Studio Quality Vocal Mics

[dannopelli]

Need some suggestions for high quality vocal mics to get for home studiouse. Really would like some suggestions from all sides, as I am willing to invest properly for this. In other words, expensive is not the criteria, value is. Interested in pro livel on down.

Kind of like my Andys. They are more pricey than the average guitar. But then again I can buy far more expensive guitars, and I am sure I won't be as satisfied.

So please your thoughts on the best sounding mics!

Thanks!
Danno

[LonestarGtr]

Danno,

I would recommend the Studio Projects C-1 condenser microphone. I first heard of it from an engineer here in Nashville who was taking a pair to every session. It seems unlikely, but these inexpensive mics are being used for a wide variety of applications and make great home studio vocal mics. Anyway, I bought one and I use it any time I need to mic an acoustic or vocal into my m-box for Pro-Tools recording. I think the list is $299 and you can usually get 'em cheaper than that. I think the supposed "best" vocal mic is the Neuman U87, but they're a few thousand $$. I think I'd try one of these first. It seems to put out exactly what you put in. Here is their website: http://www.studioprojects.com/c1.html

Mike

[olectric]

A buddy of mine bought a Rode NTK ($499), and he uses it for vocals and acoustic guitar. I recorded a little piece that I wrote for my bride to walk down the aisle to in our wedding, and my buddy and I only used the NTK to record it. It sounded pretty incredible. The track needed no EQ. This guy does a fair amount of recording at the pro-sumer level, and that's the only mic he uses for vox and acoustic.

Also, there's a guy who I play for with a pro studio outside of town, and he just sold his Neumans after receiving a Charter Oak mic as part of payment for a session. Apparently he liked it a LOT. I'm not sure of the CO mic's model no.; I can get back to you about it though.

[Stys]

I've had much luck with Audio Technica dynamic mic's for guitar cabinets. For acoustic, I use a senheisser 614. Also, the AKG C-1000 is a good all around condensor. Check out the CAD mic's as well. Many of my friends use these. In addition, good tube preamps are crucial - Avalon is my choice.

[dannopelli]

To all:

Thanks SO MUCH for all the input! I'll be searching for a few of these!

Dan

[Tremendo]

I looked around a while back and got a Shure KSM32 ($499). A nice, very clean all purpose mic, maybe a little light on the bass (1/2"). I've used it for studio vocals, acoustic guitar, and overhead drums. For some big gigs we've used it live for overhead drums also.

I will also say that for the cheaper route, the AKG1000S works pretty well.

[Suriel Zayas]

Danno,

I would recommend the Studio Projects C-1 condenser microphone. I first heard of it from an engineer here in Nashville who was taking a pair to every session. It seems unlikely, but these inexpensive mics are being used for a wide variety of applications and make great home studio vocal mics. Anyway, I bought one and I use it any time I need to mic an acoustic or vocal into my m-box for Pro-Tools recording. I think the list is $299 and you can usually get 'em cheaper than that. I think the supposed "best" vocal mic is the Neuman U87, but they're a few thousand $$. I think I'd try one of these first. It seems to put out exactly what you put in. Here is their website: http://www.studioprojects.com/c1.html

Mike
+1 on mike's suggestions. i currently own both mics mike mentioned and they are both great mics. i own the u87, because i got it at a rock bottom price. for acoustic guitar my akg 451's, pencil condensors in conjunction with the u87, work magic.

[dannopelli]

I can get a C1 on Ebay for $140. So I think that just might be the ticket! Thanks guys!

[edgarallanpoe]

All of the suggestions above are awesome. I own the following mics and love them.

1. Rode NTK
2. Audio Technica 2020
3. Sennheiser MD421
4. Sennheiser 835
5. Studio Projects C1

Every one of these is a great mic that has its own sound and vibe. For under $100 the AT 2020 is absolutely *killer*. It doesn't have the depth or warmth of the Rode but is costs 1/5 the price and offers *huge* bang for the buck. The SP C1 is a winner all around, I have even been able to get great guitar sounds out of it. The Swiss Army knife of the bunch is the MD421...it does friggin everything and does it very well. If I could only get one out of the list above...it would be the MD421 because of its versatility.

You really cannot go wrong with any of them though.

[LonestarGtr]

Oh, and I forgot another great all-purpose condenser mic. I don't own one, but I've used them in the studio for everything from acoustic guitars to vocals... the AKG 414 is a handy little mic. +1 also on the Sennheiser 421... great for guitar amps... very fat. And my favorite mic combination on guitar amps is a Royer R-121 (or 122) ribbon mic and a Shure sm57, especially on any sound with overdrive. The ribbon mic captures the overdrive without adding distortion or smoothing it out too much. I've also been wanting to get a pair of Coles ribbon mics and the SP pencil condensers (poor man's Neumans). I think that's it for now.

Mike

[dannopelli]

Thanks guys!

I ordered a C1. I think that is a good place to start. I am also considering adding another, and it looks like after all your help and reading a bunch of reviews the Sennheiser 421 is the next one. I am VERY happy with their other products, so maybe I should be loyal here too!

Again what a GREAT forum. THANKS SO MUCH!

Danno

[edgarallanpoe]

Good call...the combination of those two mics should cover just about everything for home studio use. Wait till you hear the MD 421 on vocals...it kicks major ass.