Recording Mics.

[Steve Berger]

For recording vocals, is the Studio Projects C1 microphone ($239) a good choice? If not, what is a good alternative in the $300 - $400 price range?

For recording acoustic fingerstyle guitar, is a stereo pair of Studio Projects C4 microphones ($399) a good choice? Or, should I opt for a stereo pair of Rode NT5 microphones ($429)? Or, is there a better alternative?

Thanks in advance for your input

[gang twanger]

Carvin makes a killer studio tube mic that they sell direct for $299. Check it out on their website. All the Carvin mics are great, but that tube mic is really cool for the money. If you were trying to buy a comparable mic at say, Guitar Center, you would have to pay $600 to $900. It's an amazing deal. All their recording gear is. Just ask Frank Zappa (speak loudly).

[69 Sound]

While I haven't used the new series Studio Projects C1, I do have a pair of original C1's and while they can and do work with certain vocalists (sometimes quite well) they are not usually my go to first choice.

With that said... That's not to say they are a bad choice, not by any means, I just simply have better alternatives on hand which usually give me what I'm looking for.

Without knowing what your voice is like or whomever it is that you are going to be recording it's hard to make a recommendation, but a couple of nice mics around your price range would be:

On the used side of things: Audio Technica 4050, Shure KSM44, AKG C414, Shure SM7

On the new side of things: Blue Bluebird, MXL V69, MXL V6, Audio Technica 4040

I'm sure there's a whole lot more, those are just some I can think of off the top of my head.

Really your best choice is to try to demo as many as you can, in your space and see which you feel gives the most natural reproduction of the source.

[Steve Berger]

Without knowing what your voice is like

My voice is in the baritone range (think James Taylor but not quite as good).

What condenser mic ($500 or less) would be good for the range of my voice?

BTW ...demoing all the available mics in my recording space is the best idea, I'm just not sure how practical is unless I am missing something.

[69 Sound]

Sorry forgot to address your other question...

I've not used either of the mics your asking about so I can't give any first hand opinion, but I have used both the MXL 603's, the Oktava MK-012's and both are nice.

The 603's tend to be a little brighter while the 012's tend to be a little bit more natural.

Either pair would work nicely and if you go with the MXL's you can pick up a pair of the omni caps while your at it (they run about $45 for the pair)

For a little bit more I've also heard some really nice things about the Chameleon Labs TS-1 which is a small diaphragm tube.

[foghorn99]

Carvin makes a killer studio tube mic that they sell direct for $299. Check it out on their website. All the Carvin mics are great, but that tube mic is really cool for the money. If you were trying to buy a comparable mic at say, Guitar Center, you would have to pay $600 to $900. It's an amazing deal. All their recording gear is. Just ask Frank Zappa (speak loudly).


Is that the CTM100? If so, carvin.com list it for $259.99 + shipping.

Anyone got any sample clips??

[69 Sound]

My voice is in the baritone range (think James Taylor but not quite as good).

What condenser mic ($500 or less) would be good for the range of my voice?

BTW ...demoing all the available mics in my recording space is the best idea, I'm just not sure how practical is unless I am missing something.

Again, trying to recommend a specific mic that would not only fit your voice, but sound good in your room, through your setup, is much akin to asking what is the best sounding humbucker for a rock guitar tone.

There's just so many variables that can effect how a particular setup will sound. And that's where demoing things in your own space really comes into play. It gives you the opportunity to hear things first hand and through your setup.

Now, If I had to recommend a general purpose mic that you could also use for other sources, I'd say pickup a used Audio Technica 4050. It's a great utility mic that you probably wont outgrow.

Now how well your going to like it on your voice I can't say?

A few other things you might think about are:

Are you looking to build a mic cabinet? Or do you just want to have one or two around for key things.

What kind of music style? Solo or full production? What does the music style call for? Bright and airy, Warm and dark, Rich and powerful?

Are you looking for something that flatters your voice or something that is a truer reproduction?

Is this only going to be used for vocals? Are you the only singer who will be using this mic?

Just some things to think about... And remember there's lot's of great mics out there these day's, but the one that's right for you is the one that makes you stop and say wow, that's just what I'm looking for!!

And don't discount any possible choices because the mic for you could well be a lowely SM57 or it could be a U47, but you never know until you try them.

Sorry for the longish post and good luck!! Feel free to ask any other questions you have.

[Steve Berger]

Thanks 69 Sound (and others) . . . I really appreciate all of your input.

I have spent the last three hours on the web reading reviews, adds and specs and quite frankly, I am more confused than ever. I'm looking at mics from Rode, Studio Project, AKG, Audio Technica, Blue, Carvin. . . etc. etc. like you said . . . there are so many choices.

Briefly...here is my situation. I am a guitarist/singer/songwriter. Primarily I will be making fairly straightforward recordings of either (A) solo acoustic fingerstyle guitar instrumentals or (B) vocal/guitar songs w/ solo acoustic guitar (fingerstyle and strumming) and solo vocals (baritone range). That is pretty much it.

I am using a Tascam DP-02 Digital PortaStudio (I haven't made the leap to computer-based software recording yet!

I have some high quality acoustic guitars (Goodalls and Martins) all equipped with Baggs Active IBeam p/u's that sound great live . . . but only so-so direct into the Tascam.

Thanks again for your input!

[69 Sound]

Given your situation, and your requirements, let me ask this:

What is the max your willing to spend?

Btw - I just listened to some samples off your soundclick site and you have some really nice songs there!!

[Steve Berger]

Given your situation, and your requirements, let me ask this:
What is the max your willing to spend?
Thanks 69 Sound for the kind words.

Regarding the amount: I'd like to be able to keep it below $1,000 for the mics needed to record BOTH my vocals and my acoustic and jazz guitar (ES175).

I've read that some of the condenser mics I have been looking into could be used for both guitar and vocals . . . but from what I understand ...I think my best bet is to use a large-diaphragm mic for vocals and a stereo pair of small-diaphragm mics for guitar.

Now if there was a single mic or one stereo pair of mics that could do a high quality job of recording both vocals and guitar . . . that would be great!

[69 Sound]

Regarding the amount: I'd like to be able to keep it below $1,000 for the mics needed to record BOTH my vocals and my acoustic and jazz guitar (ES175)

Well now you've gone and thrown an electric hollow body into the mix... lol

Ok, let's start with the easy one.

For the ES175: A good ole SM57 will get you some nice classic tones.

For your acoustic and vocals: I'd look into an Oktava MK-012 paired with either an Audio Technica 4050 or 4040

Or...

If you don't care for the Audio Technica on your voice give the Shure KSM44 a try.

Between those 3 mics you should be pretty well set and come in under your budget if you shop carefully.

Otherwise have fun and don't forget the importance of positioning.

Oh, one other thing:

The sound room is a good place to look for new Oktava 012's. Be careful if you buy used though and be sure you are getting an original russian version.

(There's lots of info online of how to identify the real ones from the fake)