Guitar Gear Forum

New interface is on its way and I've been don't a lot of writing and it'd be nice to listen back to hear what does and doesn't work.

Looking for something $200 or less that can get the job done nicely.
Any suggestions?

Actually just remembered I have a Beta 58A sitting around, how would that one do for my needs?
I'd have to repair it since the Jack broke but I do have this lying around if its viable.

I've been doing the same research all week and most likely the beta 58 is your best bet. I have no personal experience but most forums were saying for 200 to stick with the 58

Betas are great live mics due to their feedback rejection. But for studio i would shoot for a large diaphram condenser. the SE x1 is getting good feedback for the low end catagory although i hate it lol. Audio Technica 20 series are half decent for the coinage too

gt_jumper wrote:Betas are great live mics due to their feedback rejection. But for studio i would shoot for a large diaphram condenser. the SE x1 is getting good feedback for the low end catagory although i hate it lol. Audio Technica 20 series are half decent for the coinage too

Why do you hate it?
Any opinions on the Rode NT1-A?

K-Bizzle wrote:

gt_jumper wrote:Betas are great live mics due to their feedback rejection. But for studio i would shoot for a large diaphram condenser. the SE x1 is getting good feedback for the low end catagory although i hate it lol. Audio Technica 20 series are half decent for the coinage too

Why do you hate it?
Any opinions on the Rode NT1-A?

Although i have never actually tracked a vocalist with a Rode NT1-A I have just finished mixing an album in which the engineer used one. and for her voice it wasn't too cheap sounding at all.

One thing i find with most cheap condensers is the sibilance, but with some creative compression/automation or even a de-esser its usually sorted rather quickly.

The SE 1x comes across a bit harsh for my liking, but i use bees neez tube mics and AT 40 series lately. Its not fair to compare them

Heres the NT1-A clip on vocals

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_TAst74x1PA

K-Bizzle wrote:

gt_jumper wrote:Betas are great live mics due to their feedback rejection. But for studio i would shoot for a large diaphram condenser. the SE x1 is getting good feedback for the low end catagory although i hate it lol. Audio Technica 20 series are half decent for the coinage too

Why do you hate it?
Any opinions on the Rode NT1-A?

The NT1-A is a really good choice if you're on a budget. Get's good reviews.

Also, look a new or used Studio Projects stuff. They are great budget mics. I have a C3 that I've had for several years and I've gotten excellent results. Hell, you can get a new C1 for $250.

If you want to go even cheaper I've read good things about the MXL V67g.

For my album the one I used the most was the nady scm 1000. You can get the DIRT cheap on ebay.

I also used an AKG perception 100 and an SM58 but the Nady seemed to suit my voice.

Depends how demo-y or good you want to get with it. If you really just wanna slap down demos (although it wouldn't necessarily sound crap), fixing that Beta 58A might be a cheap easy way to go.

Otherwise, there are a fair few options these days for inexpensive but decent condenser mics. You might also want to take into account that different mics will suit different voices and vocal styles.

If you can fix the Beta 58, do that anyway. IMO, if you just want rough demo'ing for the time being, one of those should work fine. Rather than buying something cheap just to get the job done, and then having to spend more money later on when you want a better mic, just use what you have and save the money for later.

I have a few I like , Kel , Shure ,TELEFUNKEN M80 , my current go to is a Shure KSM27 , can be had for 1 fiddy or so . A good pre helps to , brings out the detail , different pres for different singers , you could spend every last cent on a nice lunchbox but you'd be set .

DNW wrote:Depends how demo-y or good you want to get with it. If you really just wanna slap down demos (although it wouldn't necessarily sound crap), fixing that Beta 58A might be a cheap easy way to go.

Otherwise, there are a fair few options these days for inexpensive but decent condenser mics. You might also want to take into account that different mics will suit different voices and vocal styles.

If you can fix the Beta 58, do that anyway. IMO, if you just want rough demo'ing for the time being, one of those should work fine. Rather than buying something cheap just to get the job done, and then having to spend more money later on when you want a better mic, just use what you have and save the money for later.

I think you've hit the nail on the head.
Use the Beta for now and save a little extra scratch for a better mic.
I need a mic thats pretty dynamic and can handle a lot of volume without distorting (I have to be LOUD to hit my higher range, but usually am pretty soft on my lower range).

Thanks for all the help guys, I appreciate it.

FWIW this song is a pretty good example of what I'll be using the mic for.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CsFAguSp7w0

I would ask what mic preamp you will be using. You might be better served with a decent mic pre. Just sayin'

I have quite a few mics in that price range. AT3035, GT55, Carvin TM100 (apex460), a pair of AT2020's (not recommended for vocals), etc. etc. each mic works on some things and not on others. Certain mic pres seem to play better than others..yada yada yada

Going to be using the onboard pres on the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 for now...

K-Bizzle wrote:Going to be using the onboard pres on the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 for now...

I like the focusrite pres. It just would not play nice with Sonar X1 in 64 bit land/my system.

Behringer B-2 PRO.

For serious.

One of the best cheapo condensers out there. I much prefer it to the NT-1A. Studio Projects B1/C1 is great as well.

I use a good old 58 to record all vocals in my demos. If the guy can't sound good through them, I am more likely to change the singer than change the mic.

Another vote for the 58. When I record vocals I like to hold it and move about a bit. Nothing kills the vibe more for me than sticking a condenser on a stand with a pop shield.