd answer. :) Sorry.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top