Best Condenser Vocal Recording Mic Under $300

[daftendirekt]

EDIT: I mean condenser, no dynamic, my bad

Im looking for my first recording condenser microphone. I plan to be recording vocal tracks for different types of EDM, electro, dnb, AND non electronic music too. Im looking for the best possible quality mic I can get for under $300. Any suggestions?

[Depone]

I wouldn’t look for a dynamic mic for studio type vocal recordings. Get a rode condenser. They are pretty good quality over price.
But if you plan to take the mic on the road, you cannot go wrong with a Shure SM58.

[Sharmaji]

my gut tells me you're confusing dynamic and condenser.

if you really want to go dynamic, the SM7 is about $350 and a fantastic mic on almost everything... provided you've got a good pre that can do about 60db of silent gain.

if you want a condensor under $300, i've liked what i've heard from the Blue bluebird. I demo'd an SE5500 from SE electronics a few years ago and wound up buying it; i think it retails around $300. it's bright and forward, but without that crappy made-in-china sound that so many cheap condensers have. I'd also look and see what Michael Joly has for sale over at oktavamod, chances are one of those mod'd marshall v67's is around there. (note to self-- get your v67 mod'd)

if you're buying used, the AT4050 is often around $300, which is a nice mic. Multi-patterned, a nice midrange, and tops that aren't ugly. In fact, i could be convinced to part with mine.....

[daftendirekt]

OH SHIT yeah I mean condenser... sorry guys

[nowaysj]

At3035 is a budget mic that has a reputation for quality far exceeding it's price point.

[Mad_EP]

Yeah - once again, Sharm has hit it on the head.

For condenser in the budget I would definitely consider Blue's Bluebird mic. They have an even cheaper one - the Spark - which has received some decent reviews too... but if you have $300, then I would go for the Bluebird.

Ditto goes for the SE electronics.

I seem to remember hearing some decent things about the AKG 420 Perception... but that it is a bit more 'neutral' sounding, so is often used more as an instrument mic rather than a vocal mic, but can do nicely regardless.

Finally - for Micheal Joly - he is a don. I've been saving up to get some of his modded mics myself. I didn't see anything on his site for less than $300.. but if you could stretch to $350, he modded an MCA SP1 that he put head to head with a U87 and posted audio clips. Sounds fantastic.

http://www.oktavamodshop.com/product_in ... cts_id=193

[daftendirekt]

Any opinions on the SE Electronics X1 mic or the sE2200a II? Any opinions on the RODE mics? So far I am most impressed with the bluebird. But say I want to record something like a guitar, would it still be good for this even though it's not "natural" sounding?

[daftendirekt]

**bump* for my last post

[the dub lemon]

Rode NT1-A is what I use and it's awesome. It should come in under $300 and imho I doubt you could find anything better with out raising the budget.

PS, I'm sure you're aware but if you get a condenser mic make sure you got a phantom power source.

[daftendirekt]

^Yeah im aware, I have a good interface. So I do really like the bluebird, but still nobody has commented on the mics I mentioned in my last post.

[leeany]

I use the Rode NT2A and love it. Great mic

[daftendirekt]

bumping** im trying to make a decision soon so I need more opinions

[deadly_habit]

besides the recommendations already sterling and karma make some great budget models

[outbound]

I'm gonna go with 2200a, love mine although I've not tried the new ones so can't give an opinion there.