Hello mhuang:
I just did some research, and would suggest getting the "recording pack" from marshall electronics. This mill give you two condenser microphones fro the price of one. I see from your web site that you do gaming...these should be great for that. The only caveat would be that you'll need phamtom power from your microphone pre-amp, or mixing console, or sound card to run these I believe (I didn't research the fact as to if they will also run on batteries).
http://
there's an 800# on the bottom of the page I linked for you. The models you'll get with this are the MXL2001P(large diaphram) & MXL603S(small diaphram) Condenser Microphones. The package lists for $199.00...but you should be able to pick them up at West L.A. music for close to around $159.00.

Hope this helps. The other option, if you don't have phantom power, is the venerable sm58...but these mics should give you a little more fidelity (and you'll have a choice!)
-rm

hi, Recorderman

thanks for the info on the deal!
I'll be sure to call them and get all the details.

I came up upon the shure sm57, and for the price and the reviews I've read, it sounds really like a good bang for the buck. what do you think about that mic?

I would think that if your budget is really tight, the 57 should be the first mic you get. I doubt if there is anyone who posts on this site who doesn't have anywhere from 1 to a dozen of these. They're available for about $80 if you shop around. For voiceover work, the 57 has enough proximity effect that you can crowd the mic for that "extra testosterone" announcer sound.

I'm pretty sure the condenser mics RecorderMan mentioned DO require phantom power, which would mean that if you don't already have either a pre-amp or a mixer that provides phantom power, you would need to buy more gear. If your budget allows, though, the condensers would give you better, more versatile results... Steve

what Knightfly say's is true and worth consideration. The phantom issue is important (that's why i mentioned it).

Tell us about your set up...what other gear do you have. What else are you plannig to buy (besides the mic and monitor amp). Finally what specifically is your budget.

hi,

I have a mackie 1202 vlz mixer that already have a preamp and phantom power on board so I don't have to worry about those issues.

My budget is quite tight as I am just starting to experiment with actual recording so probably around $100-150 is the most I can squeeze out at the moment.

but from what you guys said, I think I will go with the 2 mic deal. I even found the webpage that sells this deal for $155.99!

http://service.bfast.com/bfast/click?bfmid=5607334&siteid=32519822&bfpid=273150&bfmtype=gear

I am also looking for some amps to power my Tannoy reveal monitor, any recommendation on that? I am kinda lending toward Samson Servo 260 amp at the moment for the price...
thanks again for the advice

mhuang asked,
" I've heard some good things about shure sm 58 for its price, any recommendations? I am looking for mics in the medium-low budget range.."
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The Shure Sm 57 and 58 are both standard mics in the recording business. 58's are usually associated more with live stage work however, because of their built in blast filter. At some point you should get at least a couple of 57's. You can find them used for around $50 or new for $80. Be careful not to get ones that are beat, the capsules do werar on these things and older beat ones don't sound as good as a new fresh ones would. One mic I almost always recomend is the Audio Technica 4033. These are large diaphram condensers, selling for around $300 new. I know this is more than your budget allows for at the moment but you should consider it for later. The 4033 is the closest thing to an all purpose mic I have ever encountered. RecorderMan knows his stuff and if he recomends the Marshall Electronics mics by all means check them out. The only thing about getting the cheaper counterfeit mics is that it becomes more a purchase rather than an investment. That is to say if you purchase a used Neumann U87 for say, $1600, you will always be able to sell it for that but the knock offs just don't hold any resale value. As far as the amp question, as I said when I answered your other post, the Hafler Trans Nova P 3000 is by far the best choice for a budget minded purchase. Fats

let me throw a suggestion into the mix: AKG C1000

it was my one "good mic" for quite a while and remains a very useful workhorse. good utility mic for acoustic guitars, amps, other acoustic instruments, strings (very good on violin, passable on cello), ok on vocals (actually pretty darn good on spoken vocal), saxophone

it was a huge step up from standard dynamic mics for not much more money.

(i haven't heard the Marshalls, so you might be all set)

best of luck

you could get a used Shure SM7. I love this mic.

I started my voice room with a pair of 421's and an RE-20. I mostly used the 421's 'cause they sound pretty good on about everybody. They are also good mics for fx creation in the booth. On top 'o that they're not half bad on toms, kick, elect. gtr... My vote would be for a 421!

Originally posted by Curious G:
I started my voice room with a pair of 421's and an RE-20. I mostly used the 421's 'cause they sound pretty good on about everybody. They are also good mics for fx creation in the booth. On top 'o that they're not half bad on toms, kick, elect. gtr... My vote would be for a 421!

The sm57 recommendations, not withstanding I still stand by my first suggestion. If I'm not mistaken He is looking for something to help him record audio for gaming & on a budget. The dynamics (with the exception of the 421...not cheap) are inexpensive but wll not get you any "air". My thinking is that a condenser is the way to go.
The marshall's for the cost will give you two choices, and at that rate why not spend just a hair more and get a sm57. There, now you have Three mics, covering alot of territory and you probably have only spent around $300.