Opinions on Mics for around $300

[gman97040]

Hi All,

I am thinking about getting a new microphone for recording. I currently have AT2020 from Audio-Tech that I have been using for a couple of years and it is just OK.

I made my budget $300. Will a $300 microphone be better then the Audio-Tech AT2020?

My use for the new microphone will be vocals and acoustic guitar. In your opinion what are the best options for around $300? What are you basing your opinion on?

Thanks,

[jim1960]

Originally Posted by gman97040

I made my budget $300. Will a $300 microphone be better then the Audio-Tech AT2020?

Brand new, probably not. But if you're up for a used mic, you have some options that would up your mic game a little. The AT4040, AKG 214, Blue Bluebird and maybe even the Blue Baby Bottle should be attainable at that price. Any of those would be nice upgrades from your 2020.

[runamuck]

Unless you have an acoustically treated recording space any upgrade you make to an AT2020 will be insignificant.

[TBman]

I use a WA 47 Jr, $299 and a WA-14 $324, but I have 5 ATS 2'x4'x4" acoustic free standing panels that I use to make a small cubicle like area and I record in a very quiet basement. I threw a few bucks at mics for a few years but the ATS panels caused the biggest improvement in my recordings. (see tune in signature).

[Rudy4]

I don't have any personal knowledge of how broadband absorbers are used, but in almost every photo I see any panels are used to the rear of the mics.

I understand the logic in this, but it ignores the "room sound" that originates from behind the singer / player. That seems fairly important since the front of the microphones are going to be much more likely to pick up the reflected room sound.

It seems to me that only part of the problem is being addressed if we don't consider what's being presented to the mic as reflected from behind. I know that the idea is to absorb as much as possible as it is generated, but a good portion of what is released intro the space goes toward the rear, maybe 25%?

I do know that some of the well respected audio engineers consider this important if you are going to address "room sound" effectively.

To the O.P. regarding mic choices. I have several "consumer level" microphones and I can recommend the Roswell Mini K-47 if you can manage to stretch your budget to $400. This LDC just sounds very neutral and un-hyped to me, just a really pleasant and smooth mic that is useful for vocal or instrument use. I think you'll find that the large majority of the LDCs at the 300 and under level generally have a boosted high end that initially sounds good but grows fatiguing after using them for a while.

Your AT2020 is a nice mic, but it is a medium size diaphragm condenser if that matters to you.

Don't overlook looking through the "AGF Members Gear List" sticky at the top of this forum heading.

[TBman]

Originally Posted by Rudy4

I don't have any personal knowledge of how broadband absorbers are used, but in almost every photo I see any panels are used to the rear of the mics.

I understand the logic in this, but it ignores the "room sound" that originates from behind the singer / player. That seems fairly important since the front of the microphones are going to be much more likely to pick up the reflected room sound.

It seems to me that only part of the problem is being addressed if we don't consider what's being presented to the mic as reflected from behind. I know that the idea is to absorb as much as possible as it is generated, but a good portion of what is released intro the space goes toward the rear, maybe 25%?

I do know that some of the well respected audio engineers consider this important if you are going to address "room sound" effectively.

To the O.P. regarding mic choices. I have several "consumer level" microphones and I can recommend the Roswell Mini K-47 if you can manage to stretch your budget to $400. This LDC just sounds very neutral and un-hyped to me, just a really pleasant and smooth mic that is useful for vocal or instrument use. I think you'll find that the large majority of the LDCs at the 300 and under level generally have a boosted high end that initially sounds good but grows fatiguing after using them for a while.

Your AT2020 is a nice mic, but it is a medium size diaphragm condenser if that matters to you.

Don't overlook looking through the "AGF Members Gear List" sticky at the top of this forum heading.

I need 2 more panels to put behind me, I know.

[dnf777]

I’ll second TBmans Warm Audio. I also have the 47jr and am very happy with it. It also hits in your budget.

[KevWind]

Originally Posted by Rudy4

I don't have any personal knowledge of how broadband absorbers are used, but in almost every photo I see any panels are used to the rear of the mics.

I understand the logic in this, but it ignores the "room sound" that originates from behind the singer / player. That seems fairly important since the front of the microphones are going to be much more likely to pick up the reflected room sound.

It seems to me that only part of the problem is being addressed if we don't consider what's being presented to the mic as reflected from behind. I know that the idea is to absorb as much as possible as it is generated, but a good portion of what is released intro the space goes toward the rear, maybe 25%?

I do know that some of the well respected audio engineers consider this important if you are going to address "room sound" effectively.

I am guessing that is more a matter of the "photo's not giving a 360 degree view because bass traps, broad band absorbers, and sometimes diffusers are also used at the sides back of well treated rooms and there are two aspects which are (recording) and then (mixing) that can sometimes be different for optimum acoustics
Also note there are two kinds absorber mounting/use options as well = Wall mounted and portable gobo (i.e Barrys photo is showing gobos )

Now this diagram below , is of course a mixing situation with wall mount , but in a small one room set up is a typical recommendation and would help for recording as well

[gman97040]

Thanks all for your feedback. Sounds like a good starting point and something I have not utilized is some sort of acoustic treatment for where I am recording before spending money on a new mic.

[MarkF_48]

Also take a look at the Miktek MK300 (multi-pattern and transformer coupled output) which is on sale at Sweetwater presently.
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/det...ser-microphone

[jim1960]

Originally Posted by gman97040

Thanks all for your feedback. Sounds like a good starting point and something I have not utilized is some sort of acoustic treatment for where I am recording before spending money on a new mic.

If you have no room treatment, that really is the best bang for the buck to improve the sound of your recordings. In the stickied thread, there's a video section on room treatment that might be helpful.

[DupleMeter]

I agree that you should treat your room before investing in a new mic. When the time comes for a new mic, definitely check out the Roswell Pro Audio stuff. I've been using a pair of their mini k67x mics at the studio...choosing them over single mics that cost 3 times what the pair cost. They're the best inexpensive option I've heard yet.

[Al Acuff]

Originally Posted by gman97040

Hi All,

I am thinking about getting a new microphone for recording. I currently have AT2020 from Audio-Tech that I have been using for a couple of years and it is just OK.

I made my budget $300. Will a $300 microphone be better then the Audio-Tech AT2020?

My use for the new microphone will be vocals and acoustic guitar. In your opinion what are the best options for around $300? What are you basing your opinion on?

Thanks,

If I had $300 saved up for a better sounding mic I would buy a good dynamic microphone like a used Beyerdynamic M-88. It's a great sounding mic and it has become a classic. It will hold it's value better than a cheap condenser and IMHO it will give you better sound quality––especially in an untreated room.

[jacf]

Originally Posted by Al Acuff

If I had $300 saved up for a better sounding mic I would buy a good dynamic microphone like a used Beyerdynamic M-88. It's a great sounding mic and it has become a classic. It will hold it's value better than a cheap condenser and IMHO it will give you better sound quality––especially in an untreated room.

Beyer M-88 is a great dynamic mic and easy to use on guitar and vocals if you’re relatively inexperienced (like me!)

[mondoslug]

Originally Posted by runamuck

Unless you have an acoustically treated recording space any upgrade you make to an AT2020 will be insignificant.

You know what, this is a very popular perspective...and I get it, but I respectfully disagree. YMMV of course!