What Mic Should I Use?

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muzicman8739

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I'm going to be recording hip-hop and R&B tracks onto a four track cassette recorder. I was wondering what mic I should use for vocals. Here are some that I have been leaning towards

Rode NT1
Marshall MXL 1000
Shure SM57
Nady SCM900

I picked these mics, because they are in my price range and I've heard good things about the Rode and the Shure. The other two are mics that are in a catalog I picked up and are pretty insxpensive, and I'd like to know if these or any of the mics I listed will produce good results.
 
I would look at either the the Rode or the Marshall. Those two mics are condenser mics which for recording vocals will have a much better sound. I am using the Audio Technica AT4033 (8thstreet.com has it for $279.00) THe Shure and Nady I believe are both dynamic microphones. I know the SM57 is. The SM57 is also primarily an instrument mic, at least that is its strongpoint. Dynamic mics are typically used for live performance instead of studio applications.

-galen
 
gcounselman said:
Dynamic mics are typically used for live performance
Click to expand...


Well, there are some great dynamics that work very well for vocals. The RE-20, SM-7, 421. But like any mic, you need to choose the right one for the given application/sound/singer.
 
I'd lean torwards the NT-1, thats the mic that seems to be the most highly recommended for vocals in this forum. The Shure is a dynamic mic, but it isn't only good for live stuff. They are awesome instrument mics, and they do make a very good vocal mic too. They are also less then 1/2 the price of the Rode. As Shure loves to point out, ones sitting on the President's podium. The 58 is more of a dedicated vocal mic. You aren't oding their musical style, but a lot of Deftone's vocals I've heard were laid down live with the band using a 58. I use a 58 live (as I'm sure a ton of people do in this forum) and it sounds great, very distinct sound. The NT-1 will sound cleaner and more accuratly reproduce your voice (or whoever's voice you're recording).
Jake
http://www.worthlessmusic.com
http://www.creation16.com
 
I have to disagree on the NT1..that is one mic I would not recommend for an all round vocal mic. Whats your price range muzicman8739? We may be able to better recommend a mic based on that.
 
My budget is about $350, but that's also including a preamp for the mic. I've seen a few for $100, so that leaves me around $250 for the mic itself.
 
I also have the NT1 and like it.Consider the AKG C1000s and C2000 also.As far as preamps,the tube MP is $99 mono and the presonus bluetube is stereo for $150.
The nady and marshall both use the chinese capsule and individual mikes are kinda hit and miss as to QC.CAD and Audio Technica also have good cheapo condensors.
Bottom line problem is your 4-track's lack of frequency response and dynamic range.Honestly,even the dynamics are going to have better specs than your cassette.The tape
's charactoristics automatically rolls off the highs,so put bass and kick on edge tracks and cymbals and lead guitar (anything with lots of highs)on an interior track.
Good luck and keep on trackin'
Tom
 
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