Condenser mic for vocals...

[jmecale72]

Hello all!! I'm thinking about buying a condenser mic for vocals. I don't want to spend an arm, a leg, and part of my big toe to buy one. I just want something that sounds good. Any suggestions would be highly appreciated! BTW...I don't want to spend more tha $500. Thanks!

[Gi-gi-giggity]

Audio Technica AT series 4033, 4050, etc.
Blue Bluebird

You may be able to find a used AKG414 somehow.

Plenty of options out there, research around.

[stump]

MXL 990. About $70 on MF. Works fine for me. I've used much more expensive equipment and really found anything negative from this "cheap" mic.

[kandrus]

A Shure SM-7 would also be great, and well within that range.

Super versatile.

Kyle

[jmecale72]

I havea 57 and I don't like using it for vocals...they're great when I want to mic my amp, but other than that I don't like it for vocals

[rob2001]

There are SM-7's and SM57's. The SM-7 is a broadcast mic, and I don't think it's a condenser. But it gets lots of good reviews and it's on my list of mic's to try. Maybe not your kind of music but vocals on Thriller by MJ are said to be an SM7. Supposed to be pretty smooth. Maybe someone with more experience than I will chime in on the SM7.

[kandrus]

Yes, it is somewhat a broadcast mic,and also a dynamic.

But, it is a fantastic option for vocals, as well as guitars and... tons of stuff.

Kyle

[jmecale72]

Ya know what guys!! I need to learn how to read! I thought he said SM57...and lo and behold it's SM-7! My deepest apologies...seems like I'm the one who doesn't know what he's talking about. LOL

[rob2001]

Ya know what guys!! I need to learn how to read! I thought he said SM57...and lo and behold it's SM-7! My deepest apologies...seems like I'm the one who doesn't know what he's talking about. LOL


No need to appologize... I thought the same thing when finding out about the SM7. I said the same thing... " it's great on guitar but.." :)

[jmecale72]

Thanks for being so gracious!

[kandrus]

Yeah, it's an under rated mic, I think.

I've seen video of JM recording vocals on one, Skynyrd drums live with them...

Kyle

[pbradt]

MXL 2003 is good, MXL V67G is good, any of the ADKs are good. The aforementioned 4033 and 4050 are good.

What's your budget?

[jmecale72]

Between $300-$500

[jmecale72]

Anyone have any opinions on the Audio Technica AT 2020?

[pbradt]

The 2020 is ok but make no mistake, it's a small-diaphragm, not large.

I like a LDC for vox.

[thesedaze]

Haven't ever liked AKG 414 on vocals...Great drum overheads, tho! Room mics...

In that range, I'd recommend Audio Technica 4047...Rode NT2...

[andyc]

I had an SM-7 and ended up selling it. Great mic, but my mixer didn't have enough gain to really make the mic flexible enough for me. You need to consider the other gear you are using (pre-amps, interfaces, mixers, etc.) to make sure the mic is a good match.

I've long been a fan of the AKG 414, and highly recommend it when people are looking for a flexible condensor mic.

[rob2001]

I had an SM-7 and ended up selling it. Great mic, but my mixer didn't have enough gain to really make the mic flexible enough for me. You need to consider the other gear you are using (pre-amps, interfaces, mixers, etc.) to make sure the mic is a good match.

I've long been a fan of the AKG 414, and highly recommend it when people are looking for a flexible condensor mic.


I was going to mention just that about the SM57 on vox. By itself it's pretty lackluster but with even a semi decent preamp I've got good results on vocal tracks. Might be the case with the SM7 as well.

[Sir EL84]

The SM7 requires a *LOT* of preamp gain, something to really consider. I highly recommend the AT4047, warm vintage character, extremely low noise, and strong output. They can be had *new* for $385-400 on ebay on those "make an offer" bids. Also sounds incredible on acoustics.

[LSchefman]

There are an awful lot of good choices in that range. I'm not big on the AT mics (it's not that they're bad, they just don't turn me on), but I'd consider one of the lower priced Blue mics, and several Rode models. The GT mics are also good for the buck.

Remember, of course, that the mic must be matched to the vocalist; what works well for some may not work well for others.

[martmouse]

I think that the problem in choosing a mic is that there are so many choices, it gets overwhelming, and everyone has an opinion. For what it's worth, my workhorses are an AKG C300B and an EV RE-20. Both in the $350-400 range last I Checked. I would recommend that you look into the RE-20; if I could only have one mic it would be that one, partly because it's extremely versatile, and partly because it suits my baritone voice well.

From what the other guys said, I get the sense that the RE-20 and the SM-7 are EV and Shure's versions of the same thing - a large-diapragm dynamic mic. I've never used an SM-7, but as I said, I love the RE-20. Check it out if you have the chance.

[stumboid]

MXL 2003 is good, MXL V67G is good, any of the ADKs are good. The aforementioned 4033 and 4050 are good.

What's your budget?

Is this the new "version" of the 2001? I own a 2001 used, works great, but I don't think they make those anymore.

[buddaman71]

I got GREAT results with a BLUE Baby Bottle on vox.

:AOK

[kandrus]

+1 on the RE-20.

That's a great voice mic.

Kyle

[clothwiring]

The AT is a nice mic, but I actually lean towards my Neumann KMS-105 more for my studio work. I have a Great River I put them both through. You will have different opinions of the mics based on what you're putting it through mic pre wise, keep that in mind.

[Bassomatic]

I got GREAT results with a BLUE Baby Bottle on vox.

:AOK

I got so-so results. It worked pretty well with *my* voice, but it's a dark mic. That midrange hump won't flatter many voices, imo.

I'm in the minority, but for a budget mic I kinda like the Shure KSM32 for vocals (again, my voice and a few others it's gotten along with). The nice thing about a 32 is it works well with so many sources - kick drum, bass cab, even snare mic, etc.

I'd also be real curious about a Bluebird, as it has an enhanced top end response compared to the Baby Bottle.

[jmecale72]

WOW....thanks so much to everyone for their input! I will definitely have to look into all those suggestions! Thanks again everyone!!!

[E_A]

Mics that have a strong character/fingerprint should really be tried out first for vocals. Things like the 4047, Baby Bottle, etc are really cool when they match up with the source right, but when they don't, you'll suffer. The Shure KSM series are pretty solid and adaptable. Could maybe find a used KSM44 for $500.

SM7b is definitely my favorite sub-$500 vocal mic. If you can find an older Groove Tubes MD1a, they can be pretty cool as well.

[Ulysses]

I'm late to the party but have recorded vocals with a wide variety of pro mics for over 30 years now. For reference, I either own or have owned the Elam 251, M49, U-47's, U67's and a long list some of the finest vocal mics made. It's possible to get some really bad sounds from an inexpensive condenser if the particular mic doesn't suit a particular singer's voice well. Rather than buy a cheap condenser I agree with suggestions of buying a high quality pro dynamic. A single condenser is rarely the optimum mic for a variety of singers to begin with. If I were on a limited budget and had to grab a single all purpose vocal mic to cover as much vocal style ground as possible it would be something more like a used MD441. Very nice top end for a dynamic and unlike some condensers, hard to make sound bad no matter what singer you put it in front of. It's also a mic you can keep in your arsenal no matter how far up you move up the ladder in quality. When your budget finally allows for a pro-quality condenser, you will still have a world class mic that can serve many other purposes in your studio and also still have it as an option to pull out when that especially difficult voice comes along. I bet you will find many more major label recordings have used dynamic mics like an SM7 or MD441 for vocals than any of the entry level condensers out there.

[jmecale72]

OK...forgive me for being mic illiterate, but who makes the MD441?

[E_A]

sennheiser

[amplifiedtorock]

OK...forgive me for being mic illiterate, but who makes the MD441?

http://www.sennheiserusa.com/newsite/productdetail.asp?transid=000762

[Ulysses]

http://www.recording-microphones.co.uk/Sennheiser-441-microphone.shtml

http://cgi.ebay.com/Sennheiser-MD441-Mic-MD-441-MD-441-Dynamic-Microphone_W0QQitemZ150236252911QQihZ005QQcategory Z41465QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem (http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?type=3&campid=5335828753&toolid=10001&mpre=http%3A%2F%2Fcgi.ebay.com%2FSennheiser-MD441-Mic-MD-441-MD-441-Dynamic-Microphone_W0QQitemZ150236252911QQihZ005QQcategory Z41465QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem)

[Dr. Tweedbucket]

I have a Shure KSM 44 ( I think it is ) and it was $700ish when I bought it but I think they have a single diaphram KSM that is less expensive and still sounds great. :)

[jbay555]

+1 on the Rode NT2... also the sterling audio stuff is killer for vocals, in my experience.

[Realfi]

I really like my Rode K2.

It may be a little out of the price range though...not sure on US prices on them.

What I like about the K2 is that you're not stuck with that peaky upper mid thing that so many modern mics have-sure that can help you to cut through on dense rock recordings but I'd rather have a smoother response to start with as it's more flattering to more voices.

The other thing I like about the K2 is the constantly variable pattern. In less than ideal rooms it makes it easy to dial in how much of the room sound you want for tone/isolation purposes.

OK the K2 isn't in the same class as the Vintage Tube Neumanns we've been using in the last few days a pro studio but even the owner of that studio was quite surprised at how good it was for the money.

[Dave]

There are an awful lot of good choices in that range. I'm not big on the AT mics (it's not that they're bad, they just don't turn me on), but I'd consider one of the lower priced Blue mics, and several Rode models.
I might have said the same thing if I hadn't tried the AT 4047. Apparently it's design is inspired by the U47. I've never owned a U47 so I can't say whether or not it lives up to the moniker, but the AT is pretty sweet. Very smooth. Nice mic for vocals and instruments too. Best sub-$500 mic I've tried, for sure. I'm getting pretty good results with my humble GT The Brick.

Remember, of course, that the mic must be matched to the vocalist; what works well for some may not work well for others.
So true.

[SkydogFan81]

Rode K2 tube mic is killer and has multiple patterns. I bought one used for $450

[Realfi]

Rode K2 tube mic is killer and has multiple patterns. I bought one used for $450

That's a good deal...I'd have a second one for that!

[thesedaze]

I might have said the same thing if I hadn't tried the AT 4047. Apparently it's design is inspired by the U47. I've never owned a U47 so I can't say whether or not it lives up to the moniker, but the AT is pretty sweet. Very smooth. Nice mic for vocals and instruments too. Best sub-$500 mic I've tried, for sure. I'm getting pretty good results with my humble GT The Brick.


So true.

Just to iterate, it's 'supposedly' influenced by the U47 FET in particular, not to be confused with the standard U47. One look at the insides, or the frequency chart would tell you it's not quite as 'influenced' as some of the other mics on the market, but for the price, it's a great bang for the buck for similar applications...And to tell you the truth, I'd be more prone to use the 4047 on a vocal track than the U47 FET.

[quickstepperFCC]

A Shure SM-7 would also be great, and well within that range.

Super versatile.

Kyle

yes. get an SM-7 and call it a day. Make sure the singer is right up on it and you will always get a killer recording (with a decent pre/comp chain)