Microphone Options

ShavenHead

Hello people,

Long time reader, first time poster. Looking for some advice about buying my first mic. I'm looking for a versatile mic that will handle mostly vocals, acoustic guitars, electric guitars, violins and maybe a bodhran.

I'm also going to order the Apogee Duet soundcard if that aids your recommendation.

My Budget is 200 - 250e. I was originally looking at the Shure Sm57 but I am getting swayed towards this Rode NT1-A package - http://www.dv247.com/microphones/rode-nt1-a-complete-vocal-recording-solution-plus--flexi-screen--68609 (there's another cheaper package without the flexi-screen, do they make much of a difference?)

or the SE Titan - http://www.dv247.com/microphones/se-electronics-titan-multi-pattern-condenser-microphone--27601. (Although I think is discontinued now as its not on the SE electronics website which isn't a good sign)

I'd really appreciate any other suggestions or comments from anyone who has used these mics.

i57dwun4yb1pt8

id get an sm58

it has a pop filter built in which you can screw off and it becomes pretty much an sm57

it will record anything reasonably well.

a sms7 or a 58 is the best mic to begin with , and learn with .

Aridstarling

The Titan is a decent mic, not great but definitely decent. Probably not a first mic though, not really an all rounder. I tried one out a while ago and while it worked perfectly on some things it wasn't so great on others. I don't know much about the Rode, I've heard pretty good things though. Sorry I can't offer you more on that front.

I'd recommend the SE 2200a, it was mic first mic and I don't regret it for a second. It will do pretty much anything well, vocals, acoustics, guitars, drums, percussion, you name it. Best all round mic I've used in this price range.

madtheory

My suggestion is that you buy a less expensive audio interface, and bump up your mic budget. The mic is the single most important bit of gear in the recording chain.

The Audio Technica 4033 is now a bargain because it is discontinued. The 4040 is the replacement and is also a great microphone. Maybe even get a pair if you can, for stereo. Steve Albini likes the 4033 on guitar cabs. I've used it in that capacity and it is indeed excellent. It will get you a great sound with 99% of singers, and it is lovely on violin. It gives a very big sound on acoustic guitars also. This mic is quite forgiving of the mic pre, I have used it successfully with the mic inputs of the M Audio Firewire 1814.

trackmixstudio

Audix i5
My favourite mic. It works on everything and is my preferred vocal mic and I have no shortage of expensive mics (neumann etc).
Sounds like a hot rodded sm57 with better lows and less high mid fizz.
You will need a pop shield to go with it for vocals.

madtheory

Yes, the Audix is lovely. I haven't tried it, but I don't think it would be so hot on violin? The Audio Technica is a better all rounder IMO.

ShavenHead

thanks for the replies.

I'll research those mics and get a better idea of what i want.

Also, the room i'll be recording in isn't treated for acoustics and it's quite a big room, so is it essential that I get a screen/filter to put behind the mic.

Check out this poll
http://studio-central.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=16020&start=0&postdays=0&postorder=asc&highlight=

Any opinions on the mics listed in it.

thanks again

bloodwolf

try finding some way to hear the mics before you buy one and I dont mean examples on the net.

PMI

Stick to an NT1 or look for second hand NT2 or MXL 67 and you will be happy enough...

Run_to_da_hills

Shure SM58 Beta, best affordable general purpose mike on the market and will take plenty of abuse. I got mine SH for €90 and won't look back.

madtheory

The 3D Audio mic CD by Lynn Fuston is a good way to hear mikes. If you've no acoustic treatment then you're definitely throwing money away with the Apogee. Look into the acoustics thread on here, lots of good advice.

studiorat

The AT 4033 is a great mic. As is the SE2200. The AT is a little more polite sounding IMO, the SE is nice on acoustics though. You could also try an Octava, really good quality microphones with inter-changable capsules a really great all rounder. Don't be fooled by the Large diaghpram thing, a small diaghpram microphone will be just as good if not better for most applications.

http://www.oktava-online.com/mk012.htm

Not too mad on Rode microphones. You could also check out CAD microphones, the E300 is really excellent. Be careful buying an SM-57 or 58 unless you know who you are buying it from. There's been a few counterfeit's on line. A new one should cost about €110, €115 on thomann with a stand and a cable.

PMI

Agree with studio rat here AT4033 is nice and a great workhorse on alot of things

GTE

My vote would be for the sE 2200a also.

Fantastic microphone. Its serving me very well for all the applications you need it for:)

BumbleB

bbk wrote: »

My vote would be for the sE 2200a also.

Fantastic microphone. Its serving me very well for all the applications you need it for:)

I second that ,the SE are great mics .

PaulBrewer

Interestingly there's a Sale on sE mics in your local friendly Audio Dealer.
We distribute sE for Ireland.

PM me if you're interested.

ZV Yoda

PaulBrewer wrote: »

Interestingly there's a Sale on sE mics in your local friendly Audio Dealer.
We distribute sE for Ireland.

PM me if you're interested.

Just sent you a PM Paul...

ShavenHead

hi,

thanks for the comments folks. I ended getting the Apogee Duet and se s2200a. Could have got something cheaper but thought i'd get something that was better quality.

cheers

BumbleB

ShavenHead wrote: »

hi,

thanks for the comments folks. I ended getting the Apogee Duet and se s2200a.
cheers

the se2200 a is nice ,you wont regret it..