What mic to get?

[andrew00]

Hey,

I currently own a Shure SM57 mic and I'm going to grab a second one to round out the sound. I've narrowed it down to 3 mics but I'm not sure which one to grab. I'll be recording mostly at home and mostly guitar, but also anything really, bass, vox, maybe some percussion who knows. Guitar style wise, I play a lot of clean w/fuzz accented it, think stuff like surf or the cramps.

I'm looking firstly at a Senny MD-421 - classic all round mic, pretty even, but seems to be a bit lacking in the mid's. Blending w/the Sm57 would be cool but I'm a little concerned it's basically dancing around the frequencies.

Then there's the Shure SM7B - classic vox mic, I know it's used a lot on guitar too but isn't necessarily that good there, but obv covers the vox aspect.

Lastly a ribbon mic like a Cascade Fat head, seems to get a lot of love for being natural, not too expensive, but since I'll be at home I'm a bit concerned about it's figure 8 pattern picking up my untreated small room.

Anyone have any suggestions on the smart move? It's a tough decision, I know they're all good, but naturally one wants to make the best decision heh. Cheers!

[Mike]

If you're looking at the SM7B, it would be worth your while to check out the Heil PR-40. It's in the same price range, and is another common spoken word/broadcast/vocal mic.

I have two of them, and they are excellent. They sound like condensers, but are large diaphragm dynamics. They excel in high spl applications like drums or bass. They are very articulate for spoken word (my main use), and I would imagine they would be great for vocals.

Check 'em out!

Mike

[univalve]

used shure 545: perfect results on a great budget. (the guitars in the songs in my signature are all recorded with these mics)
this mic is much better than the sm57. Don't be fooled by similar optics...

[fetch]

Also make sure you check out the BLUE SPARK microphone!!!!

I picked one up and it's become my favourite mic to record ANYTHING with (and I pair that with an SM57 and a couple other no-name).

[Derelict78]

well if your recording mostly guitar I have to say some sort of ribbon mic. The Apex 210 is OK if your on a budget but if you got the $ go for Blue Microphones Woodpecker Class A Active Ribbon Studio Microphone.

[bob the r0bot]

Steal a payphone and be punk as these guys:

[Snowblind]

Steal a payphone and be punk as these guys:

Haha damn thats awesome anyone know how to do that?

[Derelict78]

yeah its pretty easy in fact you can find instructions online

[bob the r0bot]

http://www.instructables.com/id/Telepho ... icrophone/
Not exactly the same but, pretty close.

[Chumley]

Oktava makes an affordable ribbon mic, I believe. So does Beyer, but both of those are in the $400-$500 range or so. Blue makes some good, cheap condensers, which are fine for vocals but I've never loved them on guitar. I gotta second the Heil PR40, it's my favorite dynamic by far.

[theavondon]

Steal a payphone and be punk as these guys:

I LOVE JAPANTHER

I say get a decent condenser. AKG has never done me wrong. I've been able to get by with just SM57s and my condenser forever.

[tuffteef]

i have the fathead
its awesome on geetars
also very cool on classical gear and drums well worth the money even the cheap version

[mauerkraut]

The senny 609 or 906 are both awesome. Better sound rejection than an sm 57 slightly wider wanted flatter freq response. The 906 has switches to really tailor your sound for whatever instrument too.

Heard great thing about heil too. I've love to try one. if you like those also check electro voice re20, great mic

[sears]

The AT4033 condensor is an all-rounder and is awesome on guitar cabs, blended with a dynamic, and on acoustic guitar by itself.

[htsamurai]

if you want phantom powered go with the Blue EC200, the 300 if you're super down
if you don't want phantom powered and want to stay around the 57 price point and sound, Blue EC100

the blue stuff is WAY better than the shure stuff of the same price range, more dynamic and def more range.