studio mics

Hi guys,

I'm concidering buying a new studio mic for my video productions and maybe even some musical recordings,
but to be honest I really don't know to much about the mics out there.

I've got a budget of around $100-$150.

Which mic would you recommand?

Thanks in advance, WVD

What would you be recording in terms of instruments?

For video, the Azden SGM1X shotgun is a great choice and is cheap at $120 - 150.
For acoustic guitar the Rode NT1A is amazing but not really anything good for video.

An MXL 991 condenser mounted overhead works well after some EQ adjustments but picks up sound from around the room quite a bit and isn't really made for vocals in terms of music production.

For a good general use condenser mic in the studio, you can't beat the Studio Projects B1 either...low in price and works in many situations.

There is no "do all" mic out there. IMO, shotguns are great for video work, and Condensers and dynamics, (examples: Rode NT1A, MXL 990/991, Shure SM57 or SM58) are good for music production. The Shure SM58 however is good for on location shoots and some interviews.

You'll want to invest in an audio interface if you want to get into music recording. That will run you at least $200 to start off on.

This site will give you all the info you will ever need when it comes to music production type mics
http://www.tweakheadz.com/microphones_for_the_home_studio.htm

The mics from samson are great and cheap. They even sell usb mics. For condenser mics you need 48v phantom power. The usb mics have already usb phamtom power.

http://www.samsontech.com/products/productpage.cfm?prodID=1917
http://www.samsontech.com/products/brandpage.cfm?brandID=2
http://www.samsontech.com/products/productpage.cfm?prodID=1810&brandID=2
http://www.samsontech.com/products/productpage.cfm?prodID=1601&brandID=2

As a dynamic mic you could go for the world famous Shure SM-58 or the clone Behringer XM-8500
http://www.behringer.com/EN/Products/XM8500.aspx
costs about 30-50 USD very good. For dynamic mics you need a mic preamp. A good one is this one:
http://www.behringer.com/EN/Products/MIC200.aspx

I also have the Rode M3 mic-> a little more expensive.
And I like the Zoom H4 digital recorder.
http://www.samsontech.com/products/productpage.cfm?prodID=1901

The USB mics are ok for small budget use but they are made for speech and pod casts....they will never be as good as a traditional condenser mic.

MF offers this great deal for a low price which includes the MXL 990/991 set and a Tascam interface.
http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/product/Tascam-US144-Interface-and-990991-Mic-Pack-Bundle?sku=241736

I quite like the http://www.behringer.com.au/EN/Products/B-1.aspx

Works great through my audio rack