Hey everyone!

Planning to get a budget mic for my bedroom studio and really scratching my head as to which one to get. Any ideas? How cheap is a budget mic?

What kind of mic are you after, what are you going to use it for and what is your maximum budget?

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Originally posted by tehlord What kind of mic are you after, what are you going to use it for and what is your maximum budget?

I ma pretty dumb when it coems to mics. Well we plan to record vocals with my friend and hope to get as professional results as possible. The budget is 400 bucks max, anything decent available on this money?

I'm unsure as to your budget, but in case it's of any help I use this one, a valve mic at the lower price end;

http://www.rodemic.com/microphones/ntk


The proximity and angle of the singer makes a massive difference hence this mic can be quite frustrating to use in that a slight variation in proximity or angle and the sound is compromised. I'm guessing this could be the case with all budget mics?

If you are trying to capture a decent emotional performance it can be a bit of a bummer having to stand totally still!
Perhaps a singer that knows their stuff would know how to deal with this situation?

Perhaps an omnidirectional mic helps get around this.

If I were looking for a mic now I'd probably buy a decent second hand one rather than brand new not so great product.

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Originally posted by Richard Butler If I were looking for a mic now I'd probably buy a decent second hand one

Like which one?

Pro results are 90% technique tbh.

You could do worse than getting something like an NT1A with a solid stand (very necessary) for about $250-260 and then look at something like an SE Reflection Filter to deal with what will most likely be a less than ideal space to record in.

You could achieve very decent results with that given the right recording techniques.

Cryophink's the man to answer this question though, as he has a harem to record most of the time.

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Originally posted by tehlord Pro results are 90% technique tbh.

Yup. Bad source/technique = bad recording, no matter how nice your recording front end is.

quote:

Originally posted by tehlord You could do worse than getting something like an NT1A with a solid stand (very necessary) for about $250-260 and then look at something like an SE Reflection Filter to deal with what will most likely be a less than ideal space to record in.

Yeah, the NT1A is almost a no-brainer condenser mic in that budget. Studio Projects B1 is another inexpensive condenser that people rate very highly (I've never used it, though). Last, but definitely not least is the almighty Shure SM7B. This mic f'ing rules for home recording - VERY good background noise rejection and it's just difficult to get bad results with it. Michael Jackson used it for the Thriller album - nuff said.

BTW, what interface/preamp will you be using with it? Whether it's built into your interface, or a standalone preamp doesn't matter much, as long as it's got an XLR input. You'll also need phantom power if you go with a condenser mic (e.g., the NT1A or B1 mentioned above). If you go with the SM7B, it's a dynamic mic, so it doesn't need phantom power, but it does have a relatively low output, so you'll want a mic preamp with a decent amount of gain. Most interfaces with a mic preamp should be fine with any of these mics, but it's worth confirming that.

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quote:

Originally posted by cryophonik Yup. Bad source/technique = bad recording, no matter how nice your recording front end is. Yeah, the NT1A is almost a no-brainer condenser mic in that budget. Studio Projects B1 is another inexpensive condenser that people rate very highly (I've never used it, though). Last, but definitely not least is the almighty Shure SM7B. This mic f'ing rules for home recording - VERY good background noise rejection and it's just difficult to get bad results with it. Michael Jackson used it for the Thriller album - nuff said. BTW, what interface/preamp will you be using with it? Whether it's built into your interface, or a standalone preamp doesn't matter much, as long as it's got an XLR input. You'll also need phantom power if you go with a condenser mic (e.g., the NT1A or B1 mentioned above). If you go with the SM7B, it's a dynamic mic, so it doesn't need phantom power, but it does have a relatively low output, so you'll want a mic preamp with a decent amount of gain. Most interfaces with a mic preamp should be fine with any of these mics, but it's worth confirming that.

Cheers for response. I am using Steinberg UR22 which has 2 XLR/TRS inputs, so I believe i just need a mic itself? Should I also get a filter?

That interface will be fine for any of those mics. Definitely get a pop filter if you go with a condenser.

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I am definitely not an expert, however, I recorded vocals this weekend on an MXL 990 condenser mic (with a ~70$ behringer mixer, ~6$ mic cable and a cheap rca to line in cable) and think they are pretty decent quality sounding from a recording standpoint. The mic was purchased several years ago, but I was curious about how much it was cost currently and it is about 100$ on Amazon (in the US) right now.

http://www.amazon.com/MXL-990-Conde...t/dp/B0002GIRP2

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I about died on the apple page today.. all those beautiful mics..

the link:
http://store.apple.com/us/search/microphones

quote:

Originally posted by Microlab Cheers for response. I am using Steinberg UR22 which has 2 XLR/TRS inputs, so I believe i just need a mic itself? Should I also get a filter?

The NT1A (for example) already has a pop filter in the box. An SE Reflection Filter would be a good addition as it negates a lot of issues with your room.

The UR22 already has good mic pre's. Same as on their more expensive models.

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