Microphone review thread

[ScottStoked]

Anyone looking to upgrade from a USB mic should check out this mic while it's on sale for $200. This mic punches wayyyyyy above it's weight for the price right now.

Sterling ST77
http://www.guitarcenter.com/Sterling-Audio-ST77-Large-Diaphragm-Studio-Condenser-Mic-103997235-i1170936.gc

I tried it and it really IS a great sounding microphone. Definitely on par with much more expensive mics. Google the reviews.

Things to consider with this mic:
- It's s e n s i t i v e. Room reflections, computer fans, clothing movements are going to be picked up.
- It's BIG and HEAVY. Cheap-o mic stands aren't going to hold this thing up without adding some weights to balance it out.
- It's cardioid only, no high pass filter or 10/20dB pad (not really an issue, just fyi).

[Apatheria]

Wow, that's a phenominal deal. I mean, I love my SP C-1, but this is miiiiiighty tempting.

[Edou]

Currently using a CAD u37 USB Condenser Mic
Link here: http://www.cadaudio.com/USB_U37.php
Purchased here: http://www.amazon.com/CAD-U37-Conden.../dp/B001AIQGUO

Comes with stand, records well, and picks up my breathing from about a yard away...AGC is pretty neat if you want to use sheetrock as a pop screen, heh

[Nuti]

Hey!

I have thought about purchasing Logitech USB Desktop mic, but I started to hesitate as reading that it doesn't work well / at all on Windows 7. Well, for now, I have Windows Vista, but... I think that I'll buy a new computer as this old guy breaks down (I'll use this as long as possible, this is three years old and already showing symptoms of aging...), and if the mic doesn't work in a new laptop... I'll feel slightly fooled.

So? Logitech and Windows 7. For or against?

Or any ideas for same kind of mics (price&quality) that can stand updates better?

[ViciousXUSMC]

My review of the Blue Yeti Pro -
http://youtu.be/dapJwrsiq70

[Ubershift]

I also like the CAD U1; especially with a popfilter. Mm..

[RobotButterfly]

I'm looking into purchasing a new mic, preferably a USB mic. Most of the mics I ended up looking at were around $100 or more in price, but I just stumbled upon the Shure PG48.

http://www.shure.com/americas/produc...cal-microphone

I've heard nothing but good things about Shure, and the $35 price tag is very pleasing. The reviews I've heard of it sound absolutely amazing. Of course, when comparing it to the pricier Shures, it is a step below in quality, but that doesn't make it a bad mic.

However, considering its price, I thought I would ask if anyone had any experience with it before buying?

[eh-jhey]

Haven't been active here as of late, namely because (lucky me) I've actually been doing a lot of voice work for one of my cities top radio stations. I've also been building an audio suite for the TV broadcast company I work for so I've fallen into 2 great microphones recently. (until recently I've been using a yeti) So i'm gunna do 2 of these surveys

Which microphone do you use?
-Shure SM7b

Does it pick up any background noise/static/pops?
Little to none with the 2 included windscreens (one smaller and one more round and large)

What is the general price range for your mic?
$300-$360 (not the cheapest mic out there but well worth it)
What type of mic is it? (usb/condenser ect)
Dynamic
Advantages of your mic:
It's a GREAT all around work horse mic. Without getting too technical, it's the kind of mic you can scream your heart into and get a perfect recording.
It's also quite cheap for one of the industry standard mics
Disadvantages of your mic:
It's XLR so you'd need an appropriate interface as well. And not to mention one with considerable gain

Any other comments about your mic:
If it's in your budget, this is a great investment to get industry standard recording for almost anything! (did i mention Michael Jacksons "Thriller" album was recorded using the older model sm7?)



And Mic Number 2....

Which microphone do you use?
AKG c414 ULS
Does it pick up any background noise/static/pops?
It can depending on how it's set up (see below)
What is the general price range for your mic?
$700-$900 (ya...not cheap stuff)
What type of mic is it? (usb/condenser ect)
It's Cardiod
Advantages of your mic:
-Different Polar patterns (cardiod, wide cardiod, hypercardiod, fig-8, omni) Much like the Yeti but more refined.
-AMAZING QUALITY Imo. However, that's my ears. I've played clips from my yeti agaisnt clips from my AKG and most can't tell the difference (I'd say the AKG has a more crisp pickup)
-a really solid feel (also a bad thing, see below)

Disadvantages of your mic:
-Obviously the price point. I wouldn't really recommend it for hobbyists. There are much cheaper mics (i.e. Yeti, snowball, Samson etc...) that are more than adequite enough for straight Voice Overs.
-The really solid feel can give you the illusion that it's really durable. I assure you. It's not. If the gold plated diaphragm gets damaged...good luck to you.
-Needs phantom power


Any other comments about your mic:
This is part of the AKG line that has been one of THE go to mics in the Industry for years. And for good reason. That being said, it's not for the feint of heart. I'd only reccomend it if your REALLY serious about voice acting. I was just lucky enough that one of my connections had one laying around :/

[GenoDiamond]

i'm just doing to say this because it seems like alot of people on here don't know alot about mics. when recording vocals it is best to use a ribbon microphone or a condenser mic not a dynamic microphone those cause too much distortion. dynamic mics are ok for recording electric guitar and drums, but condenser mics make vocals come out clearer prevent distortion and give your actual voice tonal qualities once recorded. it also makes mixing easier because it makes the vocal part easier to edit. so look into Condenser mics and they do mic usb ones as well as XLR if you have a mixing board or interface. any questions message me on here or my email i have listed on my page.

[ScottStoked]

i'm just doing to say this because it seems like alot of people on here don't know alot about mics. when recording vocals it is best to use a ribbon microphone or a condenser mic not a dynamic microphone those cause too much distortion. dynamic mics are ok for recording electric guitar and drums, but condenser mics make vocals come out clearer prevent distortion and give your actual voice tonal qualities once recorded. it also makes mixing easier because it makes the vocal part easier to edit. so look into Condenser mics and they do mic usb ones as well as XLR if you have a mixing board or interface. any questions message me on here or my email i have listed on my page.

While it's true that dynamics aren't typically used to record "voice actors" in the pro studios, they are used all the time in broadcast and for recording sung vocals. The EV RE20 and Shure SM7B are just two VERY popular dynamics used frequently on vocals. The right mic on the right voice. Doesn't matter if it's dynamic, ribbon or condenser.