Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

Portable Studio - Mic of choice

H

hukuma

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Jul 15, 2007
29
0
San Diego, CA
OK...trying to get a nice rig together to take up into the mountains (will be indoors) for some writing/recording. Doesn't have to be 'pro' sound...although it would be nice...unfortunately, my skills wouldn't allow that with even the best gear. I'm simply trying to get some demo sketches together. Ideally, this would be a portable solution that could be carted around easily. I'd like to keep it lightweight and durable.
Here's what I'm bringing so far...MBP, Apogee Duet, Guitar (trying to keep it down to one), M-Audio 49 keyboard (to lay down beats, piano sounds, etc.) and a mic. OK...that's the issue...what would be a good, multi-purpose mic (vocals, hand percussion (perhaps), guitar). I would like something less than $400. Any thoughts?
BTW...I'm using Logic Studio and I love it. I'm new to the whole recording thing...I've been a 'pay someone else' recording guy. That gets very expensive, particularly when you're just working out tunes to share with other artists.
This forum has been very helpful...rock on.
Also...just saw Van Halen last week...EVH is unreal (still).
 
High quality microphones tend to be very specialized. If you're looking to invest in something vocal orientated I really like my AT 4050 which is pretty as opposed to mellow. Vocals recorded on it sit well above acoustic instruments. You can pick that up for about >300 of the puny $.

To record anything but vocals (but hey I've seen the strokes use them as vocal mics in gigs) I can recommend the sm57 which sells for about 150 $ as a good all rounder and it's tougher than a Polish builder on speed.

If you elaborate on the sound of the voice you're recording, or the sound you want from it we will be able to make more specific suggestions.
 
Thanks

Thanks for the reply. I've got a couple of SM-57's lying around, as I have use them to mic my kit on the road for decades. I have found that they don't serve me well as vocal mics...although it's quite possible that it's me, not the mic.
As for the vocals...they are mine...I have been told that I sound like Glen Campbell, but I don't let it go to my head. For those too young or not aware of him...he's not so bad.
That said, I'd like to be able to record female vocals as well. The key here is a 'one size fits all' mic...portability is what I'm looking for.
 
hukuma said:
The key here is a 'one size fits all' mic
Click to expand...

as above, given your budget, i'd say look at the AT line. regarding the mics i have, though, i'd say a shure ksm32. it's over your budget, but it's the only mic i have that has always been at least acceptable on all voices i've tried.
 
I just bought a Neumann KMS 105 and it sounds great through my Apogee Duet. I got it used on ebay for $400, and it makes me and my Martin sound like a million bucks. :cool:
 
keep an open mind...

this is an outside the box concept that i learned from a mega-successful engineer friend...

try the rhode nt4 stereo mic.

i've worked with him using it as a vox mic, an acoustic guitar mic and, of course, on obvious things such as drum overheads...with superb results. mind you, we have access to all the tubes, fet, etc mics and we've come back to the nt4 time and time again. it's not perfect for everything but it would be a nice addition to your 57's.( and i've done whole freakin records using 57's...).

if you decide you can throw a few more bones in the budget...i'd highly advise the lautner horizon tube mic....stunning and only about $600.00 street price.

good luck
 
Lord Patton - I couldn't agree more...those songs rock. I was actually impressed with DLR...he sounded great and wasn't 'too' obnoxious.
3rdPath - I'll have a look at the rhode nt4 stereo mic...haven't heard of it, but it's worth a look.

I'm looking forward to a late night tonight...beers, guitars, beers, apogee duet and MBP w/Logic, etc.
 
I would 2nd the at4050 recommendation if you are looking
for a good all around versatile mic. This is what I like about
it:

1) Multiple Polar Patterns - omni,fig-8,cardioid

2) 3/4" Diaphram - smaller than most LDCs that are 1" gives
it a little better response to fast transients, not
as boomy (less prone to proximity effect), and flatter eq.

3) True Capacitor Mic and made in Japan - higher quality
than alot of those cheap chinese electret LDCs you find
out there.

4) Very neutral sounding - Good if you need versatility
for both vocal and instruments. If you need character (like
a high-mids hyped u87), look elsewhere.

I've got a pair of these and love em! Hope this helps.

Mandoman

PS. I think some beers and toying with logic and duet
after work tonight is a good call! :D
 
the at4050 is a good mic for the money ... but as a more do everything work horse I would lean more towards the AKG 414
 
Drumjim85 said:
the at4050 is a good mic for the money ... but as a more do everything work horse I would lean more towards the AKG 414
Click to expand...

I've wanted to own akg 414's for ever. Someday I'll pick up
a pair.

What I know about them is they have a bit more character
to them - they won't sound as neutral as 4050's and
may not sound good on everyones vocals.

I'm not saying one is better than the other, just different.
 
The AT 4050 is a killer mic, Although I do not consider it a portable mic. Marshall (no relation to the amps) makes some really nice less expensive mics. You will not find a lot of pro studios using them, but when I need field condenser mic I use them. They cam out with a USB powered condenser mic. Don't know the quality of it but it may be worth a look see.
 
synth3tik said:
The AT 4050 is a killer mic, Although I do not consider it a portable mic. Marshall (no relation to the amps) makes some really nice less expensive mics. You will not find a lot of pro studios using them, but when I need field condenser mic I use them. They cam out with a USB powered condenser mic. Don't know the quality of it but it may be worth a look see.
Click to expand...

if you used a mic that had USB out you would be stuck with that mics pre and coverter. And I believe the op has an apogee. Which would be better than any all in one device.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back