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Budget overall Mic Suggestions

M

mthao00

macrumors member
Original poster
Aug 24, 2007
50
0
I need a mic that will perform well in a situations - voice and instruments (acoustic guitars, amps) and for a price range of $300-$500

Options (probably search for lowest price - used or new):

  1. Shure KSM32
  2. Blue Bluebird
  3. AT 4047
  4. AT 4050

Best bang for the buck. Suggestions? Thanks, mT :apple:
 
I'm a fan of the ksm32, but I haven't tried those AT's. I like the 4040, but not as much as the ksm32. Fwiw.
 
My AT 4050 is a very nice mic IMO. Its clear and has well defined highs. I consider it akin to a reputable but fairly priced sparking white wine, airy, perhaps lacking a little in character but certainly cutting. It has none of the body of a red - like a neumann TLM 103 (which I've actually never heard this is just how it's been described to me). I think it's pretty flexible in its uses. I got it second hand for £150.
 
If you can, go to a Guitar Center or some other music store and try out the mics you listed (as well as some other ones, too!). Out of those listed, I've only heard the AT-4050, and it's a very nice general-purpose mic. It's a little above your budget, though, at around $600 new.
 
If you want to shell out a wee bit more ($600 range), the AKG C414 is bloody awesome. It sounds great on vocals, acoustic guitar, guitar amps, strings, horns, and a whole lot more. Really clear, defined highs and smooth, deep lows. It's got multiple polar patterns, a 6dB-18dB pad and a high pass filter at 0, 40, 80 or 160Hz.

Super versatile, and if you want to spend a little more, you can get a microphone that you can use in a massive variety of situations.
 
Thanks for the replies everyone. How about the Mojave MA-200? I know it's not a "budget" overall microphone but I've been reading and hearing great things about it.

mT :apple:
 
Sorry to piggyback on OP's thread but I'm also looking for a microphone, entry level price/performance. I'm looking into developing a personal podcast of little to no importance to the masses. I've looked at Sonnan (sp?) AKGs, etc through eBay with the budget of $100-$150 in mind.

Can I get some recommendations for this? Thank you.
 
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