I am just starting out, and was wondering if someone/someones could give me some suggestions on a few microphones to purchase? I need some all around good mics that can be used in multiple applications. I already own an SM57 and some SM58s (I know they aren't great). I have about 2 grand to spend, and want to get the most practical mics for my dollar. Thanks!

$2000?!??! Wow, that's awesome!

If I had that much, I would buy the mics I bought, but I'd get them all at once instead of one at a time...

Beyer M88
Shure SM7
Shure Beta52
Beyer M201
Sennheiser 421

...and a pair of some kinda nice condensors. I got Shure KSM137's, which I very much like, though I would have prefered KSM141's so I could do the polar pattern switching thing, but y'know. A pair of Audio Technics Pro37R's would do a similar job but for quite a bit cheaper. The pads on the KSM137 can come in handy though...

Sennheiser md421..bass guitar, bass drum, guitar, vocals,snare, toms, one of the first mics you should own. I have 3.

Shure sm57 cheap and useful..guitar,toms,snare, get 3

Large condenser for vocals mainly Shure ksm44 or, AKG 414

Electro Voice re-20 the best bass guitar mic in the world, and bass drum mic, good for vocals, guitar

Beyer ribbons are nice! the beyer m160, great guitar cab mic, great for overheads, vocals,

Ok 3 sennheiser 421's, $900
3 sm57's $300
Shure ksm44 or akg 414, $500- $700
peluso small diaphram mics $500- $600
This is what I would get for around 2 grand! Left the ev re-20 off because its $400. But as soon as you can add on get it. Same with the beyer m160.

shinybox make some pretty sweet ribbon mics. I've got a 23 myself, and it's beautiful. I'd imagine the 46 might be more convenient because it's smaller and won't weigh down your boom as much (especially if you get one of those 5 mic stand packages from sweetwater or something)


i wouldn't get any more 57's.

you can always just take the grill off of a 58 and have pretty much the same thing.

the md421 is a pretty staple choice. i also really like the md21, which is a little less common, but sounds way better than a 57 for about $100 on ebay.

ev re20 is supposed to be great as well. you could also go down the akg d112 route, which is a solid mic for kickdrum and bass. depending on your circumstances, you might only want to pick one of them though. ev pl20's are good too, and i think a little cheaper.

i'd also like to add that getting 3 of any one kind of microphone will be less exciting than getting 3 different microphones.

definitely get a Beyer M201.

i'm not sure if there are still quality control issues with Oktava, but you may want to get a matched pair of MK012's for drum overheads. last i checked, they were $300/pair on ebay.

hth

Thanks everyone for the suggestions! If anyone else has some suggestions they will be appreciated. Yeah, I am trying to stay away from the SM57s (I already have one), and anything else too bland. I know it is a workhorse, but I'm sure there are other mics out there that can do the same job and probably more.

Let me add this on...What mics are good for bass drum besides your normal "bass drum mics" like the Shure Beta and AKGD112? I think I've seen some old studio pics of guys using some sort of condenser on the bass drum. Any idea what that's about? Thanks again!

i forgot to mention that the Sennheiser MD21 (not 421) sounds preeeettttty fucking remarkable on the kick drum i've used it on.

better than the d112.

Nothing wrong with an SM-57 AS LONG AS you use it with its windscreen. You'd be amazed at how much difference it makes.

For my $2000, grab yourself a couple AKG C414 B-ULS ($1400 total), AKG-D112 (I believe the slightly cheaper alternative to the RE-20) & throw down on an SM-7. There, now you can track every instrument in a standard rock band. Now all you need is a recording medium, a good sounding room & some engineering chops!

Ohh & one more ridiculously under-priced mic. Trust me, they sound fabulous & only cost $70!!! MXL-2001 cardioid condensor. Large diaphram & exceptional sound for cheap!

2 Audio Technica 4033 (bass, electric guitar, vocal, ambience)
2 Audio Technica Pro37r (acoustic guitar, overheads)
2 Shure Beta 98 (toms, snare, kick drum batter side)
1 Shure KSM 137 (snare, acoustic guitar, jet engines)
1 Beyer M88 (kick drum, vocals, electric guitar)
1 AKG C414B-ULS (electric guitar, vocal, ambience)

Put some good mic pres down the line and you're in business.

Marc

421, I say. Or an AKG C414.