Best mic for recording under $300?

**tmlfan123** · 02-08-2012, 06:52 AM

I'm running a pretty simple setup, a Lexicon Lambda interface and running my Seagull acoustic and Roland FP-4 keyboard through it. Now I'm looking at mics. Primarily for recording my voice and my sister's voice - so far I've been using a $50 USB mic and I'm quite ready to ditch that after having to deal with a ton of ambient noise/hiss and having to find that perfect distance away from it to sing. This is our latest if it helps, using the Lambda and patch cording my Seagull in, and then the USB mic for the voices. The voices were recorded separately. I would like to be able to use the mic secondarily for recording my guitar as well. Here are three I was looking at so far:

MXL® Microphones - MXL V67GS Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone

Audio-Technica - Microphones, headphones, wireless microphone systems, noise-cancelling headphones & more : AT2050 Multi-pattern Condenser Microphone

APEX APEX460 Large Diaphragm Studio Microphone at FrontEndAudio.com

Has anyone had experience with any of these? I talked with one of the employees at the local Long & McQuade, and he recommended the Apex 460 personally, as one that he personally owned and would compare to several thousand dollar mics he's tried. Right now that's the only in-person recommendation I've received. I've heard my voice through an AT2020, and it sounded almost distant, however reviews of the AT2050 I've read speak to its warmth. The MXL V67GS is the cheapest of the three, which is highly desirable, but I'm worried that it will pick up a lot of ambience as well. It was highly praised in the reviews on Amazon.

If you've used one of these or if you have a better idea, I would love to hear it.

**Gustin** · 02-08-2012, 11:04 PM

Honestly, as unsexy as it is, the best mic you can get for under 300 is probably an SM57. Will work on EVERYTHING and it will make your (most likely) less than ideal recording environment nearly a non-issue. Get one on Ebay for 50-75 and you can still get one of those budget condensers.

**tmlfan123** · 02-09-2012, 08:10 PM

And you think it'll still provide the kind of voice I'm looking for? My main focus is getting good warmth and tone on vocals. But if an SM57 will do the job at under 100 bucks, I'd be pretty happy.

**Gustin** · 02-10-2012, 01:00 AM

57 is more an instrument mic than vocal mic, but it's really a good "all rounder". It's going to be much much warmer than any of those condensers. Just add a windscreen/pop-shield and it should do just fine on vocals.

If you're looking for the absolute best vocal mic for around 300, I would go with an SM7b, but if I only had 1 mic... sm57 hands down.

**tmlfan123** · 02-10-2012, 07:20 AM

Thanks, that's good to know.

AdamAPHC · 02-10-2012, 01:22 PM

Honestly each mic is going to sound different. If possible I would try out the ones you are considering.

I obsessed over finding the best <$300 mic for months... and I eventually went with the Blue Bluebird. Got it for $250 brand new and it sounds loud, clear and creamy.

I have a <$300 Audio Technical as well and it's on the abrasive side.

pfirst · 02-10-2012, 07:09 PM

My personal favorite is the Rodie NTA, I've used mine for many applications for over 4 years.. But for a bargain the 57 with a tube preamp is a pretty good choice too. Back, back , back in the day 60-70's several acts used them for their recorded vocals. I've always used a tube pre-amp with most of my mics, be for you buy something new, you might give it a try. I have used a Presonus $100 for my home recording with some good results. I have been around some out standings prea-amps but they are very pricey.

Bushman · 02-11-2012, 11:23 AM

For vocals, I use a couple of Electro Voice N/D767A Dynamics. They are warm and articulate and have great feedback rejection for live use.
Check them out here: Electro-Voice N/D767a Premium Dynamic Vocal Microphone
At Church they use the N/D967's with great results.