Microphone Shopping

[Rabids Squirrel]

I recently began to slowly step into the more professional world of voice acting. So far, I've just been gathering my information and shopping around for equipment.
One thing I'm stuck at though is the microphone, though. I read numerous articles and reviews about quite a few, though I'm not exactly sure which I would like to indulge in.

Any one have any suggestions?

[XTREEMMAK]

What's your budget?
There is a microphone for every price range. I cant really tell you about any microphone (of quality) under the $100 range but a good one that I use even now is the MXL 990 Condenser Mic ($100.00). I also dont know your setup either. If you want something pricey, like $1000, you can head on down and get a Neumann TLM 103 or just dish out the cash and get a Neumann U87 (which will basically last you your entire vocal career lol) but then again, I dont know your price range.

The other thing to consider is that you dont need an overly expensive microphone for a quality recording. Hell I'll be soon using my $100 MXL 990 mic with a GreatRiver Pre Amp till I can afford the TLM 103. The result, a nice warm sound. I see the TLM 103 more as a compliment to my sound rather than a necessity. See the larger concern isn't your mic but your preamp really. Run a great $10,000 mic through a $40.00 preamp and the most likely result is a $10.00 sounding recording. Of course even a great river is considered high priced (alot of people also prefer the Avalon preamp, but I find it interesting that the Avalon is more expensive and sounds less appealing than the GR. Though it's a detriment on taste really). As far as cheaper pre amps with a low noise floor and great quality (tube) warm sound, I wouldn't be able to tell you off hand.

Check out guitar center or http://musiciansfriends.com and check out that MXL mics or even a few AudioTechnica mics (I have an AT mic but I cant recall the version number. Still a good condenser mic though). If you want to go all bad boy gear hoar with it (lol), check out the selection at http://www.mercenary.com/ though I wouldn't buy some stuff from them cause they can tend to be a bit over priced but at least you know what's out there (that's mainly what I use them for).

I think others here also prefer the Snowball (what ever that is). There's also a post floating around here somewhere that lists a couple mics that are preferred here.

[XTREEMMAK]

For professional applications I'd recommend AGAINST the Snowball... intensely... It's lovely for podcasting, and as well for online/hobby work to get a nice sound. Unfortunately, for professional application it simply does not cut it...

If you want to check to see what suits your voice best -- try visiting your local music store, try out some of the gear, and then shop around for a better price.

My set up right now is a Studio Project C-1, and a Presonus AudioBox USB (pre-amp/external sound card)... It's a nice set up for a decent price that does the job adequately enough. However, I do intend to upgrade as soon as I can justify investing even more in to this than I already have...

Nice Mic BTW .
That's actually a good idea, though some stores (like the ones close to me) don't allow mic testing and they are in cases. I guess in some instances you are "expected" to know what such and such mic sounds like and their application, you know the studio standard mics (U87, KM184, Royer122, ect. ect.) though odd ball solutions (like I've never heard the Snowball mics or any non drum AKG mike) I dont see how we would know without a review. Though I think they do have the smaller solutions (Like the MXL) hooked up to a few display unites like some Vocoter boxes and the like. See if it's possible else that's not a bad idea .

You can also try to find your mic on the Mix magazine website (google it lol) and see what the reviews say. Just realize that reviews will only take you so far without your ear in the picture. If all else fails, buy something, run it through some tests, and return it if you aren't satisfied. BE SURE TO CHECK THE RETURN POLICY!

LOL
OOOOOOOOrrrrr if you want to go REEEEEEEEEAAAALLLY cheap, buy your self a Sure SM57 lmao (I'm kidding. Though I joke, you'll be surprised....dont do it..... lol)

[Pixelespace]

I use my Snowball for lines where I have to yell or scream... it's built to take that kind of punishment. That way I don't whack out my "good mics" which are a Samson C01U (USB) and a Sennheiser MD421 (wired). I also have an MKH50 shotgun that is useful in the field.