Condensor Mics (Or, how to get a good vocal sound)

[BrandonS]

Hi there fellas.

I've been using an SM57 for vocals, both scream/growls and clean vocals. I usually have a chain like parametric eq, blockfish, and a little reverb... Well I have to admit the SM57 is leagues beyond the quality of what I started out with, but now I'm really looking for something that could get an even better sound for vocals. I'm mostly concerned with cleans here. I think I'm a tenor, according to what some random person said, but I do like to sing in a low range and that is the most comfortable. But I don't want to limit myself to just that.

I have an interface that has phantom power, so I was looking at some condensor mics on musiciansfriend.com... I was wondering what all of your experiences are with condensor mics and if this is something I should look into, for the best quality for my low-budget buck, as usual!

thanks mates

 

[seditz740novaprospect]

unless you have a treated room, stick to a good dynamic like an sm7 or re20 they work really well for clean vocals if used with a good pre... there like $350.00 tops new or lower budget beta 58 brighter than a standard 57 and a tighter pattern to reduce the room sound for around $160

if you do the at4050 is pretty versatile in a low budget condenser i don't own one but have used one numerous times.. really nice on heavy guitars as well as room mics and vocals in that price range its the go to cond..

 

[Metaltastic]

Yeah, I really want an AT4050, though if that's too steep, the 4040 is pretty much the same mic sans multi-polar patterns.

 

[greyskull]

for shouty rock and screams the sm7 is kings.
It gives singers with no balls seeeerious cahones

 

[seditz740novaprospect]

for shouty rock and screams the sm7 is kings.
It gives singers with no balls seeeerious cahones

i find the sm7 to be really smooth.. my favorite mic over some really high end ldc's i have... with a good aggressive pre like a neve,or somethign similar, you cannot go wrong for any style of male vocal with it...

 

[raisedfist]

I just used a Red5 audio RV6 which is a chinese condenser for £80 with stand and pop shield. I thought it was gonna be pants but I was surprised by the sound with heavier male vocals. I would say it is similar to a rode NT1 or Se 2200a but under half the price.

 

[ParsonsMatt]

I am very happy with the vocal sound I am able to get with an Audio Technica AT2020. MUCH better than an SM57. Of course, I'm sure the other suggestions are much nicer, but for me the AT2020 is good enough.

Here's a clip: http://www.soundclick.com/bands/page_songInfo.cfm?bandID=442291&songID=6699397

 

[ffaudio]

I agree that in your situation a SM7 would probably be the right choice. You can find them used for about $250.

Another bonus to them is you can sing with them in your hands if that's an issue.

 

[seditz740novaprospect]

I am very happy with the vocal sound I am able to get with an Audio Technica AT2020. MUCH better than an SM57. Of course, I'm sure the other suggestions are much nicer, but for me the AT2020 is good enough.

Here's a clip: http://www.soundclick.com/bands/page_songInfo.cfm?bandID=442291&songID=6699397

suggestion stay away from cheap ldc

the at2020 sounds really thin ...vocals have no body and sound tinny spend 100 dollars and get a 57 or 58 if things are huting in the cash dept... way better off..