|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,893
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,893 |
So I came into a windfall of cash, $245 – don’t ask, but it was all legit. So I want to buy a new recording mic for my home studio. Then I get home and there in my inbox is a 20% off coupon from Musicians friend if I spend over a $100 before this weekend– sweet  . So I go on-site, put in “recoding mic’, “between $100 to $300” and it gives me 165 options!!  I have a SM57 which I currently use for live and recording– but looking for new sound (..is there a mic which would actually make my vocals sound better?),  …forget that question. What would you buy? 
BIAB – 2026, Reaper (current), i7-12700F Processor, 32GB DDR4-3200MHz RAM, Motu Audio Express 6x6 - My SoundCloud.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
|
Anonymous
Unregistered
|
|
Anonymous
Unregistered
|
I still like my Shure SM58s. Always have, own 3 of them. Kind of how a guy owns saws but can't build with wood.....
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021 |
This has nothing to do with mics but is a ***** I have with MF. I've complained to them but.......Anyway. That discount coupon,"some restrictions apply".Pretty much any company that has gear you'd buy has opted out of their coupon promos.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,506
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,506 |
Something else to consider (isn't there always something else to consider!) is, what preamp are you using? Depending on what you have, improving that could make as much difference as a new 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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,893
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,893 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,893
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,893 |
Quote:
Something else to consider (isn't there always something else to consider!) is, what preamp are you using? Depending on what you have, improving that could make as much difference as a new mic.
Pre-amp? whats that? Can't I just plug into my mixer and record? Do I need to buy some kinda combo, mic and pre-amp??
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,506
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,506 |
Nice. I have a Rode NT1, the predecessor of the NT1a. It's a fine, versatile large condenser mic. Australian company. Very rugged mic - I keep it in my travel bag as a spare on outdoor gigs. It gets banged around a lot and it always works, even though it's known more as a studio mic. You're probably kidding about the preamp, but just in case: If you have a mixer, you have a preamp, but some mixers have much better quality ones than others. A good stand-alone unit is often better, though. This one is the newer model of one I have that does a great job, and it's not expensive: http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/VTB1/ I especially like that you can dial in a tube for 'warmth'.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,506
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,506 |
Bob, I haven't seen that before, but it looks similar to the Rode S1 stage mic I use. Great markdown right now on yours. AKG makes great mics.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,893
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,893 |
Quote:
Nice. I have a Rode NT1, the predecessor of the NT1a. It's a fine, versatile large condenser mic. Australian company. Very rugged mic - I keep it in my travel bag as a spare on outdoor gigs. It gets banged around a lot and it always works, even though it's known more as a studio mic.
You're probably kidding about the preamp, but just in case:
If you have a mixer, you have a preamp, but some mixers have much better quality ones than others. A good stand-alone unit is often better, though. This one is the newer model of one I have that does a great job, and it's not expensive: http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/VTB1/ I especially like that you can dial in a tube for 'warmth'.
honestly, I was not entirely kidding, so I do appreciate your response. I do have a mixer with 48v phantom power (Behringer Eurorack mixer MXC602), but I do like the pre-amp you linkted to.
So the Rode NT1 Bundle is at the top of my list.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,893
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,893 |
Quote:
but is a ***** I have with MF. I've complained to them but.......Anyway.
John, Sorry to hear you have had a bad experience with MF. Actually, they have been very good to me. I'll let you know how the coupon works.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,893
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,893 |
You guys are all great . Thanks for all the input. I plan to pull the trigger tomorrow.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,506
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,506 |
I think Musicians Friend is just the warehouse operation of Guitar Center, isn't it? My experience with them has also been fine.
The NT1a bundle looks good for a home studio, with the windscreen and XLR cable. That was my first 'good' studio mic and it really made a difference.
Consider adding that preamp when you get some additional funds. My experience with Behringer mixers was very poor, since mine had a LOT of amplifier hiss on the mic preamp. [I am aware others on this forum really like Behringer mixers.] But if you have an external preamp, you can bypass what I consider to be the weakness of the Behringer and just go into the LINE IN. When I did that, my Behringer mixer was saveable.
Enjoy your new 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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,251
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,251 |
Quote:
I think Musicians Friend is just the warehouse operation of Guitar Center, isn't it? My experience with them has also been fine.
MF has always been good to me too, even with returning stuff. No hassles.
I wouldn't think twice about referring anyone to them.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 679
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 679 |
NT1-A, Have one and it is quite the mic.........great choice, I also use the Shure Beta 58A, Which ever you choose, those are my picks.......Rode makes awsome stuff. 
Critter
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 430
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 430 |
I bought a Rode NT2a a couple of weeks ago and it is awesome .... My recordings are now clear as a bell And with the 3 setting polar response option i have eliminated all the sounds that came from the back of the mic. Makes my recordings sound really professional
Could'nt be happier ....
I'm doing allright for Country Trash ....
I used to care, but things have changed (Bob Dylan)
BIAB 2026W + RB
M-Audio FastTrack C600, Rode NT2-A
Digitech VoiceLive 4
Epiphone Sheraton, Ibanez 12str, Washburn 6str, Cort 6Str Nylon
Yanagisawa Tenor Sax
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,893
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,893 |
Just ordered it. As John indicated my Personal 20% off Coupon emialed from the President of Customer Services, for being a good customer, would not work on line. So I called. Well that offer appears to be limited to certain vendors - not Rode!  Ok, but there is another Labor Day sale going on with 15% off. I had tried that on line and it did not work either? So my friend on the phone put it in manually and it worked. That plus free expedited 3-5 day shipping and no sales tax and it is on its way for just under $200. Thanks again guys, could not have done this without you. And Matt, I do have my eyes on the pre-amp you suggested. Have to wait a bit my next windfall...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,540
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,540 |
I've used the VTB1 quite often also and will support Matt's recommendation. Not a bad preamp at all, and the price/value is what makes it so nice. I remember $119 - $129 range. http://www.gearslutz.com/board/so-much-g...xperiences.htmlI see a PGMusic member posting in that thread so it's relevant. 
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,893
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,893 |
Quote:
Nice. This one is the newer model of one I have that does a great job, and it's not expensive: http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/VTB1/ I especially like that you can dial in a tube for 'warmth'.
Well my buddy at MF, said they can give me my 20% coupone on the VTB1, which knocks $30 off the price.. Oh boy need to find some more cash quick...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® users: Build 904 now available!
If you're already using Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, make sure to grab the latest update! Build 904 is now available for download and includes the newest additions and enhancements from our team.
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® users: Build 1237 is now available!
Already a Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows user? Stay up to date and download the build 1237 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.
PowerTracks Pro 2026 for Windows is Here!
PowerTracks 2026 is here—bringing powerful new enhancements designed to make your production workflow faster, smoother, and more intuitive than ever.
The enhanced Mixer now shows Track Type and Instrument icons for instant track recognition, while a new grid option simplifies editing views. Non-floating windows adopt a modern title bar style, replacing the legacy blue bar.
The Master Volume is now applied at the end of the audio chain for consistent levels and full-signal master effects.
Tablature now includes a “Save bends when saving XML” option for improved compatibility with PG Music tools. Plus, you can instantly match all track heights with a simple Ctrl-release after resizing, and Add2 chords from MGU/SGU files are now fully supported... and more!
Get started today—first-time packages start at just $49.
Already using PowerTracks Pro Audio? Upgrade for as little as $29 and enjoy the latest improvements!
Order now!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.
Another exciting new addition is the new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.
If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!
Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!
We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can process an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.
Happy New Year!
Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.
Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!
Season's Greetings!
Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season—thanks for being part of our community!
The office will be closed for Christmas Day, but we will be back on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at 6:00am PST.
Team PG
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,050
Posts799,399
Members40,018
| |
Most Online44,367
Mar 4th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean