Advise specific microphone models for a home studio for recording classic vocals. In general, provided that there is no special soundproofing which microphone to choose a condenser or dynamic? And advise certain models to price/quality (under $100).

I found a great selection of microphones that are even cheaper than $ 40 , but in reality can they perform all their functions efficiently?
I would like to hear your opinions (it is highly desirable on personal experience, but the experience of friends will do).
Which microphone to choose?

 

Last edited by a moderator: Oct 26, 2023

Out of no experience in this price region, I'd say one of these:

https://www.thomann.de/gb/marantz_m...iLCJjdXJyZW5jeSI6IjIiLCJsYW5ndWFnZSI6ImVuIn0=

https://www.thomann.de/gb/mxl_770.htm

https://www.thomann.de/gb/mxl_v67g.htm

 

HSMC001 - ultracheap decent large diagraphm condenser mics
T.BONE CD56 BETA - fairly cheap small alternative to SM57
sE X1 series - seriously good quality mic for relatively low price

 

also depends on your audio interface !!!

 

Buy a used Rode NT1.

 

Sista, a Shure SM57 will be better in my mind than any condensor mic under $100 in the world.

This sounds very good.

 

That's right

 

or 58

 

Also right

 

3u Audio

CM-series - cardioid-only with dual high-pass and dual pad settings ($125):
Teal CM-1 - edge-terminated capsule (251) - transformer-less FET output
Black CM-1 - center-terminated capsule (87) - transformer-less FET output

 

If it were me it'd be between the SM57 and the SE X1 S - depends on the kind of tone you're after... here's an example of the SE X1 used by a (capable!) youthful female vocalist:

 

Last edited: Mar 21, 2019

You also have a point. They entered my mind but were above the 100 bill mark. Guosheng, the owner and brains behind 3U and who I believe is manufacturing the capsules for Warm Audio's microphones (at least the newer lines, not quite sure about all) makes good, inexpensive, well voiced condensors which are not harsh and sibilant as are the others in this price range. I almost a few times was tempted to pull the trigger on a pair of Warbler 127 small diameter omni (voiced flat) capsule mics based on the examples that I have heard but already have what I like to use in the sdc area for my simple needs. So, if any, 3U would be a good choice too in my opinion for a condensor.

 

Shure SM57

 

And always, always remember it’s the singer not the mic. In the following clip watch how the singer keeps the mic glued to front of her mouth and pulls it back when she’s belting. Nobody knows how to do this who hasn’t been trained and had lots and lots of practice. This woman’s mic technique is so tight it sounds like there’s a vocal rider on her voice. Look how the judges reacted.

It’s the singer, not the mic.

 

Yes, of course and without a doubt, though there are aural delights that surpass the very competent 58. I bet the listening experience of hearing her recorded with a great condenser mic that flatters her voice, through the right preamp in a great room with a couple of great compressors in the chain would yield a result that could enhance the otherwise amazing qualities that she possesses. There would be a discernable difference. A 57 or 58 would still work, as the old addage,"Garbage in, garbage out, " still applies.

 

Here's SM58's on the job as a vocal mike.

Looks like SM81's on the guitars. You could get half a dozen 58s for the cost of those.

 

SM58 is awesome for live performances