decent mic for $200?

[billy101]

I don't know if I'm asking the impossible or what, but I'd like to get a general all-purpose type microphone --- need to stick to about $200. I see that Blue has a new one that costs about that. Has anyone tried it? Or isn't there a Rodes for about $200?

All I have now is an SM-57, plus the low-end Fender mic that came with my girlfriend's Passport PA system. I'll be using the new microphone mainly for vocals, acoustic guitar, and percussion. Any suggestions? Oh, and please don't tell me to save up for the U-87 or whatever --- I'd like to get something soon, and I figure there's got to be something that's better than what I'm currently using.

Thanks for the help!

--- Billy

[BookSix]

Not sure on the price, maybe higher than $200, but there's the Studio Projects C1, or the B1 for $79.00.

[sndgeek]

Marshall was making a U-87 killer as of last NAMM, I don't know the model number but it looks similar to it.

I have a Røde NT1 that does the job for vocals and acoustics, paid $180 from sweetwater.com last year. An example here: http://homepage.mac.com/sndgeek/FileSharing2.html -- check out "Flask.mp3"

[daustin777]

Studio Projects C1. Very good for the money (about $200.)

[EddieD]

This isn't a useful, helpful response. Just a comment for no good reason. When I saw the subject line "decent mic for $200?" I smiled immediately and opened it, ready to be entertained. Because on this board, questions like that inevitably get answers like this from all you studio professionals: "$200?? For $200 you might as well use a hollow tube from a roll of toilet paper and concoct your own diaphragm made of tin foil and perhaps parts from your toaster. You need to spend at least $400 for something listenable . . ." But much to my surprise there were two helpful responses answering the actual question -- "best mic for $200", not "best mic for $400".

Not trying to be mean, I love this board and all the INCREDIBLY helpful information has helped guide my ProTool-related purchases wisely. But it never hurts to poke a little good-natured fun, right??

EddieD

[BookSix]

Right, fun is good, I won't say it never hurts. This board seem to understand how to keep it fun, without being offensive. And I agree, its an great resource. Thanks to all!

[billy101]

Eddie, I was afraid of the very same thing when I posted. What a pleasant surprise to see some genuine help without the "bashing". And thank you to BookSix, sndgeek, and daustin777 for the recommendations --- nice to have a starting point. Also, very jazzed that I can upgrade my little set-up with minimal investment.

Thank you again!

--- Billy

[sndgeek]

I don't know where else people have been posting, but in my estimation this is probably the most helpful community for audio related questions. I think the field has been narrowed enough to keep most would-be flamers out of these forums.

Also it's nice to know that there are a ton of people out there in the same boat. I would expect the same if/when I post here.

Cheers,

Alex

[mcconnellsteve]

or the B1 for $79.00.

there's a mic i saw in musician's friend or something like that that looked like a copy of a neumann for $69, including spider mount! i almost am tempted to buy one, and even if it's terrible, feel like i got a spider mount for $69

does anyone know the mic i'm talking about?

have fun!
steve

[tele_player]

But you don't need to risk getting something terrible. I've read nothing but positive reviews on the Studio Projects B1, which is commonly $79. Rode NT1A, Studio Projects C1 are about $200, sound great. MXL V67G sounds good, looks great, about $100.