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Old 07-02-2009, 05:07 AM   #1
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Default What's The Best Vocal Mic For Under $1,000?

I'm getting ready to purchase a vocal mic and so far I have my eyes on the Shure KSM44 for around $700 and some change.

However, I wanted to ask the forum what other mics under $1,000 may be a better choice (or at least another good one.)

To help with the hunt... here's what I'll be using the mic for.

1. I'm only cutting solo vocals at this time so I'm not sure if I really need a multi-pattern mic.

2. I am a male singer with a tenor voice and will using the mic 99% for my own vocals. I sing everything from rock to smooth jazz. When I sing smooth jazz... I have that Michael Franks & Ray Parker Jr. thing going. On the rock side, my voice can be a bit harsh and edgy like a Van Morrison sound.)

3. I'll also be cutting acoustic guitar with the mic (or mics when I order two.) I thought perhaps 2 different types mics when cutting guitar might be nice like... one with a tube and one without to add dimension. That way, I have 2 different mics for the vocals as well.

Ok gents... any thoughts?

Thanks,
Jamie
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Old 07-02-2009, 05:12 AM   #2
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Probably not so much for acoutic guitar, but as a vocal mic the Shure SM7B is an obvious suggestion as one to consider.
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Old 07-02-2009, 06:12 AM   #3
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mxl v67g is a great vocal mic. spend the difference on an at2020 which is tonally totally different. both great mics for cheap. also consider a beta 58.
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Old 07-02-2009, 06:34 AM   #4
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Any decent LDC will do ok on vox depening on the singer. Lots of choices under $1000. You can't really go wrong with most of them.

Starts on page 4 below ... 61-80 of 266 Products. This is just condensers. Then there are probably mics that SW doesn't carry. LOTS of mics under $1k... way too many to say that any is best overall for any given source.

http://www.sweetwater.com/c105--Cond...s/high2low/pn4

Ribbons: http://www.sweetwater.com/c403--Ribbon_Mics/high2low

Dynamics: http://www.sweetwater.com/c106--Dyna...hones/high2low

Last edited by Lawrence; 07-02-2009 at 06:41 AM.
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Old 07-02-2009, 06:55 AM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SEA View Post
1. I'm only cutting solo vocals at this time so I'm not sure if I really need a multi-pattern mic.
Don't you believe it! Correctly used, a multi-pattern mic can add warmth,depth and body to any vocal, but especially a tenor.

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/T3Mic/
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Old 07-02-2009, 06:56 AM   #6
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+1 for the SM7B. Also, in somewhat the same style, look at the EV RE-20.

You may need to try a lot of mics to find the one that suits your voice best. There are recommendations, but there is no "one mic to rule them all" for vocals...it's whatever sounds best on THAT voice.

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Old 07-02-2009, 06:56 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Alistair S View Post
Probably not so much for acoutic guitar, but as a vocal mic the Shure SM7B is an obvious suggestion as one to consider.
The best part about the SM7b is that you will never need to second guess your purchase or feel the need to upgrade to a "better" mic (different mics yes, better no). Its a studio standard that can be found in every pro locker around the world and its vocal recording pedigree is well established (thriller, RHCP etc).

You could do alot worse for alot more money than the SM7 and its always the mic I recommend to newbies who are looking for their first "good" vocal mic. Its also a swiss army mic that sounds good on many sources which is always a plus.

Last edited by Magicbuss; 07-02-2009 at 06:59 AM.
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Old 07-02-2009, 07:00 AM   #8
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If there's a way try out some different mics and see how they sound on your voice seeing that it's mostly for you. Is your voice bright,dark etc? and go from there.
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Old 07-02-2009, 07:31 AM   #9
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Another vote for an SM7. Great great great mics.
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Old 07-02-2009, 07:37 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by The dman View Post
If there's a way try out some different mics and see how they sound on your voice seeing that it's mostly for you. Is your voice bright,dark etc? and go from there.
I'd say my voice is not bright but more dark. Currently the only mic I have and use is the Beyer Dynamic TG-X20 that a friend bought me like 12 years or so ago. It's been a great mic for live and helps brighten up my voice.

Jamie
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Old 07-02-2009, 07:44 AM   #11
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Just used 2 of these mics on a new CD

Spoken word male voice,ELvis costello ish lead vocals, Acoustic guitars,Double Bass.

They sound very open,natural and lovely


http://www.sontronics.com/orpheus.htm



MC
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Old 07-02-2009, 08:07 AM   #12
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there is no best. sm7 is cool but you'll find you need a good preamp to make it shine. btw, a used 50 buck sm57 or 58 can work just as well... just ask bono, mick jagger, and countless others.

if you have a grand to blow though, you'll never regret buying an aea r84. pretty much everything sounds great through that microphone. everything.
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Old 07-02-2009, 08:44 AM   #13
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I really like the sm7b. That + a decent preamp might be just the ticket. You could get that plus a speck micpre or the UA twinfinity would be a good combo for $1000.

The At4060 is great on a number of sources. You can find new ones under $1k on ebay.
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Old 07-02-2009, 08:54 AM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by norbury brook View Post
Just used 2 of these mics on a new CD

Spoken word male voice,ELvis costello ish lead vocals, Acoustic guitars,Double Bass.

They sound very open,natural and lovely


http://www.sontronics.com/orpheus.htm



MC
Thanks MC! Do you have any audio demos?

In fact... does anyone have any audio demos they can post using their mics?

Thanks,
Jamie
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Old 07-02-2009, 08:57 AM   #15
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Jamie if you want to PM or email me I can send you a couple of tracks of things done with these mics.


MC
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Old 07-02-2009, 09:26 AM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by norbury brook View Post
Jamie if you want to PM or email me I can send you a couple of tracks of things done with these mics.


MC
I'm trying to send you a PM but for some reason there's an error on the page and it won't let me (DOH!)

Can you send me a PM with a few tracks?

Thanks MC!

Jamie
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Old 07-02-2009, 09:36 AM   #17
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SE Gemini .
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Old 07-02-2009, 10:44 AM   #18
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A good alternative would be searching for an old akg c414 b-uls, NOT the b-xlr, NOT the newer one with leds on it. Could be found used under 500$.

It's a multipattern mic, and IMO its one of the most versatile mics ever. It has a slightly mid-ish sound wich generally helps a lot with dark voices without becoming brittle... personally I just hate all those large condensers with a bump over 8-10 kHz. It's also great to track acoustic guitar and a lot of other instruments....
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Old 07-02-2009, 11:00 AM   #19
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Thanks everyone for your replies!

I'm going to do a few short vocal takes with my current mic. I'll do it in the different styles I sing in and then perhaps get some feedback.

My studio is a 10x10 bedroom and just carpet for now. It's not too bad since I mostly sing soft but I do let it rip from time to time as well.

Jamie
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Old 07-02-2009, 11:06 AM   #20
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The MXL 700 is standard for me now and it is dirt cheap (less than $100).
You can hear a sample of it being used on my vocals here:


http://www.soundclick.com/bands/page...songID=7772965

Cheers,
Maceman

ps. it take phantom power, so you'll need that as well. good luck.

pss. http://www.pulseonline.com/mxl1.htm
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Old 07-02-2009, 11:13 AM   #21
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Thanks Maceman! Good singing and your track sounds good too.
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Old 07-02-2009, 11:15 AM   #22
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I found this review on the $99 AT2020 mic. Sounds like one to try. :-)

Here's the link to the reviews on Sweetwaters site. http://www.sweetwater.com/store/deta...eviews/#anchor

-----------------------------------------------------
Stumbling Upon A Miracle
by Luckz from Trinidad & Tobago, September 2006
Music Background: Artiste , Producer , Recording/Mix Engineer.

While waiting for my SE Gemini to complete my new production setup in Trinidad West Indies ,I went into a local music shop to purchase some strings for my guitars. I saw the AT2020 in the showcase and given the price I decided to pick it up for the hell of it .

Needless to say that from Norway to Australia to Canada to Sweden (my current home for 13 years), to London ,my Clients continue to comment on the clarity and definition of my mixes. The crystal clear upfront vocal sound and crispy acoustic gtrs.

The AT2020 combined with the Focusrite ISA 220 SessionPak and RME Fireface 800 give me all the UMPH I need to get what's needed . From Vocals to Nylon and steel string gtrs to percussion I am thoroughly satisfied.

Audio Technica's AT2020 is ahead of the game in its price range and in combination with the right Pre-Amp / Processor and an Audio interface with exceptional A/D convertors and which preserves the integrity of the original signal , Anything is possible.

Conclusion : After recording and mixing on SSL , NEVE , Mackie , Soundcraft etc. and utilising the "BEST" mics the world has to offer , I choose to use the AT2020 and my clients can't tell the difference.

Just used it on the Theme songs for two Feature Films and everyone's screaming. Whatever the secret is ..............It works for me !!!!!

Miracles do happen every once in a while .

Thanks Audio Technica .

LUCKZ (Producer for :6 POiNTS , Danillee Mc Intosh , Jah Lightning , Blow , Keisha Charles , Cushan , 6:45 ,Vanessa S. , Kulaz , Trigger)
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Old 07-02-2009, 11:35 AM   #23
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Visit Michael Joly's site, and check out his reinvention of these Russian microphones. I have two MK219's of his, and they are unbelievable...it's like having a couple of 147's in my closet....
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Old 07-02-2009, 11:43 AM   #24
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Visit Michael Joly's site, and check out his reinvention of these Russian microphones. I have two MK219's of his, and they are unbelievable...it's like having a couple of 147's in my closet....
Thanks Tonehenge!

Is this the mic and the site?

http://recordinghacks.com/microphones/Oktava/MK-219

Jamie
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Old 07-02-2009, 11:49 AM   #25
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Here you go...

http://www.oktavamodshop.com/
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Old 07-02-2009, 12:13 PM   #26
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The one that somebody who can really sing is singing into.

(SM7 and RE20 are good; AT 4047 is my favorite audio technica; Michael Joly's stuff is, indeed, worth a look at)
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Old 07-02-2009, 12:25 PM   #27
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There is no such things as the best under $1000 dollar vocal microphone.

It depends on the vocalist , style of music and your own taste.

Some sound great on a SM7B, some do wel on SM58 or even a 57.
I had one female singer that sounded like heaven on a SE Gemini, while another one sounded awfull.

That said, the SM7b and the SE Gemini are both microphones in this budget range I'm very fond of for vocalist and usualy one or the other will fit.
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Old 07-02-2009, 01:19 PM   #28
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I see an MJE-K47D LDC Capsule for $329 but haven't found the 147.

Is the MJE-K47D LDC Capsule the one you are referring too?

Jamie
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Old 07-02-2009, 08:11 PM   #29
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oddly, ive never had anyone sound bad on an audio-technica at4033 -- apparently kenny loggins is a huge fan of them if i recall. and for the price you cant go wrong.
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Old 07-02-2009, 08:23 PM   #30
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Quote:
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I found this review on the $99 AT2020 mic. Sounds like one to try. :-)
at2020's (and at4033, and at4040, etc) are great but if you have a harsh edge to your voice it'll pick that up. i'd strongly suggest the mxl v67g first.
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Old 07-02-2009, 08:26 PM   #31
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i didn't see anyone mention a rode k2. it's also $700 although i've seen it at rmcaudiodirect for $550. i only have a ksm32 myself, but i've used ksm44s a good bit. i think i'd give the k2 a slight edge over the ksm44 but without a/bing them on several vocalists i'm not even sure of that - they're both great mics. the rode does have a continuously variable polar pattern which is cool but not a huge advantage over a traditional switchable multi-pattern. i'd definitely consider the K2 as another option or do like phonofranz says and look for a used c414 b-uls - it's one of the all time classics. i know a lot of people rave about the recent at offerings, but i'm not a huge fan myself - i definitely like the 4047 better than some of their other stuff.
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Old 07-02-2009, 08:32 PM   #32
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In that Shure KSM line, be sure to give the KSM 27 a spin too. Great vocal mic- a real work horse for lots of things.

Dan
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Old 07-02-2009, 08:48 PM   #33
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i absolutely hated the at4040 and the at2020 even more
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Old 07-03-2009, 12:45 AM   #34
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Check out these mic sites. They all have excellent quality for well under a grand.

http://www.aamicrophones.com/index.htm

http://www.oktavamodshop.com/index.php?cPath=2
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Old 07-03-2009, 12:50 AM   #35
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Quote:
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at2020's (and at4033, and at4040, etc) are great but if you have a harsh edge to your voice it'll pick that up. i'd strongly suggest the mxl v67g first.
I second this - also for the AT4035!

I lately got this V67i (seems to be a V67g + another capsule with brighter response). The i-Version on bright in addition is very well on acoustic guitar. And using the "warm" side on most voices you will not need deessing anymore! It also adds a lowcut which the V67g is lacking (I think).

For acoustic guitar I can also recommend the vastly overlooked Beyer MCE90. There is a funny thing about that one: if you switch on the lowcut it will also add some extra presence. This way I can use my strings couple of months longer and still get a very shiny acoustic sound and keep on stomping the beat while tracking without harm
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Old 07-03-2009, 01:18 PM   #36
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SEA View Post
I see an MJE-K47D LDC Capsule for $329 but haven't found the 147.

Is the MJE-K47D LDC Capsule the one you are referring too?

Jamie
http://www.oktavamodshop.com/product...products_id=57
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Old 07-03-2009, 02:15 PM   #37
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Quote:
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Thanks Tonehenge!

I wonder how this A/B's with the Mojave Audio MA-200.

http://mojaveaudio.com/index2.html

Jamie
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Old 07-03-2009, 02:20 PM   #38
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AT 4050.....


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Old 07-03-2009, 02:27 PM   #39
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I love my SM7B, so +1 to that suggestion. It's a great mic for vocals and pretty good for just about everything else.
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Old 07-03-2009, 02:27 PM   #40
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The one that makes you sound the best
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