If you're just building your first recording studio, the possible array of brands and types of microphones can be overwhelming. There are a couple of things to consider when choosing. Basically there are two types - dynamic and condenser. One of the big mistakes that one makes is in thinking that the condenser microphones are better than the dynamic ones or that condenser mics can be used only for vocals and dynamics for instruments. Anybody who dispenses such advice can't know what they're saying; you should stop right there and get away until they learn a few things.
Let's take a look at vocal mics for a minute People are going to tell you that you need a condenser for doing vocals. Think again! Here's a sampling of the many successful artists that think otherwise: Red Hot Chili Peppers, U2, Bonnie Raitt, Metallica, Incubus, Bjork to name just a few. Obviously they can use whichever they would like to, but they've chosen a dynamic mic for their vocals.
In terms of caliber and character there are some awesome dynamic mics and some awful dynamic ones. In the same way there are superb condenser mics and terrible ones. It's so important to evaluate each mic on its own terms.
So far as recommendations on a dynamic microphone, there's one that distinguishes itself from all others. That's the Shure SM57. In the testimonials of countless artists, it's one of the finest pieces of gear ever designed. If you've ever listened to a known artist's record there's a good chance that you've heard an SM57 on the recordings. You could almost put money on it. It's one of the most celebrated microphones and can be used for snare drums, electric guitars, violins, percussion and much more, but it's also widely used on vocals. (I've sometimes said that I'd like to make an entire record using only this mic and it wouldn't suffer enough for the average listener to know). New they're extremely inexpensive. If you're still recording in twenty years, chances are you'll still be reaching for this mic.
If you're moving toward getting a condenser mic, one of the main reasons for doing so is that they pick up more of the nuances on the low end and a bit more detail on the highs. That being said, there are still great sounding condensers and horrible sounding ones.
If you are interested in a condenser, I would advise you to buy one that will do a reasonably good job rather than the 1st inexpensive one that you see on sale. The majority of these cheap microphones are that they sound terrible; reason being that they more often than not have a course and brittle sound. It might sound good at first as people are drawn to brighter sonorities, but If you're recording several tracks and you try to compress them, that harshness will come full forward and punch you in a bad way. A build up of tracks recorded with one of the better condenser mics are actually going to sound smooth and very pleasing to the ear.
Here's one more I would recommend. A usable and affordable condenser mic is the MXL-V67. With a good mic preamp, this mic will outshine many condensers that are far more expensive.
So, if you don't have much to spend, these 2 microphones are good investments for a first time buyer however, the most important thing is to do more research; ask experienced engineers and find out what they can teach you.
Let's take a look at vocal mics for a minute People are going to tell you that you need a condenser for doing vocals. Think again! Here's a sampling of the many successful artists that think otherwise: Red Hot Chili Peppers, U2, Bonnie Raitt, Metallica, Incubus, Bjork to name just a few. Obviously they can use whichever they would like to, but they've chosen a dynamic mic for their vocals.
In terms of caliber and character there are some awesome dynamic mics and some awful dynamic ones. In the same way there are superb condenser mics and terrible ones. It's so important to evaluate each mic on its own terms.
So far as recommendations on a dynamic microphone, there's one that distinguishes itself from all others. That's the Shure SM57. In the testimonials of countless artists, it's one of the finest pieces of gear ever designed. If you've ever listened to a known artist's record there's a good chance that you've heard an SM57 on the recordings. You could almost put money on it. It's one of the most celebrated microphones and can be used for snare drums, electric guitars, violins, percussion and much more, but it's also widely used on vocals. (I've sometimes said that I'd like to make an entire record using only this mic and it wouldn't suffer enough for the average listener to know). New they're extremely inexpensive. If you're still recording in twenty years, chances are you'll still be reaching for this mic.
If you're moving toward getting a condenser mic, one of the main reasons for doing so is that they pick up more of the nuances on the low end and a bit more detail on the highs. That being said, there are still great sounding condensers and horrible sounding ones.
If you are interested in a condenser, I would advise you to buy one that will do a reasonably good job rather than the 1st inexpensive one that you see on sale. The majority of these cheap microphones are that they sound terrible; reason being that they more often than not have a course and brittle sound. It might sound good at first as people are drawn to brighter sonorities, but If you're recording several tracks and you try to compress them, that harshness will come full forward and punch you in a bad way. A build up of tracks recorded with one of the better condenser mics are actually going to sound smooth and very pleasing to the ear.
Here's one more I would recommend. A usable and affordable condenser mic is the MXL-V67. With a good mic preamp, this mic will outshine many condensers that are far more expensive.
So, if you don't have much to spend, these 2 microphones are good investments for a first time buyer however, the most important thing is to do more research; ask experienced engineers and find out what they can teach you.
No comments:
Post a Comment