$350 vocal mic? suggestions?

joelmoore · Post by **joelmoore** » Sun Mar 25, 2007 3:17 pm

Hi,

I know this has to have been discussed here at some point. But my search is not finding any thread that is of any use to me.

I'm hoping to find a thread or start a thread about favorite mics for vocals for around $350.

Thanks,
JM

Meriphew · Post by **Meriphew** » Sun Mar 25, 2007 3:31 pm

Shure SM7b
Shure Beta 58

Rodgre · Post by **Rodgre** » Sun Mar 25, 2007 3:39 pm

While I have many favorites that I would stand by with any budget, which are $200 or far less, a new mic that we just added to the locker at Tremolo Lounge is the Karma K-35, which is currently $292 through their site.

There's a review from Tape Op by Garret Haines from 9/06 on their site. It's a beautiful mic, sonically and visually. It's been really versatile for me in the month that it's been here.

Beyond that, I got votes for the Shure SM7-B, Studio Projects C-3, Rode NT-2 and MXL V67.

Roger

joelmoore · Post by **joelmoore** » Sun Mar 25, 2007 4:08 pm

I've been leaning heavily toward the SM7 for about 2 weeks. I'm about an inch away from the point of no return here. Is there any reason why I shouldn't squeeze the extra $50 for the Rode? Multi-pattern seems like a good reason. Is it? I'm mostly concerned about finding a mic that's a champ on lead vocals.

My current cabinet includes the following:

MXL 990/991 - 990 is ok but 1006 is better for my voice
MXL 2001/603 - 2001 is not good for my voice
MXL 1006 (older version of the 2001, I think) - good but I want something better
SM 91
SM 57 x 3
SM 58

Included in my budget but not yet purchased are:

Fathead 1 (matched pair)
D-6
MSH-2 (matched pair)
MSH-4

I'm currently not running my studio for any reason other than to record my own music. Maybe later I'll open it up for other purposes but this is where I am right now. Maybe this info might make a difference in your advice???

Also, does anyone know if there are any stores in Nashville where a guy could go in and demo some of these mics? I'd like to hear my voice through them. I think that would help me make up my mind pretty quickly.

Thanks,
JM

slowblue · Post by **slowblue** » Sun Mar 25, 2007 5:04 pm

Wow, that Karma mic looks cool I must've missed that review, 3 patterns for $300, great deal. I'm still digging the ADK TC. Tube mic, I think they are around $350, I ditched my RODE NTK after I got this, the Rode's were always too sibilant on my voice.

joelmoore · Post by **joelmoore** » Sun Mar 25, 2007 5:27 pm

I agree the Karma is kind of making me have second thoughts on the SM7. However, in the review it is mentioned that "For male vocals it always depended on the voice type." I have a similar problem with sibilance. My XML's cause this too. I'd like to check this mic out in person.

themagicmanmdt · Post by **themagicmanmdt** » Sun Mar 25, 2007 6:51 pm

hmm.

what about the 2001 didn't you like for your voice?

it's a creamy mic, but nothing tends to be really shrill through the 2001/2003's. i found them to be perfect for my voice. for going one step creamier, i've got a nady RSM-2 ribbon, with one layer of the mesh removed for a little more 'air'.

do you want a brighter mic? more air? more low end? more high end? what do you want to hear?

digitaldrummer · Post by **digitaldrummer** » Sun Mar 25, 2007 7:10 pm

the RSM-2 will definitely not be accused of being shrill. I have one and it's warm and fuzzy. I think they are about $200 now.

edit: they are only $149 now with free pop filter --http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/ ... sku=275557
Somebody else mentioned this deal the other day:

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/ ... sku=270366

there's even a scratch and dent deal for about $10 less. $60 for a multi-pattern mic (that's probably the same as every other chinese mic)? how could you go wrong? Also this one:

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/ ... sku=277069

obviously a knock-off of the royer 121/122 but I sure would like to hear one--anyone? wonder how they would be for drum overheads?

ok, sorry to side-track. anyway, here's a couple mics and still $$ left over..

joelmoore · Post by **joelmoore** » Sun Mar 25, 2007 8:02 pm

For me the 2001 always seems a little thin. It accentuates my mid rangish tenor voice in a not so pleasant light. I haven't gotten cream out of it. Maybe I'm not milking it right. I guess I want something that has a thick body to it. Warm? Not so much ssssiizzzzllle? Less air? So yeah less high more bottom. Just thick overall. Present.

The RSM-2 is tempting. I've been eyeing the CAD also. But I'm going to wait until next month when I have more money and get 2 of them. That deals good until the end of next month so I'm going to wait on that one. But the price on the RSM-2 is great and a free pop filter too! I'm going to read up on that one a bit more.

I'm not so sure about the SHURE anymore...

i am monster face · Post by **i am monster face** » Sun Mar 25, 2007 8:21 pm

Cheap condenser...CAD M177 or M179 everytime.

I don't know why. It's just less ugly than other mics in the price range.

jaguarsg · Post by **jaguarsg** » Sun Mar 25, 2007 9:06 pm

oktavamod 319

syrupcore · Post by **syrupcore** » Sun Mar 25, 2007 10:32 pm

if you're a little patient, you can usaully find a new AT 4047 on ebay or clearance for 399. a very great microphone.

joelmoore · Post by **joelmoore** » Sun Mar 25, 2007 11:12 pm

That's the mic that I've wanted all along. I started to settle for the sm7 about 2 weeks ago because I just didn't have the budget for the AT 4047. Now I've started to look into the CAD M179, the K35 and the RSM-2. Man my head is spinning. I feel like I should wait to buy now and start looking for the 4047 again. If I could find it for $375 I could do it.

joelmoore · Post by **joelmoore** » Sun Mar 25, 2007 11:26 pm

Anybody know if the 4047sv is the same as the 4047. Any difference? Same?

dirk_v · Post by **dirk_v** » Mon Mar 26, 2007 12:01 am

Heil PR-40.

No, seriously.

-dv

Message Board

$350 vocal mic? suggestions?

$350 vocal mic? suggestions?

Who is online