Need a low priced Mic, advice welcome!

[nebulae]

I've used the Studio Projects C1 for most everything in the past 5 years. Compares well with teh Neumann U87, at about 1/10th of the price.

[SubFunk]

well, if you look for a large diaphragm mic and want to spend around 300, then i definitely throw in the ADK Vienna.

[Hidden Driveways]

I agree with most. Neb is right on with the Studio Projects C1 (but it's a little more than $150).

The choice of an SM57 is a safe one, but safe can be boring. There are lots and lots of good microphones. Getting the most generic burger and fries isn't always the best move. The cool alternative to an SM57 that I would pick today is an Electro Voice Raven:

http://www.electrovoice.com/product.php?id=88

$150 USD.

[wiresmith]

Have you considered hiring microphones in from a studio rental place? If your use is occasional it could be cost effective to do so.

If you buy, I like SM58's but don't get the beta version, they're a bit presence-y. Someone once claimed to me that 'you can make a decent pop record with bag of SM58's"

[nebulae]

The C1 has gone up in price, that's for sure. I got it 5 years ago for $150, but I think the current street price is about $250.

[nebulae]

The problem with renting mics is always that nasty mouth diseases that you can catch from someone else's germs. But no worries, as musicians tend to be very clean and never partake in any vulgar activity.

[wiresmith]

The problem with renting mics is always that nasty mouth diseases that you can catch from someone else's germs. But no worries, as musicians tend to be very clean and never partake in any vulgar activity.

At the risk of being a total nerd, its very few mics you actually get that close too, particularly large diaphragm ones due to bass proximity tip up

[nebulae]

well, I stick mine up my arse when I want to sample, and I mean really sample, a decent square wave. You can rent mine for a good price.

[darkcatt]

get an older Russian made Oktava 319
http://www.oktava-online.com/mk319.htm

best money I have ever spent

[3dot...]

get an older Russian made Oktava 319
http://www.oktava-online.com/mk319.htm

best money I have ever spent

+10000000 Oktava mics are harsh... but awesome coloring mics....def not an all-around mic...

[wiresmith]

well, I stick mine up my arse when I want to sample, and I mean really sample, a decent square wave. You can rent mine for a good price.

Then you really will experience some bass tip-up. Serious low end action.

[dave999z]

I've used the Studio Projects C1 for most everything in the past 5 years. Compares well with teh Neumann U87, at about 1/10th of the price.

+1 Studio Projects C1 is an awesome mic.

But yeah seriously when did it go up to $250. I still think it's worth that price - can't think of anything I'd rather want.

[nebulae]

^ my Kundalini Shock Attack partner bought a newer version, which has a MUCH better shock mount and nicer casing giving the mic a much classier look, and the rubber bands off the casing don't keep coming off. The internals and the sound are still the same. But I think that's where the higher price now goes to. As you said, still way way worth it!

[dancerchris]

Unless you plan on recording guitar amplifiers or drums, i.e. high volume sources, I would stay away from the Shure SM-57. It "is" a fantastic all around microphone. BUT that is if you have great mike preamps to record vocals our acoustic sources, i.e. low volume sources. The preamps can run easily over $1000 per channel (there was some talk recently of some new stuff that was ~$350 -- yet to be released.) Since you are on a budget and going through your soundcard....

The best bets on condensers are the Studio Projects C1 or a Rode NT-1A. around $200. Both excellent on acoustic sources and vocals.

[leedsquietman]

I can get a good enough result with my Alesis audio interface with the SM-57. If you have something like a Focusrite Saffire which has good pres with a lot of input gain you don't necessarily need 1000 dollar preamps. The SM57 is however, as dancerchris stated, not the best all round mic or the most sensitive. Cheap audio interfaces won't do it justice, this would include things such as earlier MBoxes for Protools LE as they have a maximum 50dB gain and only -10dB lone voltage.

I still say Rode M3 and NT1-A. (Rode, I spam your your product in every mic thread - perhaps you could send me a mic or two gratis). The M3 is a great all rounder, built like a tank and cheap and really good on acoustic guitar, and vocals. The NT1-A is a slightly better vocal mic being a large diaphragm mic. M3s in a stereo pair are really good drum overheads too.

The SE line of mics are pretty decent too. Man, you have so much choice. If you have a bit more to play with, I also hear great things about the ADK microphone SubFunk recommended. Several people I know, including top professional studio engineers, use tha ADK Hamburg and Vienna line.