DMusic.com | for indie musicians and fans | Free MP3 music downloads - Forums: The General Forum: Better Mic...Help Please!

Forums > The General Forum

Better Mic...Help Please!

RobertMcDade	Date: May 16, 2005 @ 7:36 PM I have a crappy little $10 hand-held SONY microphone...it does not do my talent justice. It's very low quality and produces unclear vocals...So I have a Summer job in which i'll be saving money from in order to buy a new and improved mic, but i'm not exactly sure which ones r good, and which ones to stay away from...Can anyone help!? I need like specs, prices, and any other info...thx!
freddemillio	Date: May 17, 2005 @ 2:40 AM If you want a mic that will allow you to work without a phantom power source or preamp (so the set-up is cheaper), then you should probably be looking at a dynamic mic. There are two immediate, classic, choices that come to mind, a Shure SM57 or an SM58. I prefer the SM57 as I find it more flexible. It is not expensive (as far as professional mics are concerned) and should be something around 100 USD or 100 EUR. If your sound card has a preamp function in it, then this should be enough to start getting your voice on tape. If the soundcard doesn't have a preamp, then a small transistor preamp for a dyanmic mic (should not be too expensive as no need for phantom power) might be necessary. You can try the mic direct into the sound card first to see if the level is strong enough or not before deciding to get a preamp. You can buy knock-off versions of the SM57, but really, at about 100 USD, the original is probably worth it. The SM57 can also be used on most other instruments with at least acceptable results. A lot of the electric guitar that you have ever heard recorded was done with an SM57. You will also need a pop filter or your B's and P's will make some nice booms in the recording. You can buy a pop filter at the music store where you buy the mic or there is an even cheaper option: just stretch a nylon stocking over a wire hanger and mount it (with duct tape or some wire or another wire hanger) in front of the mic. The store bought version will look nicer and is easier to manipulate but the El Cheapo version will do the job just as well.
zedsalt	Date: May 17, 2005 @ 12:43 PM All of Fred's advice is top-notch, as per usual. I'd like to add that I've seen a number of places recently selling the Shures for $80 US plus s&h, plus there are used ones everywhere. If you're looking for something with a lot more ambient pickup, I've seen the Audio Technica ATm for right around the $100 mark. It has battery in the handle that's good for 3000 hrs. use.
Dizeazed	Date: May 17, 2005 @ 1:08 PM What I suggest What's good What I use
RobertMcDade	Date: May 17, 2005 @ 2:41 PM Thanks a lot for the info guys. I'm "shurely" going to check out these mics....oh boy that was lame Anyways...seriously, thank you for helping me, i'll be able to get $100 no problem, and the strecthed out nylon sounds like a great idea to me! I appreciate it.
freddemillio	Date: May 17, 2005 @ 4:55 PM Robert, I love stretched out nylon too, but that's another thread. ( talk about lame puns, :yuck: )
RobertMcDade	Date: May 17, 2005 @ 8:34 PM ^ that was actually a pretty good one
zedsalt	Date: July 31, 2005 @ 1:14 PM http://www.jeffreypfisher.com/mxldrk.html Jeffery sure seems to like it!
zedsalt	Date: July 31, 2005 @ 1:15 PM Erm I mean, "Jeffrey".
vilifiend	Date: August 12, 2005 @ 9:26 AM you could always look for used mics? my friend got an sm58 for $30. just look in your newspaper, or ebay. shure mics are always a great start, if you have the cash. also, if youre lacking some money, and dont want to go the used route, try a senheiser. i have one. it may not be a shure, but they make some really decent vocal mics. and it will kick the crap out of your $10 sony

Post A Reply
From:	Guest	(Icons - Linking)
Post: