[URGENT] help choosing a mic

  • Thread starter Thread starter Elyst
  • Start date Start date
E

Elyst

New member
Greetings,

This is a bit of an urgent request, I hope you can reply in time. Allow me to explain.

A couple of months ago (maybe an year) I was really into searching a good condenser mic to record both acoustic guitar and voice.
Due to lack of funds I dropped my search kept a note on my phone with a couple of mics I liked from my last search.

Yesterday I was requested to help in a project where I am wanted to record and treat some voice over reading.

Up until now I used to record everything to Cubase 5 with an interface (Alesis Io2 express) my mic is a kool sounds KSM-07 (a really cheap one I borrowed). Now I'm buying a new condenser mic.

From what I remember from my last search, months ago I was eye'ing these mics:


JTS js 1 e (81€ + 11€ popkiler + 31€ tripod)

Audio Technica at 2020 (120€) - I remember I liked this one.

M audio nova - 125€

AKG D5 vocal - 85€

my question is:
Are these mics still good or can I find better ones at probably lower cost?
I'm going to have to buy them in less than 12 hours, hence my urge for quick replies.

thanks in advance
Cheers!
 
I don't own any of those mics, but a Google search and a couple of reviews might get you the answer Here's a good starting point.
 
The AT2020 isn't bad. Haven't used any of the others. Really it comes down to preference, and budget. My theory is the cheaper the mic is, the less reliable it is. Personally I wouldn't spend much less than 100$ on any mic. Thats not saying that you can't find a bargain or anything, just be prepared to get what you pay for. I really like the Rode NT1a. It's probably going to be out of your price range, but I think its well worth it. If you are looking to go as cheap as possible trial and error is really your best option. You could find some cheap mic that sounds amazing for the voice-over stuff you want, but then sound terrible on everything else. The only real definate answer is, if it sounds good it works. You just wont know what sounds good without throwing the mic up and using it. If you can borrow mics, or maybe rent them and experiment you can find what works for what you want to use it for.

Good luck
 
There haven't been any dramatic technology breakthroughs or terrific price drops with mics in the last few months, especially in that price/quality mic category...
...so whatever you already researched probably still holds true.

Get the mic you decided on as you #1 choice.

You still have 8 hours to think about it. :)
 
For 120€ (154$), I wouldn't consider the 2020 a "cheap mic" at all. And I do remember testing it in a store. Not sure if I can find it anymore but I'll give it a shot.

I'll look some other mics up just in case I need a backup plan.

But The AT2020 is a USB microphone if I'm not mistaken... With that I won't be able to use my Alesis Io2 interface, just plug and play to the computer, hope that doesn't hinder the quality (I assume it shouldn't).

The RODE NT1A looks a bit pricey but good from what the reviews can tell. I guess my best choice would be to go to the store and ask around what can they offer.
 
AT2020 has a XLR and USB version. A at2035 is a little better since it has a bigger diaphragm that's more suited for vocals since it captures less detail in your voice which cuts down on clicking sounds and other mouth noise as well as it has a better top end. The XLR version of the at2020 should be considerably cheaper but wont have limitations on recording bitrate etc. AT2020 is a famous mic and is well worth the money but there are better mics for vocals. Some people say the AT2035 is better than their more expensive AT4040.. I'm assuming you don't have a quiet computer unless you have a apple computer. usually the power supply in people's PCs are blazing loud and will ruin recordings with an at2020.

Or i'd consider getting a dynamic like a ND767a. Very good start mic that I love even with a much higher budget than yours and after using some of the most expensive dynamics on the market. It's harder to find a clearer more detail sounding mic than the ND767a that just sounds good out of the box. Itm ay be a little nasal off axis though but youll thank me after youve tried many other mics later on. Consider it a shortcut to the best. I use it over the RE20 and RE27 which are top level broadcasting industry standard mics because it is clearer and brighter and more detailed even and has some punch to it. Some mics are airy and sound scooped and need a lot of processing. ND767a is called a LEAD vocal mic for a reason. BAM!
 
Last edited:
Before I forget, thanks for the quick replies, they helped out a lot, but I forgot a great setback. Since I need the mic with relative urgency I had to go with what was available in the stores.

I can through a few and it seemed that the best I could find was the JTS JTS js 1 e, which was even cheaper than when I last saw it, so I could throw in a popkiller, tripod and a cable. I should be able to use my Alesi's phantom power for better recordings.

The problem I might have will be that the mic is "too good", capturing some of the noise in the environment, such as other people talking, animals or TV's. But I'm confident I can find some work around, try to find some isolation in my attic room or something like that.

That mic will also be awesome for when I have my friends over and we want to record some jams, a for recording some instruments like acoustic guitar and maybe other improvised stuff (glasses, boxes, etc...)
 
Your absolute best possible microphone purchase *that is a very well kept secret* for your situation and your price range is ......

Oh! never mind. It's been past 12 hours. :o
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top