Help choosing a Microphone!

BadBwai · 01-15-2013, 03:51 PM

Hey guys! So after A LOT of research I've finally narrowed down my choices for Microphones. I'd be happy to hear your opinions on these and their pros & cons. I will be using them for strictly vocals. (Pop, R&B, Hip-hop, Rap).

The following are from what I read & roughly the prices (US):

Rode NT1A ~230$ (Read it's a little harsh)
AKG 420 ~250$ (I've read many good things)
Shure SM7B ~350$ (Great but dynamic, needs high gain)
AT3035 ~150$ (I've read it's great for vocals)

So what would you guys recommend? The pricing isn't an issue, just want quality. I also still need a good Audio Interface (Around 200-300$), if you can pair one to any of the mics as a good combo, I'd be really happy.

Thank you so much for anyone who can help me, I really need this & I appreciate any help immensely!

stevesonthebay · 02-19-2013, 08:30 AM

i use lexicon interface and cubase software, they came together. when you buy the interface should come with software. you can use any software with your interface ie cakewalk, pro tools ect. i use a couple of cheap dynamic mics at the moment which i already had. they do a pretty good job but i think a condenser mic is better for vocals and the bigger the diaphragm the better. i find i have to turn the gain up a fair bit to get good volume when recording and this brings in some hiss in the background. you need a preamp for mics and i am using a powered mixer with 8 channels so i can plug mics and instruments in. the mixer goes into the interface and then to the pc. i am using 1/4 jacks but i think the xlr connection is better for the mics. so my next investment will be better mics. ive read a lot that the Shure SM58 is good for voice recording. i find cubase is ok will do most of the basic things others will do i am using le4 edition so very basic but i can do a fair amount of edits and effects plus you can download more effects vts instruments and sounds from net. i do find that i am always trying to improve the quality by trying different setups but in the end you can have fairly good recording software/equip but dont get the best result because of the mics.

alexstobbe · 02-22-2013, 11:44 AM

Hey There.

The SM7B is a great microphone. If you don't have an acoustically treated room I recommend it because it's a dynamic mic. The SM7B needs a preamp with about 65db of gain. Most interfaces these days should be able to do that.

However, you may find you like the sound of a condenser mic more. 95% of pro vocal recordings use a condenser microphone. (and for good reason) However, the condenser will pick up background noise as well as the natural reverb in the room. If you have acoustic treatment you should go with a condenser. What is your budget? You can get some spectacular vocal mics for about 700 bucks. For example, the Audio-Technica AT4050.

alexstobbe · 02-22-2013, 11:47 AM

Hey There.

The SM7B is a great microphone. If you don't have an acoustically treated room I recommend it because it's a dynamic mic. The SM7B needs a preamp with about 65db of gain. Most interfaces these days should be able to do that.

However, you may find you like the sound of a condenser mic more. 95% of pro vocal recordings use a condenser microphone. (and for good reason) However, the condenser will pick up background noise as well as the natural reverb in the room. If you have acoustic treatment you should go with a condenser. What is your budget? You can get some spectacular vocal mics for about 700 bucks. For example, the Audio-Technica AT4050.

01-15-2013, 03:51 PM	#1 (permalink)
BadBwai Groupie Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Canada Posts: 6	Help choosing a Microphone! Hey guys! So after A LOT of research I've finally narrowed down my choices for Microphones. I'd be happy to hear your opinions on these and their pros & cons. I will be using them for strictly vocals. (Pop, R&B, Hip-hop, Rap). The following are from what I read & roughly the prices (US): Rode NT1A ~230$ (Read it's a little harsh) AKG 420 ~250$ (I've read many good things) Shure SM7B ~350$ (Great but dynamic, needs high gain) AT3035 ~150$ (I've read it's great for vocals) So what would you guys recommend? The pricing isn't an issue, just want quality. I also still need a good Audio Interface (Around 200-300$), if you can pair one to any of the mics as a good combo, I'd be really happy. Thank you so much for anyone who can help me, I really need this & I appreciate any help immensely!

02-19-2013, 08:30 AM	#2 (permalink)
stevesonthebay Music Addict Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 66	i use lexicon interface and cubase software, they came together. when you buy the interface should come with software. you can use any software with your interface ie cakewalk, pro tools ect. i use a couple of cheap dynamic mics at the moment which i already had. they do a pretty good job but i think a condenser mic is better for vocals and the bigger the diaphragm the better. i find i have to turn the gain up a fair bit to get good volume when recording and this brings in some hiss in the background. you need a preamp for mics and i am using a powered mixer with 8 channels so i can plug mics and instruments in. the mixer goes into the interface and then to the pc. i am using 1/4 jacks but i think the xlr connection is better for the mics. so my next investment will be better mics. ive read a lot that the Shure SM58 is good for voice recording. i find cubase is ok will do most of the basic things others will do i am using le4 edition so very basic but i can do a fair amount of edits and effects plus you can download more effects vts instruments and sounds from net. i do find that i am always trying to improve the quality by trying different setups but in the end you can have fairly good recording software/equip but dont get the best result because of the mics. __________________ Most of us go to our grave with our music still inside of us. Last edited by stevesonthebay; 02-19-2013 at 08:41 AM. Reason: add more

02-22-2013, 11:44 AM	#3 (permalink)
alexstobbe Groupie Join Date: Feb 2013 Posts: 2	Hey There. The SM7B is a great microphone. If you don't have an acoustically treated room I recommend it because it's a dynamic mic. The SM7B needs a preamp with about 65db of gain. Most interfaces these days should be able to do that. However, you may find you like the sound of a condenser mic more. 95% of pro vocal recordings use a condenser microphone. (and for good reason) However, the condenser will pick up background noise as well as the natural reverb in the room. If you have acoustic treatment you should go with a condenser. What is your budget? You can get some spectacular vocal mics for about 700 bucks. For example, the Audio-Technica AT4050.

02-22-2013, 11:47 AM	#4 (permalink)
alexstobbe Groupie Join Date: Feb 2013 Posts: 2	Hey There. The SM7B is a great microphone. If you don't have an acoustically treated room I recommend it because it's a dynamic mic. The SM7B needs a preamp with about 65db of gain. Most interfaces these days should be able to do that. However, you may find you like the sound of a condenser mic more. 95% of pro vocal recordings use a condenser microphone. (and for good reason) However, the condenser will pick up background noise as well as the natural reverb in the room. If you have acoustic treatment you should go with a condenser. What is your budget? You can get some spectacular vocal mics for about 700 bucks. For example, the Audio-Technica AT4050.