Decent vocal microphone?

[Robert****]

Robert

Do you want a dynamic or condenser mic?
If you are mainly going to play with it at home then go condenser but if you want to take it to gigs then go dynamic.

There are some pretty good inexpensive large diaphragm mics you could use at home.

A condenser mic is maybe what I should get for home use - what do you recommend?

I will still get a cheap Samson dynamic mic for background vocals and whatnot. So cheap, gotta try it!

[evenkeel]

Another good option is a Shure 57/58 clone from Radio Shack. These were made by Shure and are 57/58's in all aspects but the label. No longer made, but they pop up on EBay from time to time are are very cheap. I picked up a couple for less than $10ea.

[Spudman***]

A condenser mic is maybe what I should get for home use - what do you recommend?

I will still get a cheap Samson dynamic mic for background vocals and whatnot. So cheap, gotta try it!

I've used some of those Samson and Behringer inexpensive mics and they work great. Not super high quality great but great for live work for sure.

What is your budget?

There are a couple great condensers that are industry standards that won't let you down and sound great. That said, there are also some great budget large diaphragm condensers as well. For example people are getting great results with the CAD GXL3000 as well as numerous mics under $150. Or you can check out the Sure SM7 for around $350. It's really your call.

You can look here and get some great ideas. Be prepared to read a lot.

A preamp can make a big difference with the condenser. Even the little ART and Behringer tube stand alone units for around $40 can improve a fair quality mic, either condenser or dynamic.

[wingsdad]

For voice-over at-home-studio stuff, I concur 100% that a condenser mic is the way to go.

Not available at places like GS, MF, et al, ADK Microphones are pro-studio grade at working stiff prices.

I started with ADK's at the recommendation of my local dealer with this set...when you consider what you get for $200 US, it's a smash deal:

A-51 & SC-1 Pak

I liked those 2 so much, I later got a A-51S -- higher SPL with dB cut and bass-cut switching and 2nd SC-1 to give me a matched pair for stereo axis recording of acoustic guitars & such.

The thing about an LDC like the A51 is its sensitivity; you need a really quiet recording environment. If you can hear outside noise like cars, etc coming through your windows, it will pick it up. So if a flea farts in your studio, you'll catch that, too.

Spud's spot-on about using condensers with a little tube pre-amp, too.

[Robert****]

Ahh, those flea farts are always such a nuisance in my studio!

Thanks wingsdad!