Your Advice For My Next Mic

[zackformula]

Here's what I have:

AT4040
Shure 57
ATM25
Studio Projects C4 (pair)

I'm trying to figure out which mic(s) to buy next. One of the things I will be doing is recording live practice sessions with myself (drums/vocals) and a guitarist/vocalist). I also do regular recordings of bands and rappers as well.

Right now I use the 4040 (or C4's) for drum overhead, ATM25 on kick, 57 on snare or guitar amp.

Looking for suggestions on what to get next and/or how to use what I have. My budget is $200 right now. (I'd like to get one, maybe 2 mics). I have been thinking about Shure Beta57 and Studio Projects B1).

Thanks!

 

[rory]

I don't know that any of those mics or that budget will get you anything better than what you already have. That said, what do you need a mic for? How many tracks do you have available for live recording?

 

[scrubs]

For $200, my stock recommendation is the CAD M179 - pretty versatile multi-pattern condenser.

However, my real recommendation would be to save a few more bones and get a really good dynamic (Shure SM7B, EV RE20/27, Sennheiser MD421, Heil PR30/40).

Other considerations would be a tube condenser or a ribbon.

 

[zackformula]

thanks.

rory, to answer your questions. I have 8 tracks available for live recording. And I'm thinking I need another mic for vocals, or maybe snare/guitar cab.

the 'really good dynamic' route may be good too.

 

[Dot]

I agree with Scrubs. Save up a few more bucks and get a good industry-standard dynamic mic. Either a 421 or SM7. I'd go with the 421.

I'll also throw in that Id recommend you sell the C4's and get another 4040. A pair of 4040's on OH's is a more solid choice than a pair of C4's. If you got a 421 now, and then another one later - and sold your C4's - you could wind up with:

4040 (2) vox, acoustic instruments, OH's, amps
421 (2) - toms, vox, amps, instruments
ATM25 - kick, bass amp, occasional lo-fi vox
SM57 - snare, vox, amps, instruments

Which would be a really solid foundation for a microphone collection. And better to have fewer good, classic mics that pros actually use to track records with - than a bunch of cheapie mics that sound OK.

My 2¢.

 

[kidvybes]

...SM7 or Heil PR40...a good dynamic would definately add some depth to your mic selection...

 

[zackformula]

thanks everyone! I think I'll save up for that 421!

 

[zackformula]

one more thing, anyone know where a good place to try and sell my C4's would be?

thanks

 

[RightOnMusic]

as far as affordable mics go, i've heard great things about the studio projects c1.

 

[cusebassman]

The people on this board freakin love the Studio Projects mics... try posting them in the ForSale area.

 

[RightOnMusic]

i have no experience with them, i've just heard great things.

 

[kid klash]

thanks everyone! I think I'll save up for that 421!

Good choice. You can use it for kick, toms, vocals, electric guitar and lots of other sources. You won't regret it.

 

[Blue Groove]

thanks everyone! I think I'll save up for that 421!

You won't regret it. I own four of them, I love 'em and use them on about half of my projects. I have a pretty big mic collection, so half of the time is alot!

 

[RightOnMusic]

yeah 421s are VERY versatile! good call.

 

[hoops]

4040 (2) vox, acoustic instruments, OH's, amps
421 (2) - toms, vox, amps, instruments
ATM25 - kick, bass amp, occasional lo-fi vox
SM57 - snare, vox, amps, instruments

I totally agree with this set-up. Good recommendation.

 

[big country]

before you buy read up on the heil mics

I love my PR 40 .

Heil Sound PR-40 Dynamic Studio Recording Microphone Features:

Large 1-1/2" aluminum diaphragm
Wide frequency response, down to 28Hz
End fire, cardioid pattern
Low handling noise
Natural articulation


Electro-Voice RE20 Dynamic Cardioid Mic Features:

Professional-quality dynamic cardioid microphone
Heavy-duty internal pop filter reduces proximity effects
Internal element shock mount reduces vibration-induced noise
Blast and wind filters cover each acoustic opening
Bass roll-off switch
Frequency response: 45Hz-18kHz

Sennheiser MD421 MKII U4 Microphone Features:

5-position bass control
Very effective feedback rejection
Highly directional cardioid pickup pattern
Rugged construction

strait out of musicians friend

plus its got better magnets , puppy sounds like a condenser , kills on kick
great on vocal. its a no brainer to me. its only threat is the 441

as for selling gear I would put an ad in gearslutz
or as said before, here

 

[zackformula]

thanks everybody,

I just scored a great deal on a new MD421 on ebay. I can't wait to get it!

thanks again.

 

[zackformula]

just got my 421 and tried it out over the weekend.

holy crap this thing sounds good on guitar amp!

thanks again for the recommendations on this one.