What's the best vocal mic for $300?

[jinsel]

Hi DUC,
What's the best vocal mic for around $300?
I will be tracking many different styles mostly all men (if that matters).
Thanks!
-J

[saeblee]

You might want to check out the AKG C3000 mics. Also, I believe you could buy a 4033 for around that price. The 4033 is also available in a Limited Edition package right now that comes with a shock mount and wooden case engraved by Audio Technica. I'd also be anxious to hear what others may say about Project Studio Mics (C1, C3, etc.) I've never used them, but they are extremely affordable with fairly high reviews.

Good Luck

[where02190]

Audio Technica 4033A. It's not just a great vical mic, but also excellent for acoustic guitar, drum overheads or kick drum, percussion...a variety of uses. We have two fo them, and they are probably the most used mics in the collection.

Hope this is helpful.

[jinsel]

Thanks guys!!!
I'll check that 4033 out!
What about Groove tube, Marshall and Blue mics? Any luck?

[The Electric Trombone]

I get good results with the AKG C3000. For vocals, male and female, and acoustic guitar, banjo, and mandolin. I have an Audio Technica 3525, and I like it a lot for some vocals, it doesn't work out well for all my vocalists. Judging from its quality and posts I've read here I am curious about what a 4033 would sounds like. . .

I would lvoe to hear some comments from Studio Projects C1 users ? I am interested in this mic but have yet to hear it used on anything (that I'm aware of). . . .

For what thats worth . . .

[Bob Olhsson]

If you don't already have a Shure SM-57, get one and a pop screen. It sounds much better than a 58 ball mike.

Better yet, get two so that you can compare different positions directly. A 57 in the right spot will beat a $2000 Neumann in the wrong spot every time. On some voices or some songs it will beat the Neumann in ANY position and it will frequently beat most inexpensive condensers.

[jinsel]

Bob! That's what I wanted to know. I have sm57's and 58's and great a great sound from the 57 (with pop screen) but I'm looking for something different something that will be a little warmer thicker. I have $500 but would really only want to spend $300 or a bit more. What other mics have you/other people had good success with?

[six mile hill]

Home Recording Magazine recently reviewed the NADY SCM-1000 and gave it a fantastic write-up. I've been using AT-4050, Sure 57 and Beta 57 for vocals and acoustic guitar, but I'm always looking for more options.

In the review, the NADY was comparable to the Neumann U 87 ($2500+ mic; "Some people have compared this mic favorably with a Neumann U 87, and I'm inclined to agree." -Carolyn Keating (Home Recording Mag.)

I recently orded this mic myself ($149.00 at Musicians Friend). Once I get it, I'll test it out and let everyone know what I think.

Hope this helps.

Peace.
Todd
six mile hill

[Vastapol]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:<HR> A 57 in the right spot will beat a $2000 Neumann in the wrong spot every time. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Couldn't agree more.Anything needing a bit of 'roughness' or rock and roll attitude will be well served by the 57.For example,I found it to be by far the best mic for a dobro guitar.
I plan to get a second one, is it worth getting the Beta version?

Vastapol

[Bob Olhsson]

My second desert island vocal choice would be a Beyer M-88. It doesn't work with some people but sounds great on most. Again a pair is more useful than just one.

The M-88 pattern is so good that you can record keeper vocals in the same room with live drums. It's the only mike I've ever been able to rely on for that.