best vocal mic

[thejewdrummer]

I'm looking to buy a vocal mic and I have no idea what to look for. I want a good mic for a descent budget. I want something that has very good range, something that sounds like it's going through a processor? Any suggestions?

[where02190]

Something that sounds like it's going through a processor? Please explain? If you mean a mic that has reverb/effects on it this doesn't exist. You use plugins to create the effects you want once recorded.

What's your budget? What's your setup? What genre of music is your norm?

In the $500 and under range the Rode NTK is fantastic. Under $1000 check out an AKG C414B-ULS. $1000+, vintage Neuman, Telefunken and Sony among many others.

[thejewdrummer]

i'm actually the guy emailing you about your nt-1 haha. i'm recording rock/punk type stuff... also a lot of screaming

[tele_player]

Soundelux U195 is excellent, and well under $1000 if you shop around.
Rode NT1-a or Studio Projects C1 at about $200 are both nice.

Screaming? Shure SM57 or SM58 - you're not looking for subtle quality.

[thejewdrummer]

the guy i talked to at guitar center said if i spend less than 500 it will sound like [bleep]... was he just trying to get me to spend money or what?

[Matt Whritenour]

i would say get a Lawson L47

and i would say stay away from a Neumann U-87
its totally not worth the price in my opinion anyway

an AKG 414 is also a good choice

[tele_player]

the guy i talked to at guitar center said if i spend less than 500 it will sound like [bleep]... was he just trying to get me to spend money or what?

Lots of mics less than $500 don't sound like [bleep].

[lemix]

i would say stay away from a Neumann U-87

What in particular don't you like about this microphone, if I may ask ?

cheers,

[Matt Whritenour]

i think it sounds britle and not very full

i've only used it a couple times and I prefer
the Lawson L47 over it...

plus the lawson is only 2 grand
while the U87 is like 2800

[lemix]

Thanx luzer_kidd ,

I can respect that.
I doesn't work for all vocal recordings, I do find them an outstanding instrument mic, however.
I've had my older one ( cca 1976 ) stolen, so now using the Ai model which was a replacement by the insurance co. Somehow I do still miss that older tone , as my 87Ai does sound a bit brighter and has a much hotter output. Micpre choices are fairly critical. Using it with Neve's, Daking or ISA 110s.
Sometimes though price alone does not reflect how good a particular mic is for recording sound "X"
Have seen very expensive mics fail vs. budget priced ones in reproducing a desired sonic picture.
Just my opinion...
I do love my 87, but also have quite a few others to choose from.

happy tooling,
cheers