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Good, cheap all-around microphone?


RABid

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I last bought a microphone about 15 years ago. Back then the standard was Sure SM 56 or 57. Now I have no idea what to get. I would like to keep it at $150 or less but I seem to remember that is what my last Sure cost oh so long ago. I definitely do not want to spend $1000. There is just too many other good things to buy with that much money. Especially when I do not sing. My uses are in order of importance and frequency.

 

1. Vocoder. My Nord modular rack and a few other instruments have a vocoder option. For this I need 1/4" balanced or else I have to use the effects send of my mixer. It would probably be best if I get an adapter or second cable when I need to use 1/4".

 

2. Recording for samples. Most likely direct to hard drive in my computer. Anything from the clang of a pan to rainfall to me playing my congas or other percussion to make my own loops.

 

3. Word phrases and singing. I dont sing and I hardly speak in public but this is a good option. Something I might do is use recorded phrases that have been mutilated in Sound Forge.

This post edited for speling.

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Originally posted by Rabid:

I last bought a microphone about 15 years ago. Back then the standard was Sure SM 56 or 57.

 

I assume that you mean the Shure SM57/SM58, which are basically the same mic except that the 58 has a ball-shaped wind screen.

 

They still are the standard. Under $150, you can't really go wrong with the SM58. It works on pretty much anything. If you want a slightly more sensitive version, go with the Beta 58 - same mic with a different diaphragm.

 

You are correct in assuming that you will need two separate cables (the 58 doesn't come with one). Either get an XLR - XLR and an XLR-1/4", or just get the XLR-XLR and get an XLR-1/4" adaptor. You'll be fine.

 

dB

:snax:

 

:keys:==> David Bryce Music • Funky Young Monks <==:rawk:

 

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When you want to use a vocoder in a professional way - wich means that people can hear and understand the words you say, than don't use a microphone from $150.

 

It's well worth the costs to buy a more expensive one.

I prefer a condenser with a large membrane. And unfortunatly it is how bigger the price, how greater the results....

Download this small (448kb) piece of my music as a vocoder example.

:keys: My Music:thx: I always wondered what happened after the fade out?
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I have a beta 57A and I think it's a pretty decent all around mic. I bought it used for around $90, I think they go for $120. I used it for voice and acoustic guitar, and I thought it worked pretty well.

 

There are some condensers in the $300 dollar range, I don't think you'll be able to go much less than that. The Rode comes to mind (NTK I think is the model, there are a few other ones.

 

Take a look at Craig's forum. There's been talk about this, including a topic I started when I was shopping for a mic/preamp/compressor.

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You might want to consider a small diaphragm condenser mic, like AKG's C1000. You can get them for less than $200 (I got one 6 months ago for $150), and it can run on a 9 volt battery if you don't have phantom power.

 

Peace all,

Steve

 

[ 12-27-2001: Message edited by: SWBuck1074@aol.com ]

><>

Steve

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