Vocal Mics - Opinions/reviews needed

Posted on

Perdido
Member Since: Dec 15, 2004

I am looking for a vocal mic for under $100 bucks, and have found a few that I am debating. I was just wondering if anyone would be willing to share some opinions, as I know a few people on here use some of these mics.


MXL 990

APEX 435

Behringer B1

CAD C400S

CAD GXL2400

Audio Technica AT2020

Studio Projects B1

Electrovoice RE27

Superlux CMH8A

Behringer B2

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A small pie will soon be eaten
Member
Since: Aug 26, 2004


Mar 28, 2005 11:15 am

I use the Behringer B-2. It's almost too good! there is a small park in our complex about 60 metres away and when kids play in it the MIC pics up their laughing and carrying on bigtime.

I love the MIC though.

Really durable design and all that.

And cheap as chips!


Member
Since: Dec 07, 2004


Mar 28, 2005 11:41 am

I use the B1 and absolutely love it. It DOES pick up everyting so a Gate is helpful, but i have no complaints about mine

I am not a crook's head
Member
Since: Mar 14, 2003


Mar 28, 2005 11:44 am

Here's about everything you'd want to know about the MXL 990:

www.mxlmics.com/condenser...L990/mxl990.htm

I think it's a good mic for the money, which isn't saying much because it doesn't cost much money. You can see that the frequency response is pretty flat except for a presence boost in the high end. Not exactly a detailed mic but it sounds good for a home project studio.

Dub head
Member
Since: May 03, 2004


Mar 28, 2005 12:12 pm

I have the MXL 990 and its okay. It can be a little "tinny" sounding, but it's a good deal. These vocals were recorded with the MXL 990 if that helps you out. www.myspace.com/TheOps

Perdido
Member
Since: Dec 15, 2004


Mar 28, 2005 12:19 pm

Between the Behringer B1 and B2... what are everyones opinions?

Member
Since: Jan 09, 2005


Mar 28, 2005 04:34 pm


I know this is sort of annoying but if possible you might want to think about saving up another $100 and looking into the studio projects c1, at3035, rode nt1a, etc.. there's some great mics in the $200 range.

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


Mar 28, 2005 04:47 pm

I have a B-1 and it works alright . But I've come to love the MXL VG76 it's 100$ but man ,I can't say enough good things about it. the only down sides i've found is it doesn't have a pad switch and you can't get it from musicians friend , i had to order mine from music123 .

Perdido
Member
Since: Dec 15, 2004


Mar 28, 2005 05:05 pm

"I know this is sort of annoying but if possible you might want to think about saving up another $100 and looking into the studio projects c1, at3035, rode nt1a, etc.. there's some great mics in the $200 range."


$100 is the cap. If i saved up the extra money everytime someone said "you should save up the extra ___ for this piece", I would have 4k invested right now. As it stands, I have spent almost 1k, and still do not have all of the equipment needed.

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002


Mar 28, 2005 06:38 pm

The differance between the B-1 and B-2 is the B-1 is a cardioid pattern only, the B-2 has 3 selectable pick up patterns. Otherwise they are virtually the same spec wise.

Bottom line is if your looking at $100.00 ceiling then the B-1 is the mic you want, as the B-2 is another $50.00 over the $100.00 limit you set.

Excuse Me, I Like 2 Ask Question
Member
Since: Dec 05, 2004


Mar 28, 2005 09:39 pm

get the mxl 990 use a windscren a popfilter, turn hi after u record up to 2.0.. and ur good to go.

using the windscreen and popfilter cancel ALOT of noise,props,and etc..

Perdido
Member
Since: Dec 15, 2004


Mar 29, 2005 09:08 am

I actually found a few B2's for 98 bucks. Every mic I mentioned above, I have found for under $100.

I dont understand the whole cardioid pattern thing.. so I guess I will have to read up on that a bit.


Thanks for the help.

A small pie will soon be eaten
Member
Since: Aug 26, 2004


Mar 29, 2005 08:00 pm

Comes with a sexy case too!

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


Mar 29, 2005 08:26 pm

the B-1 was my first phantom powered mic ,and I was thrilled when i got it . I've now developed a better ear for what i like and I'v bout a few more mic's and the b-1 still gets used on things. I prefure the MXL over behringer for vocals becuase I like how it colors most voices, but that's me a lot of people want there mic not to add any color what so ever.

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002


Mar 30, 2005 11:13 pm

ZX6, the cardiod pattern is for off access rejection. Tha means it picks up best directly in front of the mic, not much from the sides and back.

Perdido
Member
Since: Dec 15, 2004


Mar 31, 2005 10:38 am

so what is the difference in cardioid patters between the B1 and the B2?

Prince CZAR-ming
Member
Since: Apr 08, 2004


Mar 31, 2005 10:53 am

I had the Studio Projects B3, and liked it very much. The SP B1 has the same mic guts, but without the pattern switch, pad or roll-off. If it's a cap at 100, then I'd think it's worth a look (or listen if possible).

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002


Mar 31, 2005 10:26 pm

The B1 simply does a cardioid pattern, that is all.

The B2 does that as well as the figure 8, and I believe polar pattern. You simply flip the switch and it sets itself to the differant patterns.

Chief Cook and Bottle Washer
Member
Since: May 10, 2002


Apr 04, 2005 12:46 am

Ya the B2 is switchable between cartioid and omni. The omni patern, when I can use it is just stellar as far as being flatter than a pancake. In the right room, e.g. one that you can place the mics 1/3 critical distance or less, they are my hands down favorite for micing live. Obviously not many rooms apply.

Perdido
Member
Since: Dec 15, 2004


Apr 04, 2005 10:38 am

I'm still struggling to find info explaining the difference between cardioid and omni... or any other mic patterns, for that matter. Does anyone have any links for articals I can read?

Administrator
Since: Apr 03, 2002


Apr 04, 2005 10:39 am

El Musico wrote a great article a while back that may help www.homerecordingconnecti...tory&id=398

Perdido
Member
Since: Dec 15, 2004


Apr 04, 2005 10:53 am

That is perfect, thanks Dan. I don't know how I missed that one in my search. It sounds like Cardioid is the way to go for me. I don't need or want anything else. Much appreciated.

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