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Joined: Dec 2011
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Been listening to all the great works you folks are posting on the User's Showcase. Notice that many of you are recording vocals. Would like to try my hand at that also. What recommendations for a microphone would you vets make?
Win11, Intel i7 7700K 4.2Ghz, 32Gb RAM, 2x1Tb HD, 500Gb NVMe, BIAB/RB 2026, MOTU 828MK3 audio, MOTU Midi Express, Yamaha Montage 7, DX7II, TX802, Motif XS Rack, Roland Fantom XR Rack, Oberheim Matrix 1000, VoiceLive3 Extreme, Kontakt 6, SampleTank 4.3
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I myself use a AKG C100S, which has done me very well for about fifteen years. Just for the sake of fun, I'll link you to Musician's Friend's Stupid Deal of the Day, which today has a good deal on a vocal mic.
Best, Tom SmithWin10/64 • i7-8700K • 24 GB RAM BIAB 2026 • Reaper 7.57 • Izotope MPS AKG C1000S • IK iRig I/O Pro
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Quote:
I myself use a AKG C100S, which has done me very well for about fifteen years.
Just for the sake of fun, I'll link you to Musician's Friend's Stupid Deal of the Day, which today has a good deal on a vocal mic.
Yea can't beat the price and it is EV.
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Joined: Dec 2005
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Was recommended this for Gig's, very low feedback pattern, excellent quality, back then it was 100 bucks. Purchased two of them and very happy, along with many other "other forum" folks. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/294044-REG/Samson_SAQ7_Q7_Cardioid_Neodymium.htmlNot connected with these folks, just like their products, pricing etc. This is very hi quality, but dont think you'd consider it a "Studio" mic. Not sure differences there, but. Good Luck !
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Audix, check out the OM range.
John Conley
Musica est vita
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I have been using a Behringer B-1 for a few years and love the sound. You can pick one up for about $98.00 most places but at http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/245575-REG/Behringer_B_1_B_1_Condenser_Microphone.html you can get one for $76.89 and I think the shipping is free. I purchased a Shure SM7b for over $300.00 this year but I think I still like the Behringer B-1 better. You will need phantom power to run the Behringer B-1 and a lot of boost on a preamp to run the Shure SM7b. I am getting a Shure SM58 for Christmas just so I will have one. Steve
Steve
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What are you using for a preamp?
What is your budget?
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
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Matt, I would plug it direct into my MOTU 828 Hybrid (it does have phantom power if needed). Using that I wouldn't need a pre-amp would I?
Win11, Intel i7 7700K 4.2Ghz, 32Gb RAM, 2x1Tb HD, 500Gb NVMe, BIAB/RB 2026, MOTU 828MK3 audio, MOTU Midi Express, Yamaha Montage 7, DX7II, TX802, Motif XS Rack, Roland Fantom XR Rack, Oberheim Matrix 1000, VoiceLive3 Extreme, Kontakt 6, SampleTank 4.3
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That looks like a fine unit and the preamp has digital gain adjustments - neat.
How much is your budget for the mic?
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
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Thanks Matt. Based on my ability to sing....my budget should be zero...but I would like to get involved in recording some. I'm trying to figure out if my money should go into a mic or a Yamaha WX5. The mic would be a cheaper alternative but then I would have to listen to myself sing....has been 30 years since I played woodwinds...so the WX5 may be just as painful to listen too. Retirement open up so many cool toys to play with....if I knew it would be this much fun I would have retired earlier!
Win11, Intel i7 7700K 4.2Ghz, 32Gb RAM, 2x1Tb HD, 500Gb NVMe, BIAB/RB 2026, MOTU 828MK3 audio, MOTU Midi Express, Yamaha Montage 7, DX7II, TX802, Motif XS Rack, Roland Fantom XR Rack, Oberheim Matrix 1000, VoiceLive3 Extreme, Kontakt 6, SampleTank 4.3
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Apprentice
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The MXL 990 for around $60 is also a good mic and want break the budget. At these prices you may can get a mic and the Yamaha WX5.
Steve
Steve
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Anonymous
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I am still attending the old school. Instrument, Shure 57. Vocals, Shure 58.
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Expert
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I use a MXL V63M for all my recording needs. I paid around $50 for it (no shock mount, though). Don't pay anymore, they go on sale all the time. example: http://www.guitarcenter.com/New-Gear.gc?internal=1&src=mxl+v63m. I also have an Shure SM-58. I do need to get a small diaphragm mic for my guitar -- right now I use the V63M for that, too.
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Quote:
I am still attending the old school. Instrument, Shure 57. Vocals, Shure 58.
Me too!
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Hello and welcome MountainSide  I use a Shure KSM27, which is now a few years old and still sounds fantastic. Here is a review of it by soundonsound website. You can use the KSM27 for vocals or instruments and it still works exceptionally well. I believe Shure has updated this mic and I believe the new model is the KSM32? Not 100% sure about that though. I have never had a problem with it, not once. The mic records super clean and sometimes I use it through my Presonus Tube-Pre preamp with my Tascam Digital Recorder. I love it. Good luck with your search. Trax
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Quote:
I am still attending the old school. Instrument, Shure 57. Vocals, Shure 58.
ditto! both workhorses and virtually indestructible. each about us$80.
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My recommendation is get an SM57 first, it works well on a lot of stuff; vocals, acoustic guitar, etc.
Then get a large diaphragm later, like B-1 or one of the MXL (if budget is an issue) or a better one.
Then note the differences and you'll be in a much better position to make further choices. My peferred mic for vocals is often the 57.. especially for me.
The preamp does make a difference. I'm not familiar enough with your card/board to make a call either way. I know I like a couple of my stand-alone preamps much better than the ones on a soundcardcard or mixer much of the time. I'd actually suggest an SM57 and maybe a StudioProjects VTB-1 as a nice starter set. Nice mic, nice preamp. You could get a lot of quality tracks down with just those two. Then when you add mics you know you have at least one decent preamp to drive them.
"An average mic thru a great preamp sounds better than than a great mic through an average preamp." I'm not the first one to say that; I'm just agreeing. VTB-1 isn't a 'great' one but it is a great one to start with.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
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