Studio Condenser Mic For Me???

[Robertt8]

Hi. I'm sure I'm faced with many of the same problems as most of you this year...I'm broke, and I'm looking for a lot of bang for my buck out of a nice Studio Condenser Mic. I need it primarily for vocals, but if it records the acoustic guitar nicely, then that's a bonus. My singing (and music) style is probably some where right around Jack Johnson, but I could see a bit of Dave Matthews or Ben Harper (so as you can imagine, I'm not screaming into the damn thing). I just need something to give me a nice true sound without screwing around with a ton of EQ. This might sound impossible, but I've only got like $200 to spend.

On a side note, I picked up the MXL990 (cuz it's like $60) and it sounds like I'm singing into a freaking tin can. It's not bad on the acoustic guitar, but on vocals it kind of blows.

Any advice would be fantastic!

 

[kid klash]

Do yourself a favor - send back the MXL990 and spend $80 on a Studio Projects B1... you won't regret it.

 

[Richard Monroe]

Studio Projects B1 for vox and a Marshall MXL603 for the guitar. That'll leave you $40 for a boom stand or a cable.-Richie

 

[mgraffeo]

For $200, it's definitely worth it to consider the Studio Projects C1. I do think that it's sound is terrific. By all descriptions I've read, it's a little more "vintage" sounding than the SP B1. It may be more flattering on a voice.

Of course, I'm offering advice without having used either on my own voice. I've only listened to the Sample CD's from Studio Projects. If you're really curious about the sound of the mics, I'd recommend (if you can't get to a retailer who carries them) ordering the sampler CD from them. They'll send you both for free.

 

[chessparov]

Another reasonable plan would be to return the Marshall,
and then get the Studio Projects B1 and their mic pre, the VTB-1.
That pre will bring out more detail in your microphone(s).
www.bpmmusic.com had a deal where you'd get free 2 day shipping
on the VTB-1.

Chris

 

[MISTERQCUE]

All great suggestions, but I would like to kindly add that if you don't own one, consider a SMack 58! Dependable and durable it's actually 2 mic's in one: remove the pop screen and you got yourself a SMack 57 also!