kyleharvey wrote: I am looking to purchase a condenser for my vocals. I know that this is a very broad arena, but I am interested in hearing all opinions and recommendations.

Obviously, I am posting on th budget gear forum, thus looking for an inexpensive piece.

The sound I am trying to achieve is warm and intimate.

Why a condenser microphone? If budget is important, have you tried how your vocals sound using a dynamic microphone such as an Electrovoice RE20 or even a Shure SM58 put through a good preamp?

Hey Boswell-

Yeah, I already have a Sure 58, as well as an EV 267.

I am looking for something with a bit more detail.

I also have a Sure BG 4.0, as well as a small gold-ish CAD condenser (the model escapes me).

As you probably know, ther are a lot of vocal condensers out there, starting at pretty low price points. I'd avoid some of the real cheap Asian-made ones: MXL, ADK, Studio Project, Oktava (yes I know they're Russian). We've found that even the cheap tube mics are not as good-sounding as the classic NON-tubes (Neumann, AKG, Shure, Gefell, Audio Technica). Get something that will be high-quality, solid, and last for years to come. Of course, those kinds of mics can run in to some bigger bucks.

My recommendation for your voice: The Gefell UMT70S (or MT71, the cardioid-only version). It has the classic German M7 capsule (found in the original U47, M49), which is known to be smooth and creamy. It's detailed without being hypey or sizzly. High output and quiet.

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Thanks for the recco, Drewcifer.

Do you happen to know anywhere in the midwest that carries them? I would love to try one out while I am out on the road this spring.

You mentioned Octava. I have a friend who kind of has the same advice as you, although he said something about a mod that can be done to Octava's relatively inexpensively. Have you heard anything about this?

I appreciate your patience, as I am just trying to take in as much info as possible before making a decision.

I have a Studio Projects C1, and wouldn't consider in the same league as MXL or Nady Mics
I started with a Nady SCM900, which after some time I realized is a pretty poor mic, I got a SP C1 and the diffrence was very noticable.

I respect the Studio Projects line, them, and Rode mics are producing good quality mics for a reasonable price

I'm saving up for some SP C4's for recording my acoustic

As for the original post, I DO recommend studio projects C1 or Rode NT1, the C1 is crisp and is certainly a colored mic, and is great for some vocal styles, and not great for others

I do not own a Rode NT1, but is universally regarded as much more neutral than the C1.

Both companies make multiple models, and I have heard good things about the SP B1

Thanks for your input Crispy.

I have heard alot about the Rode NT1 as well. I may end up giving it a shot.

I really think that an AKG 414 is great for detail. Sometimes too much. I picked up a mint one for just under $500. Worth every cent.

For cheaper, I also have a Studio Projects C3 which has served me pretty darn well. I also really like the Studio Projects guys. They have serviced mics for me at no charge. Very nice to work with.

You might consider getting an AT4040 from Audio Technica. For right around 300 bucks it's a nice warm mic. But before purchasing any mic go to a store that will allow you to demo them. In comparing the AT4040 with an NT1a the 4040 is fairly warm and has a nice smooth top end. With the NT1a the upper frequencies seem boosted and while it provides great clarity, it won't be as "warm and intimate" as the AT4040 can be. But above all test them out yourself so you can hear the difference.

The AT4040 is a personal fave of mine... it just sounds so good. I find my self constantly comparing it with other mics and rarely using any thing other then it for vocals. It also works great for acoustic instruments

Nobody here has suggested the Shure KSM32. It sounds very nice on male vocals and you have that Shure quality sound and construction. Nice presence, nice edge. Quiet with a lot of output.

I like everything that Shure makes
Ms. Remy Ann David