Microphone vs. budget

[clintow]

Hi all:

I'm looking for a reasonably priced but palatably sounding recording microphone. I did some searching in the archives to see if I could avoid cluttering the forum with more of the same, but all I came up with was the AT 8** (I forget the rest of the numbers), a mic that I would love to have, but is unfortunately a little pricey for me.

What I'm looking for is a mic in the $50 to $150 price range. It needn't have impeccable sound quality, but it must be able to handle tuba playing, that is low ranges and high volumes. It would be mostly for my own edification, but I might use it for some auditions as well. However, if it's questionable for auditions, it's not a problem as I have access to higher quality recording equipment at the University (for a fee). More than anything, I just want a reasonably accurate way to document: practices, lessons, college recitals, the like. Does a quality mic for tuba/brass quintet in this price range exist? Or should I just start saving my pennies for the one I mentioned above?

Thanks for reading and thanks in advance for any suggestions!
Clinton

[ThomasP]

Look up Studio Projects microphones.

These were recommended to me and I haven't been displeased with my purchase. Every review I read was very positive. Do a little research, I think you'll find the same. I ended up with the cheapest model and I'm happy with both.

[Captain Sousie]

The only microphones I have ever used for recording have been the Sure SM57 and SM58, though these are probably not the type you would be looking for...sorry, that's all I've got.

Sou

[Chadtuba]

This is one I can actually comment on as I do this. Budget wise I'd look at the AT2025 for around $100, Studio projects B1 for around $100, or you can occasionally find a good deal on an AT3035 (my preference) for aroun $150-180. All three are large diaphragm condensor mics and would do very well recording a tuba.

[dmmorris]

I really like using some of the larger diaphram mics for recording (Rode, Neuman to name two brands), but more often, these days I'm carrying a pair of Shure Beta 57A's. They leave an exceptable recording and they are rugged....and a lot less money....so I don't need to worry about having them bashed.

[tubafatness]

Your best bet would probably be a Shure SM-58 microphone. They are as close to an all-around mic as you'll find. This is just my opinion, but you would also be well-served to save some more money and buy a nice mixer to go along with the microphone,(unless you already have one.) This could save you a lot of hassle when doing any possible sound editing. Then again, most recital halls I've seen have a (small) built-in mixer for recording the show, so you might be able to save some money that way. Another way to go would be to get a cheap 4-track straight-to-tape recorder and use that to record, while feeding that into any computer audio-editing software you might have. Just my two cents.
Aaron Hynds

[smaxwell]

I have been using the Sony ECMMS907 with my minidisc player and computer for years and it has worked well. I thinks it is only $55 or so on Amazon.

I wouldn't call it professional quality but it works well for learning purposes.

Just type in sony microphone to google and amazon will pop up with it.

[iiipopes]

At church, we've had great results with some of the newer, smaller AKG's for both choir, guitar, cymbals and brass. But I don't know the models. I'll ask our tech Sunday what the model numbers and prices are.

[tubatooter1940]

Those MXL-type mikes are great for small accoustic groups. When we do sound stage work for local music festivals, we can run a whole bluegrass band-vocals and instruments off just one of those mikes and get a fine balanced sound out to the audience.
I play unmiked in small bars and restuarants but in larger venues, I sing through a Schure SM-58 and blow tuba through a SM-57.
I bought three wireless Sennheiser (spelling?) mikes for our vocals (super hot mikes-worth two AA bateries every four hours) but continue using SM-58's untill I get the wireless recievers securely mounted in our rack box. I plan to continue with the SM-57 for tuba because I love the way it makes my tuba sound.

[GC]

What are you going to plug it into? The SM58, for example, requires an XLR connector, and is good for direct input into a mixer. Some have 1/4" plugs (and will be high-impedence, but are good for direct tape deck input). Computer mikes like the Blue SnowBall have USB for direct connection to a computer. Are you going into a mixer? If you're using a computer for recording, do you have an audio interface device with multiple plug types?

[iiipopes]

OK, I was wrong. The mic we use for everything from cymbals to choir to acoustic guitars and everything else, except for the traditional SM57 for a guitar amp or SM58 for a vocalist is the Audio-Technica Pro 37. Right in the middle of your price range, and as our sound tech works for a nationally known sound reinforcement company, says it's one of the most reliable and value for money microphone they sell, and they sell as many as fast as they can get them from the factory, with customers coming back for more as they upgrade their boards to more channels, including churches, schools, auditoriums, etc.

http://www.audio-technica.com/cms/wired ... index.html

[rocksanddirt]

A slight alternative is a Zoom H2 or H4 recorder with builting condenser mics. an h2 is around 150 to 180 and records straight to an SD card for manipulation on your computer. I recently got one, and have been very pleased with the quality of recordings.

[The Jackson]

I'm sure we can all now look forward to quality podcasts in and about cat food...

[The Jackson]

That's pretty interesting and I'm looking forward to your review of it. If you can, try to host a snipit online and post it here!

[tubafatness]

I hate to be a mean guy, but if you want nice quality recordings, ,and want the equipment to cover all these things, you are probably going to have to shell out more than 50 to 150 bucks. That being said, I second the motion to look at a Zoom H2. These do just fine for a lot of situations, and won't break the bank.

But, if you're wanting a more adaptable setup, you're going to have to stretch the budget a bit. My suggestions for a relatively portable recording setup:
1) stereo pair of condenser microphones. The MXL 991 can be had for $100 or less, and does just fine.
2) a mic stand, with a stereo bar for mounting the condenser. Remember to tilt each mic in, to get a better field for recording.
3) two mic cables
4) a nice two channel mixer. The two channel from Peavey is good, and is basically indestructible.
5) If you already have a laptop, and especially if that laptop has a sound card, you can just plug these things in, and record into a free program like Audacity. Then again, if you want to get fancy, you could splurge on another audio editing program. Right now, Cakewalk SONAR Home Studio 7 is available for $100, ( a fantastic price for an audio editing program of its kind.) If you are using Mac, the industry standard is of course Pro Tools. But there's also Digital Performer and Logic. Also, there are Adobe programs for audio, and they do a good job.
5.5) If you don't have a computer for this type of setup, you can get a straight-to-CD recorder, and plug your mixer into that.

So, that's my big layout for a nice recording setup. Of course, a simple thing like the Zoom H2 can do a good job, as well; this is just my idea for a setup that could cover all kinds of bases, without completely breaking the bank.

Take what you will!
Aaron Hynds

[jimgray]

I posted an ad eons ago for an AT822 (in your price range).
I still have it, and it is very nice.
I am in Boston - PM me if you are interested.

thanks-
Jim Gray

[eupher61]

The SM 58 is a vocal microphone. Yes, it has a huge response range, but look at the spec sheet and you'll see that the low end drops off dramatically from about 150hz, and (although I can't find the appropriate chart for this) unless you have the mic down in the bell, the low range is a lot weaker also. It's called "Proximity Effect", and that's why most singers who use a 58 have the mic on their mouth. The farther away from the source, the less low end.

There's too much of the sound of our instruments which is finalized after the bell. I've had this argument here and elsewhere many times, and many scoff at me. But, unless (as bloke finally got me to concede) unless you're playing in a funk or other electric-type style, I don't want to hear your tuba or euphonium mic'd close. If you want a synthesized sound, fine, 'cause that's what you'll get.

Even the Shure website says "vocal" for the SM58. A 57 is a better choice, but still not strong in the bottom end. At least it doesn't have the proximity effect.

The Beta line has an even bigger dropoff in the lower range.

Find a decently priced 'kick drum' mic. That's a bass drum, and likely will have terrific response for tuba too. The Shure Beta 52A, though, has a lower mid/low response (ie, 100-300hz) range.+

The AKG D112 is probably out of your price range, but man, it works! Great response, good clarity. I once read a review that said it sounded even better backwards, used for a bass drum. Not IN the drum, but in front of it. I've used this in a few studio situations, and a couple of live situations, and it's terrific.

The AKG 418 (I think, can't get the site to pop up) is a great clip-on mic, wired or wireless. It's more appropriate for live than studio, IMO.

There used to be a clip-on mic made by Avlex, listed at about $200, but they've discontinued it. IT had the same response as the AKG 418, for about half the price.
Avlex now has one called the Superlux PRA-218B. I've not tried this, but I will ASAP. It appears to have everything I'd want, and I see one place listing it at $131.99. I'll do my best to get hold of one to try early this week, because now I'm wanting it! (Avlex is HQd not far from me, but I have no connection with them aside from being a satisfied user)

asbestos ON.

[Wyvern]

A slight alternative is a Zoom H2 or H4 recorder with builting condenser mics. an h2 is around 150 to 180 and records straight to an SD card for manipulation on your computer. I recently got one, and have been very pleased with the quality of recordings.

I have also recently got a H2 and would highly recommend. The recording quality from such a small and inexpensive device is very impressive. I am using a lot to record practice sessions and gigs which makes me far more aware of the sound I and my various tubas are producing.