Studio Vocal Mic Recommendations

Posted on

Member Since: Sep 11, 2004

Hi all,

I do plenty of recording in my home studio and am currently looking into a condenser mic that is ideal for vocals.

Would I need one of those "mic spiders" to prevent the mic from moving, or is that not a concern because its strictly vocals? Also, does anyone have any specific condenser mics in mind that they think would fit the bill?

Let me know! Thanks :)

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Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002


Apr 29, 2006 04:58 pm

Well the mic spider is going to be called a shock mount.

I would ask though first before listing any mic's exactly what kind of music or vocal style you will mainly be recording? Male, femal or both?

There are many good large diaphragm condensors out there as well. What kind of price range are you looking at?

Member
Since: Sep 11, 2004


Apr 29, 2006 07:15 pm

Male voice, mostly rock/alternative.

Looking to spend about $250-$300 CAD.

That's $223-$268 to you Yanks ;)

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002


Apr 29, 2006 10:33 pm

Here is a big list of a wide variety of LDC mic's. www.homerecordingconnecti...ser+Microphones

For a good all around mic that is not real expensive and has very good response for vocals the AT 3035 from Audio Technica is a good starting point.

Also the Studio Projects C3 is another good choice and has gotten some great reviews. Not as good all around as the AT 3035 but very good.

SE Electronics M1C has also gotten good reviews and has a particularly warm tone to it. A good one for male voice.

Some folks have had good things to say about the Behringer B2, although I have not heard much more then those here who use it.

Some peeps have had goo luck with the MXL line from Marshall as well.


SM7b the Chuck Noris of Mic's
Contributor
Since: Jun 20, 2002


Apr 30, 2006 12:14 am

I'd like to toss in that the studio projects C1 is a great mic for vocals (it has recieved great reviews and has been comparied to high end mic's like the numann u87), also i'm partial to MXL mic's , the VG series , they start from 99.00 USD and go to 300 USD . the C-1 is 200 USD.

Ultra Magnus
Member
Since: Nov 13, 2004


Apr 30, 2006 03:45 am

Go and test the ones in your price range, then come back and read about them, compare reviews etc, then go back again. My .02 anyway, there's a fair amount of personal taste in choosing vocal mics especially.

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002


Apr 30, 2006 04:32 pm

Nice point Rigsby, by the time I got to the end of my post I forgot about trying them out. :-(

edit0r
Member
Since: Aug 17, 2004


Apr 30, 2006 11:02 pm

Don't forget the Rode NT1a!

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002


May 01, 2006 09:45 pm

I t hink that is a pinch above what he wants to spend though. OR I would have tossed that one in as well.

Faze 2 Studios
Member
Since: Aug 15, 2005


May 02, 2006 01:09 am

he said 200-300 right? I second the RODE NT1-A. $200 comes with a shockmount. best mic i have, and have some more expensive mics. great on mens vocals.

Member
Since: Sep 11, 2004


May 02, 2006 04:30 pm

The RODE is still within my price range. Probably the most I'd want to spend but it's nice that it has a shockmount.

Seems to be quite the popular mic in this thread. I assume i have a unanimous recommendation?

ps, not sure how easily i can go test mics so i may just have to take your word on it!

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002


May 02, 2006 08:08 pm

Ah, my bad. I didnt notice the $199.00 price just the $499.00. I was just scanning quickly through the lot.

Prince CZAR-ming
Member
Since: Apr 08, 2004


May 03, 2006 11:15 am

The NT1-A has been well spoken of by lots of users. I was looking quite hard at it, for a while. I went with the Studio Projects C1 instead. I don't think I'd suffer either way, and most likely, one would like to use either if given the choice.

the C1 comes with a shockmount as well.

I'm thinking that they're both at the top of the 200$ range for quality and usefulness.

If you're inspired to read a bit, sweetwater.com has a forums, that's got a microphone section. Read through there and you'll get lots of ideas on how people use the NT1-a, C1, AT2020, 3035, 4040, etc.

Is good for researching, if you've got a few hours to kill.

Ultra Magnus
Member
Since: Nov 13, 2004


May 03, 2006 05:06 pm

I've known people love and hate the NT1-A, just thought that was worth a mention, definately check out anything you're thinking about buying before you hand over the cash, or get a tryout period.

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