Which mic. do you think is the best?

[jeffrey827]

Which microphones do you think are the best for me to test out. I am willing to spend 0-180$ on it. Thanks.

[jbhights]

What are your mic needs?

Shure SM57 is probably the most versatile mic on the planet. Used live and on countless records. Good for vocals, drums, amps, maybe not best for acoustics, but will get the job done. Runs around $100 new. You can grab them cheaper on eBay or something.

[jeffrey827]

i'm lookin for a microphone for vocals.

[nangillala]

I like the Groove Tubes Convertible. You can use it live and in the studio, as well as on Vocals, Guitars and Drums. It's a very clear sounding mic, that cuts through the mix. You can hear it on vocals on our webpage: www.kinsai-music.de

Cheers,
Florian

[elambo]

You're willing to spend $0?

[Gi-gi-giggity]

i'm lookin for a microphone for vocals.

Shure SM58, or Beta58 if you can find one in your price range.

[shawntp]

Whats your vocal style and is there any possibility to use this on other sources.

SM7b is a bit over your budget ($275 used) but a good multi use mic if you have a decent preamp. I had one but my voice was a little bit smooth/baritone/ballad-y so I found a ribbon was a way better fit.

In fact - with some EQ I liked the Cascade FatHead on my voice better than the SM7b but that was my voice. I like the fat head so much that in true TGP fashion I returned it and am buying another ribbon that costs 8 times as much (but I think ribbons on male vocals can be real touch and go and dependent on style). The SM7b has been a staple for a long time and will continue to be - its really going to depend on your voice/style/environment.

[loudboy]

You're willing to spend $0?

Every penny counts, in this business. <g>

Maybe he can find someone to pay HIM, to take their C-1000.

I got an Oktava 219, like new, at a garage sale for $5.

[jeffrey827]

my voice is i'd say more mellow but with feeling(like with a lot of air) but then i can do some screamo stuff, tho i'm not sure if i will ever do that.
i'm leaning toward the shure 57A and 58A. does anyone know the difference between the two?

[Guitarman15]

don't get a 57 for vocals I would say go with a 58A or if you can find one in your budget an SM87A they are great mics

[isfahani]

It really depends on your voice. Instead of spending money on the Shure name, I get the ES 57 or 58, slightly different sound (which to me is better, as it leeps you from sounding too much like everyone else) but same quality, for 2/3rds less price. http://rover.ebay.com/ar/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?mpt=%5BCacheBuster%5D&adtype=1&size=1x1&type=4&campid=5335828753&toolid=10001&mpre=http%3A%2F%2Fcgi.ebay.com%2FGLS-Audio-ES-57-ES57-Pro-Mic-Instr-Microphone-P-37-206_W0QQitemZ350067521548QQihZ022QQhttp://cgi.ebay.com/GLS-Audio-ES-57-ES57-Pro-Mic-Instr-Microphone-P-37-206_W0QQitemZ350067521548QQihZ022QQ (http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?type=3&campid=5335828753&toolid=10001&mpre=http%3A%2F%2Fcgi.ebay.com%2FGLS-Audio-ES-57-ES57-Pro-Mic-Instr-Microphone-P-37-206_W0QQitemZ350067521548QQihZ022QQ)

OR, go and check out the CAD 177/179's... Great budget mic's, most CAD's are.

[nangillala]

If you like the idea of a shure sm58 I would suggest you get a Beyerdynamic TGX 58 (with switch) or TGX 48 (without the switch). Their sound is better, and they are cheaper. I've got mine for about five years now and still like it (better than the sm58).

[LSchefman]

I wouldn't listen to any of this stuff.

Different voices work well with different mics, and you aren't going to know until you try a few. This is what pros do in studios all the time, and there is simply no substitute for it. Since no one here has worked with your voice, no one's going to be able to give you more than the most general (and therefore not particularly useful) advice and recommendations.

Go somewhere you can try out a few mics. See what works in your price range with your voice. That's the best way to do it, and you'll save a lot of time, aggravation, and money.

[Guitarman15]

I wouldn't listen to any of this stuff.

Different voices work well with different mics, and you aren't going to know until you try a few. This is what pros do in studios all the time, and there is simply no substitute for it. Since no one here has worked with your voice, no one's going to be able to give you more than the most general (and therefore not particularly useful) advice and recommendations.

Go somewhere you can try out a few mics. See what works in your price range with your voice. That's the best way to do it, and you'll save a lot of time, aggravation, and money.

Is that not what EQ is for

I can't tell you how many times I have seen people using mics that the audio guys that have never heard their voice give them because it is what they had laying around and then it was up to the audio guy to make them sound good

[elambo]

Is that not what EQ is for

I can't tell you how many times I have seen people using mics that the audio guys that have never heard their voice give them because it is what they had laying around and then it was up to the audio guy to make them sound good

That sounds like a situation where good results are found by accident.

Are you suggesting that the OP should stumble upon whichever mic is handy? Considering the fact that he's taken the time to pose the question, it seems unfair to suggest that he worry about sound quality later down the road, and then to merely use a band-aid.

In this context, EQ repairs the mistakes you make when choosing the wrong microphone (or when trying to compensate for some other shortcomings, some of which you may have no control over). Between these two methods of recording, there's just no comparison.

Take your time and pick the right mic. No one here will be able to make that decision for you. Try a few.

[Bassomatic]

Is that not what EQ is for

It is not. Les is spot on.

[rob2001]

In the budget range I've had good luck with an MXL V67. Then again, i've also had good takes with an sm57. I've come to the conclusion that no matter what the mic, if I sing it well, I can make many different mic's work.

[Long2Play]

Look at Audio-Technica AT-2020's or AT-3035's - Great inexpensive mics for recording vocals.

[groovy daddy]

I picked up a lot of mic's cheap ($5-$75) at pawn shops, yard sales, used and clearance at music or hi-fi shops. I kept mostly the Shure dynamics because the different models seem to blend well.