condensor mics on a budget...

[worldsapart3]

i don't know if i'm crazy for asking this, but i'm a poor college student looking to get a condensor mic or two for my project studio...i got a really tight budget, though, and wouldn't like to spend more than $150...for each mic...i have seen some condensor mic packages at musiciansfriend.com, but don't know about the quality...any suggestions?

[Releaux]

Sub-$500 microphones were just recently covered in this thread.

I'm not sure what kind of quality you're going to get for $150 or less - I might go with a quality dynamic at that budget. Also, I'd rather spend $300 on a single quality mic than $300 for two cheap ones unless you regulary need to record multiple sources (or in stereo).

Also, you didn't mention whether you're looking for large or small diaphragm models, what pre-amp you have (you do have phantom power, right?) or what you plan on recording. I'll assume large diaphragm for general recording.

I don't have direct experience with these, but have heard from various people that they don't suck. Your mileage may vary. In no particular order (approximate street prices listed):

Røde NT1A - $200
Samson CL7 - $170
Audio Technica AT2020 - $100
Studio Projects B1 - $100
Studio Projects B3 - $170
Studio Projects C1 - $200

I started building my studio when I was a starving student and here's the best piece of advice I can give you. Don't waste time with cheap stuff unless it's high-quality cheap stuff. You'll end up spending a lot more money as you upgrade.

You will get a much better return on your investment if you save up and buy quality. I'd shoot for mics in the $500-$800 range. Get yourself an AT-4050, C-414, or a Baby Bottle. You'll probably still be using those mics twenty years from now.

That said, there are bargains out there - just because something's inexpensive doesn't mean it's cheap. The Røde line is a good example.

One anecdote: I have a friend who owns a studio doing major label stuff but who also does a lot of local groups, particularly hip-hop and rap. The rappers always come in and want the Neumann. So he sets it up for them. He also sets up a "cheap" mic (I think it's like a $200-$300 mic, some obscure brand) and tells them it's just for his reference tracks or for "ambience." (I think his ambience knob is right next to the "producer" knob in the rack).

He almost always always ends up using the "cheap mic" tracks over the Neumann, after doing the blind comparison for the artist, not because the Neumann sounds bad (I've never heard one that did), but because the cheap mic just works better for that particular application.

[grunter]

Worldsapart3:

I was the one who posted the linked thread above for mics under $500. What I found is that there are a lot of varying opinions on mics. However, with some work, you can narrow it down. Try visiting user forum sites dedicated to home recording/studio recording for more info.

There have been some very positive reviews of Studio Projects' C1 (See Recording Magazine's Jan '04 issue.) This is a budget condensor you can get for about $199 (Sweetwater, ZZounds, etc.)Also, you may want to check out AudioTechnica's 3030, for about $199. One dynamic mic in your price range that people seem to like Sure's SM58.
Good luck!

<small>[ March 08, 2005, 11:56 AM: Message edited by: grunter ]</small>

[Henry Robinett]

The still current hit for a condensor in this category/price range is the Oktava MK-012. Until fairly recently you could get them at Guitar Center 2 for $100. I got 4 for $200. They're great, cheap quality mics. I believe Sound Room is the source now. Maybe a little more than a hundred a piece now. There has been some scuttle butt about quality control but mine were great right off the shelf.

Another little known but great mic for a wee bit more is the Peluso CEMC-6. Based on the famous Schoeps mic.

There are varied opinions because there are a lot of decent mics out there. But you'll find certain consenses. AT4050 for example, in the roughly $500 range, is a workhorse high quality mic that sees a lot of professional use. Few would question.

[Releaux]

Originally posted by grunter:
One dynamic mic in your price range that people seem to like Sure's SM58.
Good luck!

Heh heh.. that was actually the "high quality dynamic" I was alluding to in my post but I didn't want to sound like a one-trick pony after saying the same thing in Grunter's thread.

The SM-57 and SM-58 are electronically the same mic, but have slightly different sonic characteristics because of the housing and windscreen on the 58. Either can be used as multi-purpose mics, but generally the 57 is most often used on instruments and the 58 for vocals.

(Cool factoid for the day, a Shure SM57 has been the exclusive podium mic for all US Presidents dating back to Johnson).

Finally, what Grunter said is spot-on... there are a lot of opinions about mics, but a common thread is that you really have to test them out for yourself and find what works best for you and your application.

[worldsapart3]

much thanks all for the input...i'll see what i can find...i've always been a fan of never going cheap just for the sake of saving a couple bucks with the idea of getting quality products...but right now, i'm just in need of something other than my radio shack mics to lay some tracks down, ya know?

[Henry Robinett]

I totally understand. I too don't like the idea of going cheap, but you have to start somewhere. Another mic I meant to mention is the AT 3035. I bought this and regretted it for a minute. The only mic I've bought where I thought I should have spent a little more money to get something better. But it's really a pretty good mic for the money and in your situation I think it'd be quite useful. The problem is I've collected an arsenal of good mics and I don't easily find a place for it - except it's been killler on floor toms.

[timoren]

I have to agree with the AT3035 pimps! The only short come of this mic is warmth of vocals, especially female. This is my primary mic, as I am poor as well. The bass roll off and pad switches are life savers! To comensate for the lack of warmth I usually clip my Brand X sm57 knock off next to the AT3035 & blend the two to fatten it up. This mic accels at taming a boomy acoustic guitar.

[aranos]

If you are thinking of Sure SM 58, try Beyer M69. It was about the same price, or a bit less than SM 58 when I bought them, and Beyer M69 is a lot better on everything.