Microphone recommendations

[Syde]

Hey linus tech tips forum. 

 

I was looking to buy a microphone for instrumental and vocal recordings. I've heard many good things about røde microphones but I don't know which one to get. If anyone could leave a recommendation that would be great. 

[Oldaccount1234123]

What's your price range? 

 

Behringer make good mics in my opinion: http://www.music-group.com/Categories/Behringer/c/Behringer?active=Products

[Syde]

5 minutes ago, Daanish said:

What's your price range? 

 

Behringer make good mics in my opinion: http://www.music-group.com/Categories/Behringer/c/Behringer?active=Products

I don't really have a price range so just give me some recommendations in different price ranges.  thanks 

[spellmanuk]

audio technica at-2020 is a good mic for both voice and instruments but obviously if you get the xlr version you will need a pre amp and if you get the usb version you wont but both go for under £120 on amazon  infact the xlr one is like £85 atm 

[ShadowCaptain]

Dont forget you probably need an audio interface too

Maybe something like a zoom h5 and Rode NTG 2, probably best asking on a music forum or calling a music store that sells mics

[ALwin]

1 hour ago, Syde said:

Hey linus tech tips forum. 

 

I was looking to buy a microphone for instrumental and vocal recordings. I've heard many good things about røde microphones but I don't know which one to get. If anyone could leave a recommendation that would be great. 

I would suggest something like a RODE M1 or Shure SM58 for vocals.  They are dynamic mics designed for vocals.  They cost around $100 each.

 

(You can also use condenser mics for vocals).

For instrumentals, what sort of instruments do you want to record?  

A basic set of mics I would recommend will be something like the RODE NT5 condenser pencil mics, a matched pair set.  They cost around $430 for the matched pair.  

A step above that would be the RODE NT55 matched pair which comes with both cardioid and omni capsules. Costs around $830 for the set.

A RODE NT4 XY stereo is another good option if you don't want to deal with setting up 2 separate mics, costs a bit over $500.

 

A Shure SM57 dynamic makes for a nice instrumental mic too, it's popular as a snare mic for drum setups.  Costs around $100.

An AKG D112 makes for a nice kick mic for a drum setup.

 

Multipattern mics like a Sennheiser MK 8 or similar alternative mics by RODE, AKG, etc. will also make good mics.  I don't remember the name of all the various  models of mics on the market, so I am only using the names of the ones I have as examples. You don't always have to buy these expensive mics.

 

It all depends on what kind of setup you are looking to use, the recording techniques and the instruments you play.

 

Another thing to look at when buying mics for instruments are the frequency responses. Different instruments produce sounds at different frequencies, so you need to look for mics that cover those ranges.

http://www.independentrecording.net/irn/resources/freqchart/main_display.htm

 

If you want, we can further talk in detail and I can give you advice.  I had to learn about all these things when I signed up for a documentary project to film some musicians playing tribal/ethnic instruments.

[ALwin]

Also, keep in mind that the microphone(s) is only ONE part of the entire audio chain.  Do you already have a mixer/interface and software for editing audio?  If not, we can talk and I can recommend some setups.

[Syde]

44 minutes ago, ALwin said:

Also, keep in mind that the microphone(s) is only ONE part of the entire audio chain.  Do you already have a mixer/interface and software for editing audio?  If not, we can talk and I can recommend some setups.

I have a software but I don't have an interface or I have one I haven't tried using it so I don't know if it's any good 

[ALwin]

2 hours ago, Syde said:

I have a software but I don't have an interface or I have one I haven't tried using it so I don't know if it's any good 

What is the software you have and if you have an interface, which one is it?

 

I am thinking one of these devices might be useful for you as an interface and controller.

https://www.zoom-na.com/products/production-recording/multi-track-recorders