SOUND ON SOUND

[garrettendi]

So I thought it would be helpful to anyone who, like me, records on a shoestring budget. I propose this thread where anyone can give a shoutout for any budget mics they recommend.

The rules: £100 or less - new only. So no recommending the used U87 you got for £80 round the back of The Pig and Whistle...

I'll start: The Sennheiser e835. I think its around £90 or so, and in my opinion cannot be beaten as a dynamic mic for the price. It's very flattering for my (poor) voice, and is perfect for punk or metal vocals!

Anyone else want to weigh in?

[Arpangel]

Worker Bee?

[garrettendi]

Worker Bee?

Looks good! Not heard of it until now but I can't find it for £100 or less?

[forumuser840717]

The rules: £100 or less - new only. So no recommending the used U87 you got for £80 round the back of The Pig and Whistle...

So I shouldn't mention the one I got for £30 at a farm auction near Tiverton in about 1995. It didn't have a box but did come with a stand and a cable. :tongue:

[Arpangel]

You could do a lot worse than an SM57, I’ve found lately, it works well if you want to get close and personal, and has a very flattering sound, at least on my voice.

[blinddrew]

I'm a fan of the AKG D5 for live stuff, a good alternative to have alongside an SM58 if the Shure is getting a bit screechy.

[The Elf]

I'd take a D5 over an SM58 every time.

[garrettendi]

I have the D5 and got to say, I'm not a fan. Maybe I'm using it wrong?

[Sam Spoons]

Stage vocal mics all need to be used close to sound right, the frequency response is tailored to take the proximity bass lift into account so used at a distance (say 6-12" or more they will sound thin. But it could be that the D5 just doesn't suit your voice?

[Ben Asaro]

Lewitt has a few lower-priced options that are well-regarded, though I’ve not tried. I use an SM57, Sennheiser e609, or Audix D2 and have no complaints.

[garrettendi]

Stage vocal mics all need to be used close to sound right, the frequency response is tailored to take the proximity bass lift into account so used at a distance (say 6-12" or more they will sound thin. But it could be that the D5 just doesn't suit your voice?

Yes I think you're right. The e835 is very flattering with my voice but the D5 just sounds a lot worse. I now use the D5 as an instrument mic and it's not too bad for that.

[Humble Bee]

Favourite for recording must be the Audio-Technica AT2020... Strangely good for the money.

[Wonks]

I have the D5 and got to say, I'm not a fan. Maybe I'm using it wrong?

It's bright and clear so doesn't suit all voices, though it does help with those who you'd struggle to hear with say an SM58. But what do other people think of the sound of the D5 compared to the e835 on your voice? You are often the worst person to gauge the sound of your own voice.

[garrettendi]

But what do other people think of the sound of the D5 compared to the e835 on your voice? You are often the worst person to gauge the sound of your own voice.

True. Maybe some time I'll A/B with another listener

[Wonks]

They might suggest you sing into a wooden spoon. ;)