What good microphone can I get on a budget?

[desbest]

My £18 Philips microphone distorts my voice, and is a shambles for any serious recording. Do you know any good microphones I can buy on a budget? I only brought it because I didn't know anything about microphones.

[nowaysj]

The GLS Audio ES-58, 58-s, or the ES-57.

These are essentially Shure SM-57 clones, and they sound VERY similar to the real thing. Got my ES-58-S for... $25. Rock solid too. If I wanted to, I'm sure I could brain someone with one of these. Yes this is the test I always use to determine the solidity of an object.

Got this on Amazon.

[bassinine]

uh, mic for vocals, instruments, field recording?

zoom h2 would be great if you wanted to cover all the bases - plus it has a preamp built in, therefore it won't peak and distort your recording compared to what you're using now.

if you're not really into field recording i would just follow nowaysj's advice.

[tuckerlinen]

I bought the Yeti Usb mic. I didn't want to deal with a preamp. For $100 I am very satisfied. It's pretty bulky though but I just use it around the house and it's great for that.

Maybe more than you wanted to spend though.

[jrisreal]

i got the same one as tuckerlinen. its a great mic for the price.

my aunt does commercial voicovers and came to my house for a week or two. while she was here, she used my studio and my Yeti mic to record her commercial thing. The people who we were sending the audio to...they said it was perfect, crystal clear and no background noise...GET A YETI BOI!!!!!!!!
PS: I applied absolutely no processing to my aunt's vocal...that says something doesn't it?

[bassinine]

The zoom h1 and h2 both record in wav (up to 24 bit 96k hz) or mp3 (128-320), have xy mics for surround sound.Both Have USB ports and a low cut as well. The h1 I got for $95 (I've thought recordings were really people talking to me) the h2 has a pre amp built in an it's $150. I don't mean to sound like an advertisement - I just can't see the reason to get anything else, especially when you consider portability.

[nowaysj]

Have an h4n. I was using it in the studio today as a secondary room mic for some ambiance. You can make amazing recordings with it, but it is extremely sensitive to moderate spl, and that is putting it mildly. Imo, it is something other than a standard solid general purpose mic. Op didn't mention what he is recording though...

[Debaser1]

To be honest, for home recording, the best all rounder will be a Shure SM57/58. Best value and best all rounder.

[rachtiiibam]

The Se Electronics Se X1 is really good for its price. I have worked with it and had great results. Price: 100 euros.

http://www.seelectronics.com/sEX1.html

This is a swedish review but theres an english translation under.
http://www.seelectronics.com/revpdfs/x1 ... -se_x1.pdf

[steeze]

Depends what you plan on using it for, if it's just general recording then a SM57/58 would be ideal. If you're wanting to record some nice vocals or an acoustic instrument have a look at Red 5 Audio if you haven't heard of them http://www.red5audio.com/acatalog/Microphones.html really good value for money

[amidoinitrite]

eh.. SM57s IMO are more for instruments.. you might be able to get away with vocals, I've never tried it tho.

[samkablaam]

ive seen 57s and 58s used on vocals. doesnt sound too bad. im sure ive read an interview with flood and he said u2s vocals are all 58s.

disclaimer: i dont like u2.

[amidoinitrite]

ive seen 57s and 58s used on vocals. doesnt sound too bad. im sure ive read an interview with flood and he said u2s vocals are all 58s.

disclaimer: i dont like u2.

58s for recording in the studio?
I've used them for reference vocals and talk-back mics.

[samkablaam]

yeah, dont knock it, if it sounds good etc etc

ive had a beta 58 nxt to a u67 and chosen the 58. it just depends on the voice.

plus you also get a comfortable singer if they're more used to live stuff.

[safeandsound]

I am hearing good things about the AT2020 for the money seems like a good buy.

[babylonjunkies]

second and third the sm57. good little workhorse, vox, synths, sounds, just wish i didnt have to turn the gain up so much though... anyone else have a similar problem. will look forward to the day i get a new audio interface

plus the zoom h1 is an absolute gem. its in pretty much every song i make these days.

[nnny]

I'm looking into field recording along with recording vocals.

Seems the only way to go is the Zoom yes? Can't take the ES-58 about with me! Pity that, such good reviews and such a huge price difference. Guess I'll be saving for a while

[Eridu]

i have an h1 and i recommend it. For that value you cant beat it. If you really wanted a mic that will give you a better recording then h1 then you would need to do a much greater damage to your wallet.

[nnny]

i have an h1 and i recommend it. For that value you cant beat it. If you really wanted a mic that will give you a better recording then h1 then you would need to do a much greater damage to your wallet.

perfectly fine for vocals then mate, or would getting the h2 make much of a difference?

[samkablaam]

second and third the sm57. good little workhorse, vox, synths, sounds, just wish i didnt have to turn the gain up so much though... anyone else have a similar problem. will look forward to the day i get a new audio interface

plus the zoom h1 is an absolute gem. its in pretty much every song i make these days.

what pre are you using?