Which is the SM57 of condensor mics?

[Behind]

Hi guys!

So the title says everything. I'm quite lost concerning mics and prices. I'd like to know if there's a standard as sm57 is but for condensor mics. The price range is also important. I mean, prices similar to the 57.

My objective is to record better acoustic guitars and vocals. Any ideas?

 

[MindMunch]

I mean, prices similar to the 57.

Nope. But if you don´t have the money for something like an U67, the AT4040 it´s a pretty common choice.

 

[Strachan of D]

i would have said the akg c414 xls in terms of versatility

 

[markmazoo]

Look for an Audio Technica 4040 on ebay after the Grammys. I got one a couple of years ago that was used just that night at a decent discount.

 

[aortizjr]

Hmm... that is a good question. As far as mics that are good for everything, yeah a U87 or something. But then again, SM57's are cheap as hell.

I agree with the AT4040. I would also look at the CAD M179 since it sounds great and has all the polar patterns and such making it great on everything.

I would also consider a Shure KSM44 or KSM32, excellent sounding mics that are also great on everything. They don't have the harshness of many cheap condensers, don't have as signature of a sound as others, and really do just work on everything. Reasonably priced as well. And it is also by Shure...

 

[BLUElightCory]

I'd probably choose the AKG C414 B-ULS if I had to have just one mic for the rest of my life.

 

[Charlie E.]

I'd probably choose the AKG C414 B-ULS if I had to have just one mic for the rest of my life.

414 and sm57 are like bread and butter.

 

[greyskull]

414 or u87

 

[ahjteam]

C414, and it's in the same price range; below a grand.

 

[Proggm]

I've been using the at4050 quite a lot lately, lots of body without losing the focus on the mid-highs.

I think it was the only mic I used for recording the gtrs of my band, soldano x88r + 4x12 mesa cab (link in signature).

 

[kvoid]

For dirt cheap try the MXL V67g. It's a U67 knockoff, I like it, but it's not a patch on the Neumann. Not by a long shot.

 

[jangoux]

AKG 414.

Man, i hate the U87.

 

[Full_Tilt]

I like the AKG 414 but if you cant afford one then the AKG C3000b does quite a nice job , I picked mine up off eBay for about £75 which isnt far off SM57 money .

 

[OctoberRust]

For recording in a (bed)room with no accoustic treatment: do you think it's better to stick with the SM58 instead of a (likewise cheap) codenser mic, because the codenser would pick up too many unwanted/bad sounding room sounds?

 

[BLUElightCory]

Man, i hate the U87.

Gah!!! Me too!

I seriously thought I was the only one. I've never found a use for the 87 in which I didn't prefer another mic.

 

[Tommy Gun]

If you want something in the same price range as the 57, the AT2020 is actually a great mic for vocals and acoustic guitar tracking. Sound On Sound and some other mags have done shootouts with it up against far more expensive condensers and it usually gets the popular vote. I own one and I think it's easily worth twice what I paid for it.

 

[Jarkko Mattheiszen]

If you need something in about the same price range, have a look at the NT1-A. Works decent enough on vocals, acoustic guitar and drum room, but it's a bit on the bright side.

If you really want something that equals to the 57 in terms of quality and versatility, go for the 414.

 

[Strachan of D]

se electronics se4400 are another option

 

[amarshism]

I hate the nt1a. Too harsh and hot in my experience.

 

[crillemannen]

Sm7 would be the cheapest high-end mic you can get. Don't know how it works on guitar but it is great on vox and has been used on many famous recordings (vox)