Microphones...

[P_music]

I just picked up an Audio Technica ATM610 handheld dynamic vocal mic, and initially I am very impressed. I hooked it up to a desktop mixer at home and listened to myself and my son talk into it. It sounded amazingly clear. It is also solid and looks well constructed. I can't wait to try it out on Sunday at my church.

I was also impressed by an Audio Technica wireless system that I got recently that I tried at my church. It has the Artist Elite® AE4100 microphone element on the handheld transmitter, and it also sounded really good. I think it is a keeper !

What are your favorite vocal/instrument mics for live sound or studio recording?

p_music

[Ramar]

I have both the Audio Technica AT4050 and Shure KSM32 Studio condenser mics in my studio, they are both very transparent microphones that work great on just about anything...

Unfortunately, my church uses cheap Samson mics and I think we have Shure's lower-end PG series mics as well... we are in desperate need of a new sound system!

[themidiroom]

I think we have Shure's lower-end PG series mics as well... we are in desperate need of a new sound system!

I bought a Shure PG58 and I was amazed how close it sounds to the SM58.  The only noticable difference is the PG picks up a lot of hand noise.

[P_music]

I bought a Shure PG58 and I was amazed how close it sounds to the SM58.  The only noticable difference is the PG picks up a lot of hand noise.

I've noticed the same thing. The handling noise is apparent, even with the wireless microphone heads. However, they are a decent (and cheaper) alternative to the SM58 when left on mic stands.

Unfortunately, my church uses cheap Samson mics and I think we have Shure's lower-end PG series mics as well... we are in desperate need of a new sound system!

The church building that we use to rehearse  uses Samson R11 mics for vocals. You can tell that they are not constructed as well as the SM58 (one of them went dead, and they have cheap platic switches), but they don't sound that bad. Probably very similar to the Shure PG58.


p_music

[ApostolicFemale]

I bought a Shure PG58 and I was amazed how close it sounds to the SM58.  The only noticable difference is the PG picks up a lot of hand noise.

Yes, the Shure SM57 is what we use at school...it's what the professionals swear by.

[BigFoot_BigThumb]

My best friend uses Studio Projects C-series mics and they are very nice.  I'm working towards an AKG C4000b and an old school AKG C1000.  That 1000 is a super crispy mic.  When I really got some bank and enough work to warrant the expense, I'm going for an AKG C12VR.  As you can see, I'm rather partial to AKG. 

Audio Technica makes some great stuff.  Another option you can go for if you haven't already and it fits your budget is to purchase the Antares Mic Modeler program that will emulate many ultra-expensive mics through your PC including many AT models.  Right now I'm using a Shure SM-58 knock off trough it and it is quite nice.             

[themidiroom]

When I really got some bank and enough work to warrant the expense, I'm going for an AKG C12VR.  As you can see, I'm rather partial to AKG. 

I was working in a friend's studio and he had a C12VR.  He asked me to help him test it out.  I liked it but it wasn't nearly as impressive as the price would suggest.  You can get a mic that sounds as good for a whole lot less money.  IMO it's more about the mic pre than the mic anyway.  A great pre will make a cheap mic sound good.  A great mic through a cheap pre will sound.... cheap.

[sjonathan02]

I was working in a friend's studio and he had a C12VR.  He asked me to help him test it out.  I liked it but it wasn't nearly as impressive as the price would suggest.  You can get a mic that sounds as good for a whole lot less money.  IMO it's more about the mic pre than the mic anyway.  A great pre will make a cheap mic sound good.  A great mic through a cheap pre will sound.... cheap.

Do you have any suggestions for reasonably price mic preamps?

[themidiroom]

Do you have any suggestions for reasonably price mic preamps?

What do you consider reasonable?  The last pres I bought were used and about $2500 for 4 channels.  If you go with channel strip with an EQ and compressor/limiter, you could pay that much or more for 1 channel.  That's not even super high end stuff.  For a hobbyist or "pro"sumer, I'd say get something clean like Presonus or even some of the Mackie stuff will give you a decent sound.

[sjonathan02]

What do you consider reasonable?  The last pres I bought were used and about $2500 for 4 channels.  If you go with channel strip with an EQ and compressor/limiter, you could pay that much or more for 1 channel.  That's not even super high end stuff.  For a hobbyist or "pro"sumer, I'd say get something clean like Presonus or even some of the Mackie stuff will give you a decent sound.

Thanks.

[themidiroom]

Thanks.

No problem bruh.  You looking to buy some recording gear?

[BigFoot_BigThumb]

I was working in a friend's studio and he had a C12VR.  He asked me to help him test it out.  I liked it but it wasn't nearly as impressive as the price would suggest.  You can get a mic that sounds as good for a whole lot less money.  IMO it's more about the mic pre than the mic anyway.  A great pre will make a cheap mic sound good.  A great mic through a cheap pre will sound.... cheap.

Good deal and I agree.  I've been peeping out the Mackie Onyx series for preamps.  When I am able to keep my kit set up full-time for recording, I plan to run the mics through the 1200f depending on what kind of mixer/console I get.  If money allows, then I'm going to get that Tascam DM-4800, then I won't need an outboard preamp.  I'll also check out many mics before I drop $5k  on just one.  I mean the real test of a mic's sound is the electronics, and the amount and purity of the gold on the diaphragm which is really what determines the price most of the time anyway.

[sjonathan02]

No problem bruh.  You looking to buy some recording gear?

Perhaps, in the not too distant future. Just trying to gather some intel on the subject while it's here.

Thanks, again.

[themidiroom]

I've been peeping out the Mackie Onyx series for preamps.  When I am able to keep my kit set up full-time for recording, I plan to run the mics through the 1200f depending on what kind of mixer/console I get.I'll also check out many mics before I drop $5k  on just one.  I mean the real test of a mic's sound is the electronics, and the amount and purity of the gold on the diaphragm which is really what determines the price most of the time anyway.

I don't know much about the Onyx preamps so I can't comment on them.  I've been running drum mics through the SSL Xlogic pres and they do a great job.  Drums are always punchy and warm.  Not to say the C12VR isn't a well made mic but I think the price has a lot to do with the fact that the old C12 is highly regarded and very expensive if you can find someone willing to part with one.  That's just my opinion however.  Personally, I'm more likely to go with a Neumann U87 or TLM67 for a vocal mic.  For some reason, I prefer a FET mic and a tube pre if you want the tube sound.

[BigFoot_BigThumb]

I don't know much about the Onyx preamps so I can't comment on them.  I've been running drum mics through the SSL Xlogic pres and they do a great job.  Drums are always punchy and warm.  Not to say the C12VR isn't a well made mic but I think the price has a lot to do with the fact that the old C12 is highly regarded and very expensive if you can find someone willing to part with one.  That's just my opinion however.  Personally, I'm more likely to go with a Neumann U87 or TLM67 for a vocal mic.  For some reason, I prefer a FET mic and a tube pre if you want the tube sound.

Oh yeah, the U87 is a definite option.  It's going to be all about the money.  If that C3000 or C4000 works, then I will run with it.  I just have to listen to them all when I get to actively shopping.  My best friend is trying to convince me to go with a Studio Projects mic.  He loves those mics and is very, very happy with the investment.

[themidiroom]

Oh yeah, the U87 is a definite option.  It's going to be all about the money.  If that C3000 or C4000 works, then I will run with it.  I just have to listen to them all when I get to actively shopping.  My best friend is trying to convince me to go with a Studio Projects mic.  He loves those mics and is very, very happy with the investment.

Good stuff bruh. I've heard good things about the Studio Projects gear.  Supposedly a lot of bang for the buck.  I've also heard really good things about the Mohave mics which are designed by David Royer.  If you're going to get a top of the line mic, you probably want to run it through a really nice pre like a Neve, SSL, Focusrite, or even Universal Audio.
You know we can chop it up about audio anytime bruh. 

[Kevykev388]

I have an AKG C414...older model (mine is silver not black like the latest models). It is remarkeable....i wont even explain how i ended up with it but GOD TRUELY BLESSED ME ON THIS ONE!

[J. Ty]

Check this out if you miking a guitar or instrument, even vocals... This is a good package if your on a budget and works wonders if you treat your booth or closet, whatever you're recording in.

Audio Technica AT2041 Studio Microphone Package<img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=hubp04ee-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000AQDSMQ" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />

Check it out at a great price!