[Wiesty]

Alrite, lets face it, many remixers here may never touch a microphone due to the world of VST's and Sound fonts these days, but many of us still prefer the real thing. Microphones are used to pick up the sound of all instruments, even instruments with line outs due to the reason that most people will prefer a mic'd sound rather than a line sound. The tricky thing is, there are a lot of microphones out there, and shopping for them can become quite confusing, especially when you're on a budget. That is why I've created this guide, or more so a list of mics which are have a low-end mic price, but an amazing sound.

>100

The Shure SM57
Well what can I say. It's basically been considered the industry standard for the last 50 years. It is a go to mic when recording loud instruments due to the fact that it can take a lot of DB's before it clips. It's mostly used for micing snares and close micing amps, but generally can be used for alot of things. The thing is built like a brick shit house and it looks pretty sexy too.
Price: $99.00(USD)

BLUE Ball
Though it may look like something out of a sci-fi, the blue ball is an amazing mic. With a maximum SPL of 146 db, you could basically put the thing in front of a jet engine, and it wouldn't clip. Its best suited for micing loud instruments such as a bass or kick drum, but its probably one of the most mobile mics I've seen. It sounds great for vocals, acoustic and electric guitar and brass instruments. Also, with some playing around, I've discovered that the thing is insanely directional, competing with some of the shotguns that i have. An honorable mention for this mic as well, because it is the only phantom powered dynamic mic I have ever seen.
Price: $49.95 (USD)


>200

AKG D112
Considered the go-to mic for micing kick drums, this mic is a must have in anyones cabinet. The thing can take sounds of up to 170 db so it makes an ideal mic for other things such as bass cabs and guitar cabs (though it has a boost in the mid and low ends so it is not the ideal sound, but thats why we have EQ }
Price: $199.00 (USD)

>300

Apex 210
Alrite, I know what your thinking, Apex? Yeah, I know.....Apex. But they finally got it right this time. This microphone is generally considered the best ribbon microphone for its price. Many professionals chose this mic over some ribbon mics in the $1000-$2000 range. This mic in my opinion has the cleanest, most true sound I have ever heard. If your a serious vocal recorder, this is your mic. Just remember to store it upright, or you'll screw those ribbons over. Out of all the mics on this list, this mic in my opinion is the biggest steal. GO GET IT.

Price: It varies, I've seen it go from $239.00 USD all the way down to $139.00 USD, just look around


More To Come....

[Fray]

Keep 'em coming. Every time I think about buying another mic I see all the options and go "fuhhh...."

[Wiesty]

Yeah, I have a bunch more on my list, just don't have time to type em all out right now.

[Lunahorum]

my .5" chinese mp4 player built in mic works awesome for making an acoustic sound like an electric.

I love playing into that thing only to hear an awesome distortion back. Well I guess its pretty lo-fi and not useful for much, but It's good for keeping track of musical ideas.

[djcubez]

Nice post man. I'm on a low budget and am considering just vocals right now since I'm a fan of using the "line in" ;) Might have to pick up that 49.99 baby.

[1makes2]

just use an sm58 on vocals and a 57 will work on most instruments... a guitar cab, horns, penis drum.(oops did he say that?) yes i did so mic your stuff like a pro and youll be good.

[Wiesty]

the 58 isn't the ideal mic for studio work, as it is easily replaced by condensers or large diaphram mic's of its same price. It makes a great live vocal mic though.

[1makes2]

Originally Posted by Wiesty

the 58 isn't the ideal mic for studio work, as it is easily replaced by condensers or large diaphram mic's of its same price. It makes a great live vocal mic though.

yea thats true.. thats what i shoulda said. i have an mxl condenser mic you can get for 70$ it works great.

[big giant circles]

the SM58 is by far one of the most overrated dynamic vocal mics out there. go into a guitar center sometime and ask to test one alongside something like an audix OM2. trust me, that's the last time you'll ever think to recommend an SM58 for anything.

[Wiesty]

True. I don't think that people like Sm58's for their quality of sound, their not really at the top when it comes to that, but their built like a brick shit house and can take year after year of beating with almost no sound quality lost, which is why their a favorite of sound crews.