Microphones For General Purpose Use

[seismic1]

Can anyone here recommend a reasonably priced microphone suitable for multi-purpose use. I'm looking to separately record electric guitar, electric bass and electric drums. Vocal capability would be nice too. I don't want to break the bank with this. I'm dipping my feet into the water with this.

[S1gnsOfL1fe]

This is the microphone I have sitting beside me, which I record all the podcasts with, guitars, and anything else I can think of.

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/pro-audio/akg-perception-420-condenser-microphone

It can be had for $250. If that's too much for you, there is also the 220 and the 120 which go for $150 and $99, respectively.

[seismic1]

Could you define 'breaking the bank'?

Also: do you have a mic pre/phantom power source already?

I was looking at a price range of $150-$300. Yes, I do have phantom power on the UX2.

I was quite impressed with the results obtained my D.H.Miltz at KVR with the MXL V63M although he doesn't use it for electric guitar, and I don't think it's available in Europe anyway

[GaryG]

If you're micing up guitar amps then, traditionally, simple dynamics like shure sm58/57 are favoured as opposed to condensers that can sound a bit too clean/hifi.

Whereas a half decent condenser will sound better (imo) on voices, acoustic instruments etc.

I have an MXL condenser (can't remember model... ) which is great on vocals and acoustic guitar and a couple of cheap dynamics that are fine for louder, messier sounds (found sounds). Also have an old tandy PZM which is great for just about anything. If you can stretch to $300 (pushing £200?) then I'd have though you could get a perfectly servicable condenser and dynamic with a bit of careful shopping).

[robojam]

If you're micing up guitar amps then, traditionally, simple dynamics like shure sm58/57 are favoured as opposed to condensers that can sound a bit too clean/hifi.

However, while the SM57 might work well for close miking, a good condenser is useful for picking up the ambient sound at distance from the amp. Having both recorded is great for mixing later.

[seismic1]

Ok. So It looks like I'm going to need 2 mics. Is there any significant difference between the SM57 and SM58?

So I'll be looking for a condenser up to about $225 (I just increased the total budget).

[S1gnsOfL1fe]

Did I mention the one I use is condenser? Seriously...it comes with a mic cradle and a really cool hardshell case. Can't go wrong there!

[phoenstorm]

i always thought sm57 and 58 are the same capsule, but different design of enclosure, sm 57 more geared to instruments/amps, 58 more for vocals, etc? Maybe someone can confirm. I don't know what exactly you are planning to do, but I'd start with a good dynamic...electrovoice used to have a good range of dynamics, too - in case the shure ones don't float your boat. with condensers the decision then is small vs large diaphragm. Octava is supposed to have great small.diaphragm condensers...especially if you're going for a stereo pair. if you're looking for a notch up from sm57,etc... the sennheiser 421/441, Shure Sm7b or EV RE 20 come to mind. Although I don't own that last one.

[robojam]

Yep, SM57 and SM58 are pretty much the same internally.

[GaryG]

And remember, legend has it, Michael Jackson recorded the 'Billie Jean' vocal with an SM58... ;)

[robojam]

And remember, legend has it, Michael Jackson recorded the 'Billie Jean' vocal with an SM58... ;)

I think that's a misnomer that the vocal was recorded with an SM57 and that it was in reality recorded with an SM7 (which is a condenser mic). I've heard that so many times before though.

[phoenstorm]

I am not sure what was used for Billie Jean, but the Sm7B is actually a dynamic - just a very good one in need of an immense ammount of gain (hence a good preamp is needed) ...and it sounds...rich. Seems to give you a "radio voice" out of the box.

[robojam]

Ah, my bad. It is a dynamic mic. I know it's quite a bit more expensive than an SM57, but that it's really not one of those ridiculously overpriced mics.

[seismic1]

I'm hoping to record some Prog (light-metal) stuff a la Porcupine Tree. Vocals aren't essential yet, and I was going to try DI for the bass and guitars first of all. Basic drum grooves are probably going to be produced via MIDI recorded from my TD4K kit triggering SD2. I need to find a kit with a similar sound to Gavin Harrison's. I hope that I will be able to handle the bass (Squier Jazz Active 4) and some of the guitar duties with my Ibanez/Strat. For any leads I can possibly use Shreddage 2. This is going to be a backburner project anyway as I have plenty of other stuff that I'm working on.