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I've got an old 8-track cassette recorder and an analogue 16 channel desk but only one mic currently. I'm looking to get two more mics to expand my options when recording.

I'm going to be recording bands in my basement and I'm thinking I'll get an AKG D112 for bass cabs and kick drum and a Rode NT-1 for vocals and a makeshift overhead. I have an SM57 currently.

I've got about £200/$350 to spend what two mics should I get?

Thanks

I'm a beginner myself, and I really don't know much past what my ears tell me.

BUT, we just picked up an Octava MK 319, and we've used it on vocals. I think it's great.

We'll be recording some drums and acoustic guitar with it as well.

I don't know if we got a good deal or not, but we paid $99 at Guitar Center. It was a good deal for us, at least.

For what it's worth!
Ike

I second what Ike says-

Oktava mics are usually pretty cheap, especially at Guitar Center, and generally sound good. You should look into them and see what kind of deals you can get.

I got 2 Oktava Mk012's for $100 through Guitar Center.

For $200 to $350 you're not going to be able to get a lot, even on ebay. Red5 Audio sell a kick drum mic (the RVD1) for £60. They also have an LDC (RV6) that they sell for £45, You could get the RVD1 and a pair of RV6s for around $300. Probably less, since you wouldn't have to pay VAT.

That'd leave you with $20 to $40 to put towards an SM57.

You didn't really mention what kinds of music you're recording, but here's my two cents.....
If you've got only a single 57 now and are recording into a cassette 8 track, I'd just get a few more 57s. They're very versatile and you'll use them forever. You could always get something like the little oktava or possibly another cheap large condensor mic, but really, you'll get more use out of 5-6 57s. Wait until you upgrade some of your other gear before looking into other mics....
Again, probably not the answer you're looking for, but one that might save you some cash now and a few headaches of trying to use an overly bright condensor mic that will need other gear to sound it's best. Do you have phantom power on your board? Remember to budget in for more mic cables and stands. Seems kind of silly to spend more on the cable and stand than the mic itself....I'd say save up for a nicer vocal/overhead mic once you learn a bit more.
later,
m
later,
m

Caveat:

The Oktava's that Gtr. Ctr. get are not tested and there is no guarantee that they won't crap out on you, as I have had one do. The tested Oktavas that you can buy will last longer and are a better investment down the road.

I don't remember where you can get em. If I come up with the addy, I'll post it here.

Oh yeah, they are more expensive this way.

Faiz

Hey,
I suggest you to buy a AT PRO37R.
It's a bright condenser mic and you can use it on guitars, as drums overhead and on acustic instruments.

It's less than 100 € at Musicians-Gear and it is for sure better than 57s.

Good luck.

kerble wrote:The Oktava's that Gtr. Ctr. get are not tested and there is no guarantee that they won't crap out on you, as I have had one do. The tested Oktavas that you can buy will last longer and are a better investment down the road.

For an extra $20, you can buy an extended warranty (I believe it's three years) at GC.

Chris Garges
Charlotte, NC

Save another 50 to 100 and buy a AKG 414 used !
can be used for acoustic then put face to face w/a louder then fuck Marshall down to a sax then with all the mic patterns figure 8 to omni you can record a jazz band with one room mic.

classic mic that is in almost every big studio east to west .
best affordable great mic under -500

oktavas are cool too................save a little longer
-enjoy

I have an Oktava mk319 and its wonderful. Not overly clear at the top end (which strangely sounds really nice to me) but gives a generally warm sound without any eq, epecially when recording onto digital. Used a few others and there is a definite issue with consistency and Oktava. mk219s are pretty nice too, and can be picked up really cheap on ebay.

The Studio Projects B1 is really nice if you want another cheap LDC, a little brighter at the top. Pretty good as an overhead and room mic too.

Pro37R is a definite must, whenever i look for something a little different i always end up going for that, especially for banjo and close micing the strings on cello. Would probably still buy one at twice the price, i really do love that mic.