Members Lewis77 Posted November 14, 2014 Members Share Posted November 14, 2014 Best Condenser Mic for male vocals under $200/£140. Not been on here for a few years but need the knowledge of those currently in the know. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators davie Posted November 15, 2014 Moderators Share Posted November 15, 2014 There isn't that much you can get for under $200, maybe the Audio Technica AT2020 or the Studio Projects B1. If you're willing to bump up your budget to $250 then maybe you can get the Rode NT1A. Also don't neglect the usability of less expensive dynamic mics like the Shure SM58, which may be well suited for some singers. If its possible, it might also be a good idea to demo a few a mics before fully committing to buying one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil O'Keefe Posted November 15, 2014 Share Posted November 15, 2014 I think Davie's correct in saying that your options open up a bit if you can increase the budget to $250-275 or so. But if that's not possible, a used Rode NT1a might be a possibility. Other options in new mics include the MXL V67i (which has warm and bright options for versatility), Blue Spark, Studio Projects B1, and the Audio-Technica AT2035 - all of which are decent and within your budget range... but it would be hard to say which one is "best" - ultimately, that will come down to the nature of your voice and your personal preferences. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members MDMachiavelli Posted January 7, 2015 Members Share Posted January 7, 2015 I think Davie's correct in saying that your options open up a bit if you can increase the budget to $250-275 or so. But if that's not possible, a used Rode NT1a might be a possibility. Other options in new mics include the MXL V67i (which has warm and bright options for versatility), Blue Spark, Studio Projects B1, and the Audio-Technica AT2035 - all of which are decent and within your budget range... but it would be hard to say which one is "best" - ultimately, that will come down to the nature of your voice and your personal preferences. Although I'm not the professional you are Phil I feel I have say I agree with you on the Rode. I used an MXL 990 for years that someone gave me. I finally decided about a month ago to upgrade and after looking around decided on the NT1A. By far the best bang for the buck I have seen in a while. The thing about the rode it captures the sound as is, it is flat. It gives me a nice unaltered sound to start with, and that is exactly what I want. To the OP, if I couldn't afford the NT1a and I was only $50 or $60 from that being in my price range, I wait until I saved that extra few dollars. The difference between a $200 and an NT1a is unbelievable. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil O'Keefe Posted January 7, 2015 Share Posted January 7, 2015 I really like Rode. They were one of the first brands to really launch the mic aspect of the project studio revolution and bring big bang for the bucks to the affordable condenser mic market, and they've consistently come out with cool products ever since then that perform very well, and yet don't cost an arm and a leg. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil O'Keefe Posted January 7, 2015 Share Posted January 7, 2015 PS I totally agree with you that it's better to save up for what you really want rather than talking yourself into making do with something else. The later path almost invariably leads to dissatisfaction in the long run and even greater expense when you finally do get tired of making do and buy whatever it was that you really wanted to begin with. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members WRGKMC Posted January 7, 2015 Members Share Posted January 7, 2015 I been using the EV PL84 mice for vocals for the past year. Its a hand held condenser with super rugged build and great response. I like it over the Shure condensers like the SM87. The specs on them are very good too. http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CB4QFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.electrovoice.com%2Fdownloadfile.php%3Fi%3D3102&ei=IbqtVM65AYqHyQSgs4G4CQ&usg=AFQjCNF8f0ALyQLv2bCjP6_33a9ROxVNFg They seemed to have discontinued them for a newer model but you can still find them around if you dig. They retail for about $200 but you can find them for around $50 and worth every dime of it. I have dozens of other mics and found these the best sleeper to date. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Funkwave Posted January 12, 2015 Members Share Posted January 12, 2015 Kudos to the Rode NT1-A. The first vocal mic in my cabinet and still the quietest! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Temple of Light Posted February 2, 2015 Members Share Posted February 2, 2015 My next 200.00 for a mic goes to; the winner is: the MXL990XL FEATURES 32mm capsuleFET preamp with balanced outputProvides a clear, bold soundLarge body with champagne finishIncludes custom shock mount SPECIFICATIONS 990XL Condenser Microphone Type: Pressure-gradient condenser micDiaphragm: 6-micron, gold sputteredFrequency Response: 20Hz-20kHzPolar Pattern: CardioidImpedance: 160ohmSensitivity: 25mV/PaEquivalent Noise: 14dB (A-weighted IEC 268-4)S/N Ratio: 80dB (Ref. 1Pa A-weighted)Max SPL for 0.5% THD: 138dBPower Requirement: 48V phantom power (±4V)Current Consumption: < 5.5mASize: 2-3/4" x 6-5/16" (71mm x 160mm)Weight: 1.35lb. (612g) worth it's weight in gold to me... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Temple of Light Posted February 2, 2015 Members Share Posted February 2, 2015 and since were on the subject, the next one after that would be a pair of; MXL 4000 Multi-Pattern FET Studio Condenser Microphone FEATURES Warm-sounding, low-noise, classic recording studio mic soundLarge, 6-micron gold-sputtered capsuleSteel head and woven-brass mesh grillHeavy duty metallic blue finished enclosureVintage transformerless designAttractive mahogany colored storage caseSpecially designed MXL 60 shock mount includedCustom foam windscreen SPECIFICATIONS 4000 Multi-Pattern FET Studio Condenser Microphone Preamp: Class-A FETPolar Patterns: Cardioid, Omnidirectional, and Figure-eightFrequency Response: 20-20kHzEquivalent Noise: 20dB SPLSensitivity: 15mV/PaMaximum SPL: 130dBTypical Load Impedance: >500 ohmsOutput Source Impedance: 200 ohmsPower: Phantom Power also worth there weight in gold {records, that is...} Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Nostalgia4Infinity Posted February 11, 2015 Members Share Posted February 11, 2015 I really want to try that Rode. I have the SP B1 and it is OK, but I actually prefer my EV BK1 SD condenser to it for most voices so far. I am trying out a MXL cr 24 but can't say I really dig it any more than the B1 - Idon't think I'll keep it, but... I have heard some good testimonies about it. The mic that DOES do the trick for me though is the Sennheiser 441 but obviously much higher priced - but wow it made me a believer in dynamics! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members surferbeto Posted March 1, 2015 Members Share Posted March 1, 2015 What? No love for the Shure Beta 87a? Once you started talking about $250 mics, I figured that would be one of the first mentioned.I got one to sing through with my band. A year later, the other two singers had gone to that one too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Guitar Domination Posted March 1, 2015 Members Share Posted March 1, 2015 I like the AT2020. Really good bargain mic Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil O'Keefe Posted March 1, 2015 Share Posted March 1, 2015 I think the Shure SM87 probably gets more love as a live performance mic than as a studio mic. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Guitar Domination Posted March 2, 2015 Members Share Posted March 2, 2015 The AT2020 is my favourite at this price range but I used to own the Studio Projects B1. I have no idea why I got rid of it. It was a quality mic Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members surferbeto Posted March 6, 2015 Members Share Posted March 6, 2015 So to summarize: Lots of love for the Rode NT1-ALots of used ones on eBay within OP's stated price range. I'm thinking of picking one up for home recording projects. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Daniele Spadavecchia Posted March 11, 2015 Members Share Posted March 11, 2015 MXL V67G is a good overall warm and clear sounding mic for $88/$120, both male and female and many other uses. My concern is that after one year I started having static noise issues with it.For a little more, $299 you can get an AT4040 which is my favorite vocal mic period. You get a creamy, warm, vintage sound which is perfect for male voice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil O'Keefe Posted March 12, 2015 Share Posted March 12, 2015 I like the dual capsule "I" version of the MXL V67G (MXL V67i) - the bright / warm switch gives it a lot of versatility for such an inexpensive FET microphone. I think there's a tube version of it too, but I have not tried that one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members mister natural Posted March 12, 2015 Members Share Posted March 12, 2015 the MXL990XL [/font][/color] I have one & it sounds terrific . . . with a modest amount of high-shelving ~ 12k Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Nostalgia4Infinity Posted March 14, 2015 Members Share Posted March 14, 2015 I am trying out the MXL cr24 right now. Actually seems decent (don't really like the SD tho). Doubt I will keep it but may work it a little more and see if it gives me someone my other LD's don't. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil O'Keefe Posted March 19, 2015 Share Posted March 19, 2015 What did you try the SDC on - anything besides vocals? I haven't tried either one of those two bundled mics yet myself, so I'm just curious as to whether the SDC is similar to their 603, or something different. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Lewis77 Posted December 14, 2015 Author Members Share Posted December 14, 2015 I just realised I never thanked folks for the reply, so thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil O'Keefe Posted December 14, 2015 Share Posted December 14, 2015 You're very welcome. Did you ever decide on something? If so, what did you get, and how is it working out for you? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members kbeaumont Posted December 15, 2015 Members Share Posted December 15, 2015 I really like my Blue Spark! It really works well with my vocal range (tenor/baritone). There is a focus button that gives it an upfront sound with added presence and intelligibility. That button really helps if your not using a treated vocal booth. And at $199 USD it was affordable. The included shock mount is a bit cheap but it works. I'm very satisfied with it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil O'Keefe Posted December 16, 2015 Share Posted December 16, 2015 Blue makes some very nice microphones. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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