Vocal Mics

[Mickey G]

Hi,

I'm looking at buying a new vocal mic and was wondering if anyone had used any of the following or got any recommendations in the same sort of price bracket...

- CAD GXL3000
- MXL 992
- M-Audio Solaris
- Behringer B-2 Pro
- AKG C 2000 B
- Rode NT1-A
- CAD M177VP
- Audio-Technica AT 3035
- Studio Projects B3
- Studio Projects C1

I'm using a Fostex VF160 and have been using a SM57 for vox recently, and though it's good for live stuff i find i definitely need something better for the studio! I've heard the Rode is excellent value and i won't find anything better in that price bracket. Any advice is welcome...

Cheers

Mike

 

[Kevin Deschwazi]

Try them out?

You could buy any one of those mics based on any number of recommendations and it might not suit your voice at all.

Sorry to sound unhelpful but I think that's the way it is.

If you say what type of voice you have you might be able to narrow the field a bit.

 

[Track Rat]

This is true. It's like which is better, Coke or Pepsi. Both colas but it's a matter of taste.

 

[Mickey G]

I don't actually sing myself. I record a variety of vocals ranging from funky stuff through to hardcore so i was looking for something quite versatile really.

Unfortunately where i live there is nowhere for me to try them out. I live in a small town in england with the only music shop being aimed at beginners and unfortunately they wouldn't just order in these sort of things for me to try.

Cheers...

 

[Mark7]

Just buy one of whatever they stock in your price range.

 

[Big Kenny]

cad m179, you will always have a use for it

 

[scrubs]

I don't actually sing myself. I record a variety of vocals ranging from funky stuff through to hardcore so i was looking for something quite versatile really.

Unfortunately where i live there is nowhere for me to try them out. I live in a small town in england with the only music shop being aimed at beginners and unfortunately they wouldn't just order in these sort of things for me to try.

Cheers...

If you are looking for versatility, a multipattern like the Solaris, or the previously mentioned M179 might be good. If you could step up in price, the KSM 44 or AT 4050 would be excellent choices. Ultimately, if you are going to be recording many different types of vocalists, you'll want a range of different dynamic and condenser mics.

 

[Daniel Smart]

Studio Projects B3 is a versatile mic and does a pretty good job on a range of vocals. Also nice on acoustic guitar, electric guitar, and general instrument duties. It's got some rise up top and a bit of silky sheen type of thing going on, but not excessively so like many of the cheaper mics.

You could always take a quick jaunt into London for the day if you want to try out stuff.

If you want reviews, Sound on Sound seem to generally be quite fair and unbiased and, being English, review what will be fairly easily available.

-Daniel

 

[travelin travis]

I can attest that the M179 is good for the price. I have'nt had the chance to try out the different patterns yet but this thing seems like it will be very versatile. So far I've miced vocals, acoustic guitar, and my guitar amp with pretty good results on each. I'm happy with it so far.