Microphones for Dummies

JCalkin · Post by **JCalkin** » Thu Nov 01, 2007 1:19 pm

OK, so the school where I'm teaching has provided me with a Marantz CDR300 CD recorder to use in my studio. It has a built-in mic which obviously doesn't as good a job as a nice external mic would, so:

I know positively jack-diddly-squat about microphones. I wouldn't even know where to begin as to the basic types available, so for those of you who do know:

-The recorder has 1/4" and XLR inputs, left and right
-It uses DC +48V phantom power
-I will primarily use it in my 20'x15'x10' studio to record lessons, but will likely take it out to record performances on occasion and would like to get the most bang for my buck.

What would the audiophiles recommend if I had $200 to spend? What about $400-$500? Or am I wasting my time for under $700?

Thanks for your input,
-Josh

WoodSheddin · Post by **WoodSheddin** » Thu Nov 01, 2007 1:49 pm

$200 will hardly get one ok mic. Honestly, I would venture to a local Guitar Store and take a look at some stuff. They always seem to have a huge selection of studio equipment when I have gone.

Also, at least when I have shopped at Guitar Centers, they have been more than willing to haggle prices down.

You will also need cables and mic stands. If you can swing the money then self powered studio monitors are also a big plus.

Ken Kugler · Post by **Ken Kugler** » Thu Nov 01, 2007 7:28 pm

Josh,

For simplicity a stereo mic is great. I'm not familiar with the Beyer but the Rode NT-4 is very good for what you want to do. Unfortunately they sell for about $479.00. Rode also sells the NT-5 which is the same mic just sold as a stereo pair (2 seperate mics) but they're a little cheaper $429.97. Audio-Technica makes some great mics.The AT4041 are excellent for about $279.97 each. Sennheiser make an e614 that gos for 199.99 each.

Good Luck,

Ken Kugler

Tom · Post by **Tom** » Thu Nov 01, 2007 7:31 pm

What about the Audio Technica AT-822.

I remember when it was THE mic to have to record tubas.

Never did own one myself, though, so....

Chadtuba · Post by **Chadtuba** » Thu Nov 01, 2007 11:45 pm

In the sound company I run I use Audio Technica 3035 LDC mics and have been using them for many years both for live sound reinforcement as well as recording everything from vocals, drums, acoustic & electric guitars, and of course tubas. I actually have one of them set-up in my bandroom right now to record honor band auditions. They can be had from $200-300 and are worth every penny IMO.

SplatterTone · Post by **SplatterTone** » Fri Nov 02, 2007 3:18 am

For ease of use, the Nady CM2S offers a good value and surprisingly good fidelity for a single stereo mic. A little higher up on the totem pole is the Audio Technica AT3035. The Shure SM57 is an outdated mic with a frequency response that craps out about two octaves above the bottom range of the tuba.

Here is a recording made with the Nady mic using the battery powered Fostex MR8 (the old model) sitting in the back balcony of the room.
http://t-recs.net/mpegs/FBC/03_11_07/lead_on.mp3

Here is a recording made with the AT3035 mics using the Fostex MR8HD hard drive recorder sitting in the same place in the same balcony. The levels are quite a bit lower, so you'll need to adjust the volume to get a good comparison.
http://t-recs.net/mpegs/FBC/concert/lord_reigns.wma