Best vocal recording mic in the $300-500 range?

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Lunkhead
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Best vocal recording mic in the $300-500 range?

Post by Lunkhead »

Anybody got recommendations? I'm thinking about stepping up one notch in terms of vocal mic for recording. Also I'd like something that will work well for Erin's vocals if possible.


http://blog.sonicbids.com/let-the-mic-c ... oice-types
https://www.micreviews.com/guides/best- ... 00-dollars

I think there are Rode NT1 and Audio Technica AT4040 fans here maybe?
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Re: Best vocal recording mic in the $300-500 range?

Post by grumpymike »

You’ve ruled out Shure SM7b? For me it’s kinda like... don’t fix it if it ain’t broke.

I did a lot of mic testing with Janelle for her podcast mic. I ended up picking the Sterling ST59 that looks like it’s just under 300 for clearance, though I’m sure you could get a newer model for more than that ;). I’ve been very interested in trying it for vocals but... don’t fix what’s not broken... if you’d like me to do a sample, I can.
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Re: Best vocal recording mic in the $300-500 range?

Post by Lunkhead »

I have not ruled that out, no.
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Re: Best vocal recording mic in the $300-500 range?

Post by grumpymike »

Well then, that's what I recommend. I almost bought a second one at one point. Here's my similar thread where Ken convinced me: viewtopic.php?f=6&t=7882&p=160443

The sound comes through very clear and accurate, which leaves you lots of room to play with in post. You can use their foam windscreens that come with it, or take them off (which I've done) and use your own windscreen to make it even clearer. Plus, no phantom power to turn on.

From my perspective, the only reason I can see for a condenser would be if you want certain EQ automatically accentuated or you like a sort of built-in overdrive "feel" while you're recording (similar to recording clean guitar and applying a distortion VST vs recording distorted guitar).

Since moving to it, I haven't really noticed problems with "esses" and the FX chain for my vocal tracks hasn't really changed.

But... if you're looking for a "new toy" it might not be what you're interested in, because it is very no-frills.
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Re: Best vocal recording mic in the $300-500 range?

Post by jb »

I have a Rode NTK. It's really nice. It's got a toob in it.

But I only really use it if I'm doing something where the sound really has to stand on its own, and I'm in the room where it's set up-- it ain't super portable, requiring a stand and a shock mount and its own big ol' power supply box. Mostly I just plug in my Apogee MiC, which for better or worse you will hear on my Freak Flag entry.

Apogee MiC: https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00HHEVL3C/
Rode NTK: https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B0002DUQOU

Pretty sure you can find the NTK cheaper than the $529 listed on Amazon. I got mine for $400 back in uh, the early 2000's? I think? It had just come out IIRC, replacing some other model in their line. Has inflation been $129? Oof.

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Re: Best vocal recording mic in the $300-500 range?

Post by ken »

Lunkhead wrote:
Sat Jun 01, 2019 11:50 am
I have not ruled that out, no.
You are welcome to try mine if you'd like. It needs a lot of gain, so you might consider an external preamp as well. I have thought that dynamic mics would be good for her, so you might want to try the Sennheiser MD421. We've got the one at the space you can try out as well to see what you think.

There are lots of good mics in the $300-500 range, people are making them all the time. It would be great if you could try a bunch out at home, but usually due to health concerns, you can't return mics. Maybe a higher end store like Sweetware or Vintage King would be willing to do that for you, or have demo mics you can try out.
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Re: Best vocal recording mic in the $300-500 range?

Post by grumpymike »

So I think we're all discussing relatively "general use" microphones so far. Are there any specialty ones that do significant coloring that might be "fun" to play with once in a while, but aren't appropriate all the time?
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Re: Best vocal recording mic in the $300-500 range?

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Re: Best vocal recording mic in the $300-500 range?

Post by Lunkhead »

I'm going to try Ken's SM7B and I ordered the Blue Bottle SL too. W00t!
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Re: Best vocal recording mic in the $300-500 range?

Post by ken »

Just in case anyone is interested in the recommendations I made Sam offline, here they are:

Some thoughts on $300-500 condenser mics. My first thought is don't get a $300 mic. Anyway, here are some suggestions:

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail ... microphone - i read a bunch of suggestions that this mic is great on sibilant female vocalists. I like that it has multiple patterns as well. only $400 and comes with a free handheld condenser mic as well!

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail ... microphone price drop to $445 Royer knows his stuff!

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail ... microphone - $500 414 knock off that people say is very good.
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Re: Best vocal recording mic in the $300-500 range?

Post by Lunkhead »

ken wrote:
Wed Jun 05, 2019 11:59 am
only $400 and comes with a free handheld condenser mic as well!
The free extra mic deal ends today, fyi. The free mic retails for $199, so, seems like a nice freebie.
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