[LAU] OT Microphone recommendation

[Grekim Jennings]

On Wed, 16 Jul 2014 11:41:23 -0700 Ivan K <ivan_521521 at yahoo.com>
wrote:
> Well, I ordered my microphone preamp, now I need a microphone. 
> Based on the archives of this list and my budget, I identified 
> three.  What I mostly will be doing is: 
>  
> (1) Recording voice, either speaking or singing 
> (2) Recording acoustic instruments (classical guitar, clarinet) 
> (3) Recording chamber music. 
>  
>  
> So the three microphones are: 
>  
> (a)  Shure SM57 (Is there a difference between the SM57 and SM57-LC?) 
>  
> (b)  Shure SM58 (Though which one: the SM58-LC, SM58-CN or SM58S ?) 
>  
> (c)  CAD gxl 2200 large diaphragm condenser   $60 
>  
> Just from my naive understanding, the SM57 seems like it might be the 
> best  "general purpose" microphone for my needs. 
>  
> Do people have advice or other recommendations?  Thanks. 
> Eventually I will buy a second microphone for stereo recording. 

Skip the dynamic mics for now and buy a matched stereo pair of
condensors. I have a pair of small studio projects condensors and while
I can't read the labels on them anymore, they still sound like on the
first day. And this pair came with a stero mount;-)

If you insist on going dynamic (only when you record directly on the
mic, not for chamber and/o ambiance), decide between the SM57 and SM58
if you will. The SM57 seems better suited for instruments, the SM58 is
the de-facto (backup) standard on many stages for good reasons.
If you can't decide between the two, get a Beta58 or maybe an AKG in
the same price-range. Worth it, the beta58 sounds better then the
sm58...

But for what you want, a stereo-pair of small condensors, maybe
additionally a large condensor for voice.
Or stereo pair of large condensors from AKG or comparable...

- Arnold


Was is the Studio Project C4's?  I have a pair I use for remote
recording...drum overheads mostly.  Good value and they are pretty
versatile with 3 capsule/patterns.  They are around $350 for the pair.
There are also some Audio-Technica 2020 condensers for $100 each.  They
might be okay too. 

Grekim