I know very little about microphones and I'd like to pick up an inexpensive mic to use with a digital 4 track for recording guitar, vocals, keys and maybe drums. I know I can do better than the SM-57 and SM-58, but I need some help here. I'd be willing/able to spend about $150. Thanks in advance.

audio technica pro 37-r. they're around 100 plus you'll need a phantom power unit.

What's wrong with sm-57 and 58? seriously? they're good mics. a couple of those would be the best place to start i think..

Kayte R. wrote:What's wrong with sm-57 and 58? seriously? they're good mics. a couple of those would be the best place to start i think..

there are much better mics in this price range (or close to it). the pro 37r is a good example. also the Oktava MK-012. audix D4. akg d112. stedman n90. at4040. the list goes on and on. sm58s and 57s are good live mics though, durable and sturdy beyond comparison, imo.

mtar

the more I use shure (57, 58, 52 ...) the more I dislike those mics. Cheap mic by shure are not good for studio (to me) but I must admit that for live they are perfect.
peraps try audio technica ...

you can get an oktava 319 on ebay for around 100 bucks.

it's a great large diaphragm condenser for the money.

the akg d112 is also very good for the price, but if you're not recording bass or kick drum, you may be hard pressed to find use for its excellent low frequency response. (it also handles a shitload of high SPL)

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... eName=WDVW

Similar to the AT 4033 (which is a very good all-purpose mic). The price is nice, too. Hurry!

Any German, Austrian or Russian condenser mic would be a great start.

Although there is nothing wrong with general purpose dynamics, condensers are so cheap at the moment and can suit a wide variety of sources. Watch out for some of those Chinese ones though.

If you don't have phantom power, have a look on Ebay for (cheap) Beyer M88, M260 or M201 mics, or Sennheiser MD421 mics (try worldwide).

If you wait around, you can usually get a good deal.

quick question re: dynamics vs condensers

can any generalizations be made about them, other than phantom power requirement/sensitivity?

like... spectrum-wise....

Condensers have a wider frequency response (generally) and a faster transient response (better interpretation of treble and fast attacks). They also have upper frequency resonance, eg. around 12Khz. This makes them sound bright and is related to design.

Dynamics usually have a narrower frequency response and slower transient response. They are therefore usually less clinical and less accurate sounding. They generally handle higher spl levels. Cheaper dynamics sometimes have lumpy frequency responses. Some of the cheap Shure dynamics have shocking responses, but its how they sound that matters at the end of the day.

Ribbons are a compromise in some ways.... Well, kind of.