Microphones: suggestion...
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Posted on Nov 19, 2005 05:37 am
SamBrn
Member Since: Jun 17, 2005
Hi,
just a question about microphones...
I've got a Shure Beta57a I use mostly for recording vocals and acoustic guitars. I know it's a very good choice for many kinds of applications. However I would like to buy a microphone which is most suitable for recording vocals, like a condenser one for example.
I've found on the web the Behringer Studio Condenser C1 which could be what I'm searching for. However its price is rather low... here in Italy 1/3 of a Beta57a's one (49 euros VS 130 euros!!!).
What does it mean?
Is it better keeping the Beta57a still as vocal mic rather than buy the C1?
Or is every condenser mic always better than a dynamic one about the recording of vocals?
Any suggestion will be appreciated!
SAM
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jmailjimmie neutronMember
Since: Feb 14, 2005
Nov 19, 2005 06:00 am Notice the claimed frequency response of the C1? Notice the "spike" or "bump" in the 57's? The C1 may sound "harsh" or "hollow" to you, compared to a "warm" 57a (which is a very good mic, btw)... It's a tough call, and depends on the vocalist and the sound you're after. I think I'd stay away from the C1 for a primary mic on vocals or acoustic guitar, tho, unless someone else here can give you a "first-hand" recommendation from their use of it. If I compare prices in the USA, the C1 is $50, the 57a is $150 (of which, $50 is probably the Shure name...), which isn't to say that the C1 isn't any good, just that I doubt it's quality. With that said, there's all sorts of folks that would recommend you get a Behringer B1 large diaphragm condensor... (over 2x the money, tho)
SamBrnMember
Since: Jun 17, 2005
Nov 19, 2005 07:27 am Thanx Jmail.
Behringer B1 seems much better than C1 and I've heard someone saying it's very good in the home recording situations. However I think to keep my Beta57a for vocals and spend my money in other audio systems, like a new guitar multiFX or just some dynamic processor to improve the vocals recording.
Thanx again
SAM
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Nov 19, 2005 11:31 am Sam, the B1 is a much better choice for a vocal mic. The C1 has a tendancy to accent the high end of the voice were the B1 is much smoother and a good bit fuller sounding.
Flashmannot the brightest spark...Member
Since: Sep 13, 2005
Nov 19, 2005 01:04 pm Just to say. the Studio Projects B1 is an excellent mic and the people who've used it around here seem to have been pleased with it.
I am. For about £70 stirling it's worth a look and it sounds good on acoustic guitars and vox.
SamBrnMember
Since: Jun 17, 2005
Nov 19, 2005 01:37 pm Thanx.
But how wide is the difference between B1 and Beta57A?
If you had got a short budget, would you buy the B1 or keep the Beta57A to purchase another audio system for voice recording improvement (a dynamic processor for example)?
SAM
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Nov 19, 2005 02:28 pm Well you would definately hear a differance between the 2 when comparing them side by side. Since the B1 is a Large Diaphram Condensor it will have a bit of a warmer,fuller sound to it. But that said, once you have your vocals in the mix it wont be nearly as apparent to you.
I guess if you are in need of other gear at the moment and you are satisfied with the beta57 for now I would make the investment in the gear that is needed more at the moment. You can always get a better mic at a later time when you feel the need for improvement in that area.
jmailjimmie neutronMember
Since: Feb 14, 2005
Nov 19, 2005 04:02 pm I concur with the Noize2u assessment of the current situation as it stands (man, it's gettin' deep...). Seriously - the Beta line from Shure is good stuff, better than the SM. The 57a, while not as good as the Beta 87a for vocals, is still good enough, and better than an SM-58, which is what I use with reasonable success (I'm still waiting on Shure to call for my "signature" endorsement - lol |;^))...
Nov 29, 2005 08:52 am I would recommend a Studio Projects C1 as a good all around large diaphram condenser. (for $199.00 US). Lots of consumer reviewers compare it favorably to a neuman U87.
Personally I wouldn't know how it compares to a neuman, but a lot of home recordists I know say it is their "go to" mic.
Or if you'd like to spend less the AT 2020 has received some great reviews (for $99.00 US)
