Buying the right mic

krisp · 10-13-2009, 09:33 PM

Ok, so im ready to nuckle down and but a legit mic, not 30dollar best buy one

I expect to spend something nice on it ... but i wanna make sure i get bang for my buck

but at the same time i do want to , as many of you want, get the best quality for the cheapest price

so what models do you guys know of are cheap and worth buying to acheive good quality?

d.dermz · 10-14-2009, 01:38 AM

go to a store and test them out

Jones Jung · 10-14-2009, 10:36 AM

A good mic for cheap. I mean, it's true you get what you pay for, but honestly, I've only ever bought MXL mics. Like right now I have an MXL 990 (I think, lol), and they're fairly cheap, like, less than $200. And honestly, I've been extremely pleased with all of my MXL mics for the price I paid for them. If I ever get some decent spending money, I'd like to try a higher-end mic though, but fuck it, MXL is my shit.

Mr. ROUSH · 10-15-2009, 02:34 PM

This has to be the most asked question in home recording.. and there simply is not an easy answer.. Each voice is unique.. each mic is unique.. The mxl that works great for the guy above.. could possibly not sound good at all for your voice.. if you really want to truly get the best mic for your money then trying them out is truly the only way to be sure of that.. not everyone has that luxury of course and so the next logical step in the process would be to look at your budget and start doing some research... How much are you willing to spend?

First eliminate mics above your budget obviously.. of those remaining start googling.. look for artists with similar vocals that use the mics you're considering and are getting the sound you want..

don't think that you have to use a condensor.. while they are widely used and you will eventually want to have one.. dynamic mics are equally as popular in rap music.. There is one pretty universal mic that might be the only mic I feel comfortable to recommend to just about anyone.. that is the dynamic Shure SM7b.. A lot of rap records have been cut with that mic with a lot of different vocal sounds and styles.. Brand new it's about $350, and worth every penny as far as getting your money's worth.

otherwise don't let anybody.. (me included) tell you that there is any one mic for you based on how it sounds for them.. if you can try them out.. do.. if you live close to nashville you can get studio time for this purpose for very cheap. Best of luck.