Need a cheap mic

[hazelwould]

What's good?

Thinking about those cheap Chinese ribbon mics (Nady). IDK

[Dr. Sherman Sticks M.D.]

spongebob mic from toys r us....i think it was like $10-$15, i took out the speaker and replaced it w/ a quarter inch jack.....awesome lofi tone.


i guess tho, it really might depend on what u want to use it for.

[hazelwould]

That's actually a good idea.

[Ancient Astronaught]

I use the apex 215 ribbon mics which are made by the same people as the nady's. They're actually pretty good for the price. What are you going to be using it for?

[hazelwould]

Recording my guitar/ keys through an amp.

[Ancient Astronaught]

What kind of tone are you going for? If you want it clean and clear but dry and sterile go for a sm57 or an i5. If you want meatier and more analog sounding recording then go for a ribbon mic, just make sure its not a figure 8 polarity pattern unless you want some room ambience as well. The cheap ribbons i got are figure 8 patterns and i use them for drum overheads, they do great in a recorderman style micing pattern, but if your just micing an amp a cardoid pattern would probably work better for you.

[hazelwould]

Probably more warm. I just want something to translate well. Right now I'm using the built in mic on my apogee one and it's pretty dark/muffled. Im probably gonna run a couple into a mixer into the one and just layer it.

[Ancient Astronaught]

Get a ribbon and an sm57. They make great combos when recording. You get the cut and clarity from the 57 and the ribbon adds the missing warmth and low end.

[univalve]

Used shure 545

[The4455]

Cheap, like what? I'd check out the mxl or sterling audio packages for $100, both of them are, one large diaphragm condenser and one small diaphragm condenser. Sterling is a bit higher quality than mxl, but either is better than none. The only thing about ribbon mics to know is that, most of them (cheap ones), can't take very high sound levels (SPL) and if you push them too hard the actuall ribbon with "burst" and the micophone is done. So I'd go with condensers or dynamics, over ribbons.

[ifeellikeatourist]

There's always the obvious

[sev]

If you don't already have a 57, it's a no brainer.
Great for mic'ing guitar, keys, drums, even vocals in a pinch. (My friend did a whole album while only owning one mic, an SM57...keys vocals and all...put out by a reputable indie label.

[hazelwould]

Cheap, like what? I'd check out the mxl or sterling audio packages for $100, both of them are, one large diaphragm condenser and one small diaphragm condenser. Sterling is a bit higher quality than mxl, but either is better than none. The only thing about ribbon mics to know is that, most of them (cheap ones), can't take very high sound levels (SPL) and if you push them too hard the actuall ribbon with "burst" and the micophone is done. So I'd go with condensers or dynamics, over ribbons.

Yea that's something I'm kinda worried about. I wanna be able to do loud volume textures. Which need to be handled a certain way. Sorta like Tim Heckerish stuff. But to really hear the nuances it's gotta be loud and gather alot of info.

[modernage]

Cheap, like what? I'd check out the mxl or sterling audio packages for $100, both of them are, one large diaphragm condenser and one small diaphragm condenser. Sterling is a bit higher quality than mxl, but either is better than none. The only thing about ribbon mics to know is that, most of them (cheap ones), can't take very high sound levels (SPL) and if you push them too hard the actuall ribbon with "burst" and the micophone is done. So I'd go with condensers or dynamics, over ribbons.

Yea that's something I'm kinda worried about. I wanna be able to do loud volume textures. Which need to be handled a certain way. Sorta like Tim Heckerish stuff. But to really hear the nuances it's gotta be loud and gather alot of info.

You should be alright with a ribbon mic as long as you make sure to back it away from the amp a couple feet. Also, angle the mic away from the source 30º-45º, especially if your blasting your amp. That way if your amp is moving some air the ribbon won't take a direct hit. A pop filter will also help.

You do have to be careful when using a ribbon mic. You can't just toss it around, or use it as a hammer, or store it in a freezer, but they're not as fragile as they're made out to be. Just handle with care.... store and transport (preferably in the case) it upright, don't drop it, along with every other obvious suggestion that can be made.

I highly suggest Cascade ribbon mics. Their Fat Head is kinda like the SM57 of the ribbon world..... inexpensive, sounds great, can be found (and used) in high-end studios. I'd like to try out a few of their other mics too. Can't go wrong with the price.

[The4455]

Cheap, like what? I'd check out the mxl or sterling audio packages for $100, both of them are, one large diaphragm condenser and one small diaphragm condenser. Sterling is a bit higher quality than mxl, but either is better than none. The only thing about ribbon mics to know is that, most of them (cheap ones), can't take very high sound levels (SPL) and if you push them too hard the actuall ribbon with "burst" and the micophone is done. So I'd go with condensers or dynamics, over ribbons.

Yea that's something I'm kinda worried about. I wanna be able to do loud volume textures. Which need to be handled a certain way. Sorta like Tim Heckerish stuff. But to really hear the nuances it's gotta be loud and gather alot of info.

It all depends on what you're micing and what your budget is. Overall though a condenser will be more detailed and "warm" (similar to a tube amp) than a dynamic but alot more sensitive. Some mics have a 10 or 20 db pad for louder applications. If you only need one mic, I'd check out the Studio Projects b1 it's a large diaphragm condenser microphone with a 10 and 20 db pad, I have one and I really like it alot, it's $120. It can take up to about 130 db before distorting. That or the Sterling St-51 ($100), or the Cascade M20u ($120).