Best microphone in the $100 range?

[Joefro]

What say you? Looking for something to record vocals, audio clips, etc..

Seems there is a mic on Musician Friend's stupid deal of the day at least once a week but I know next to nothing about mics.

Had been waiting for the Apogee Mic to come out to see reviews since I have always been really happy with my Duet, but the stupid thing has been "coming soon" forever AND the website doesn't even say what the thing will cost:

http://www.apogeedigital.com/products/mic.php

[eddiex]

audio technica at2020
shure sm57
the shure is a dynamic mic. use it for guitar, drums...its pretty versatile...it is probably not the best for recording vocals but its good for alot
the at2020 is a condenser mic. it will require phantom power...which your soundcard probably has....oh and it is very sensitive so you will probably have to get a shock absorber and make sure your room is soundproofed....but for a hundred bones...that mic. is awesome!!

[Hermanus]

beyerdynamic_tgx58

58€
dynamic microphone, nice for vocal

[3dot...]

sm57

[theophilus]

if you stretch to about $130... cad m179. multi-pattern condenser, relatively flat response compared to most dynamics. slightly about your $100 but it is a better all-rounder than most mics in its class. and you can dial it in between cardioid and hypercardioid to help with the room. it will sound 'dull' compared to a lot of dynamics, it's because it is actually a relatively flat mic compared to most dynamics... compare this:

http://recordinghacks.com/pdf/cad/M179-spec-sheet.pdf (2nd page, frequency charts, almost completely flat to 10k where it has some flutter in the response) vs.

http://www.shure.com/idc/groups/public/ ... et.pdf.pdf (shure beta 58, bottom of page, anything but flat)

The peaks can sometimes make things sound energetic, but also can make it sound harsh - in my experience, capture it flat and do it in EQ instead.
(that and I really hate the beta 58a... it hardly ever works on anyone).
Dynamics are personal - one particular dynamic might sound better on one particular voice than any other (even condensers), but sound crap everywhere else.
Flatter mics tend to be more boring, but work about the same everywhere.

the EV 767A is the dynamic I prefer for vocals, but it's highly directional so not very useful on instruments. this does make it less susceptible to room sound. it has worked best of the mics we have on
pretty much everyone who's come through (live).

some other ones:
sm57: http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9 ... wKkY9p1oJs
sm58: http://www.shure.com/idc/groups/public/ ... _large.gif
at2020: http://www.audio-technica.com/cms/resou ... nglish.pdf (fairly flat, but little brighter than the CAD, i haven't used this one)

[Joefro]

Thanks for the replies everyone. I can plug my guitars into my duet directly, and don't have drums so I'm not really looking to record instruments with this mic... just vocals really. $100 is a ballpark, I could stretch a little bit more if it really stepped up the quality to the next level.

[Guff Tong]

I'm sure Shure SM58's have always been the industry standard for vocals.

edit: added teh xtra 'sure' (can never be too sure)

[3dot...]

+1 sm57/58

[Fizmarble]

I have the at2020. I just wanted to vouch for it's sensitivity. Great for acoustic recordings, speaking and singing vocals. It's fairly easy to overdrive the diaphragm. If you scream in it, even if you don't show clipping at the sound card, you can still clip the diaphragm. But it is a sweet sweet mic for 100 bucks.

[memes_33]

I'm sure Shure SM58's have always been the industry standard for vocals.

edit: added teh xtra 'sure' (can never be too sure)

for live vocals that is. most recorded vocals are through large-diaphragm condenser mics

[Guff Tong]

I'm sure Shure SM58's have always been the industry standard for vocals.

edit: added teh xtra 'sure' (can never be too sure)

for live vocals that is. most recorded vocals are through large-diaphragm condenser mics

i stand cerekted bruv.



(I cant sing anyway, knee jerk post...it happens)

[abl385]

So what's the best for recording vocals in that range? The sm57 seems to be used mostly for recording instruments. Would the sm58 be suitable for studio use and would I need a pre-amp with my M-Audio Fast Track Pro?

[3dot...]

I'm sure Shure SM58's have always been the industry standard for vocals.

edit: added teh xtra 'sure' (can never be too sure)

for live vocals that is. most recorded vocals are through large-diaphragm condenser mics

it is the standard for PA.. correct.. but it fairs very nice on most vocalists tracking as well...

and...
unless the OP has a sealed quiet recording environment..
he would most likely want a dynamic mic..
instead of a ultra-sensitive... Large D condenser...that picks up EVERYTHING..
the dynamic mic is more suited for home studio rigs etc.

another advantage in working with an sm58..if you're a singer..
is getting to know the mic.. and working with it...
it's good practice for when you are on stage.. and most likely get handed an sm58 by the sound dude..
you're most likely not gonna have a large D condenser on stage..

just my 2c...

[nuxnamon]

I'd say to take a look at craigslist.. i saw a m-audio sputnik go for $200 which is a really good deal last week. I know that's more than your range but that's just an example of some of the deals that can be found.. I think you'll get a better mic used for $100 than buying new for the same amount.. good luck

[Greeg]

try or read reviews:
AKG D5