Best inexpensive vocal mic

[jonesbrass]

What is the best inexpensive vocal mic out there?

[dave hiwatt]

do you mean for recording or live? for live work it's hard to be a shure sm-58

[Rickster]

I'd go the Shure sm-58 beta for live vocal work.

[jonesbrass]

I am interested in a home studio mic/live mic, so it would have to do an adequate job for recording. What can I expect for an inexpensive mic?

[Acousticado]

Check this "Microphone" discussion link at the HomeRecording.com web site. The FAQ (Sticky) thread near the top has lots of good comparison info. The SM-58 fairs well, but it really depends on the quality you want and how much you're willing to spend.
http://www.homerecording.com/bbs/for...php?forumid=27

[jonesbrass]

thanks, everybody!

[JohnZ]

SM-57...........58's are muddy by comparison. If plosives are a problem for live work a windscreen will take care of that. They're made in Mexico now and run $80 to $90.

There's a reason nearly every professional studio has them.

[Chicago Sandy]

I like SM57s for guitar and either a Beta 58A or an Audix OM-5 for lead vocal. The only difference between an SM57 and SM58 is the shape of the capsule cover (a friend who worked for Shure told me). Either can be had for under $100 new and much less used. I paid $150 for the Beta 58A (a little crisper) and $200 for the OM-5. All the above are dynamics. I also sometimes use a Shure 5.1 condenser for recording vocals--about $120, but too delicate for stage use. If you want good and cheap, though, look for any of the above used--as well as used Electro-Voice PL95A (dynamic) and PL80 (condenser); for miking my bass cabinet I've always liked the EV N-Dym (it has a swivel mount so you can hang it over the top of the cabinet and still point the capsule at the grille).
If even that's too expensive, Guitar Center sometimes runs a special on Audio-Technica dynamics--3/$49, INCLUDING separate mic cables. Definitely a loss-leader for GC, and we've used them perfectly adequately on stage--they're rugged, too. DO NOT buy those Sony or AT karaoke mics you see at Best Buy or Circuit City--they are cheap phenolic plastic (sometimes so poorly cured you can smell it when you put it near your mouth), flimsy, have integrated cables that often fail, and can't handle high SPLs.

[Acousticado]

Originally Posted by Chicago Sandy

I like SM57s for guitar and either a Beta 58A or an Audix OM-5 for lead vocal. The only difference between an SM57 and SM58 is the shape of the capsule cover (a friend who worked for Shure told me). Either can be had for under $100 new and much less used. I paid $150 for the Beta 58A (a little crisper) and $200 for the OM-5. All the above are dynamics. I also sometimes use a Shure 5.1 condenser for recording vocals--about $120, but too delicate for stage use. If you want good and cheap, though, look for any of the above used--as well as used Electro-Voice PL95A (dynamic) and PL80 (condenser); for miking my bass cabinet I've always liked the EV N-Dym (it has a swivel mount so you can hang it over the top of the cabinet and still point the capsule at the grille).
If even that's too expensive, Guitar Center sometimes runs a special on Audio-Technica dynamics--3/$49, INCLUDING separate mic cables. Definitely a loss-leader for GC, and we've used them perfectly adequately on stage--they're rugged, too. DO NOT buy those Sony or AT karaoke mics you see at Best Buy or Circuit City--they are cheap phenolic plastic (sometimes so poorly cured you can smell it when you put it near your mouth), flimsy, have integrated cables that often fail, and can't handle high SPLs.

I'm certainly no expert with mics, but according to the HomeRecording.com FAQ I referenced in my post above, be careful when buying used mics. Not that you can't find one in great shape, but there may be a reason why it's for sale -- like it was dropped and damaged, for example -- and you may be none-the-wiser until it's too late. I was thinking of buying a used SM57 or 58 myself, but I may buy new in consideration of what I'm learning at HomeRecording.com.

[DVGuy]

Check out this MXL mic. I got one (and two other MXL mics) and they are great. Comes with a shockmount and a case for $69 and free shipping (if your order is big enough). That is a great deal on a excellent quality mic.

[min7b5]

57
Sounds great, and you can use it as a hammer in a pinch.

[aggie182]

check out sennheiser mics. good mics for the price imo.