Hi everyone, I'm happy to have found this site and these forums. Hope I'll be able to help out some too.

I do sound editing with a Pro Tools M-Box and the DV toolkit on a G4, (don't laugh, its a great low cost setup, and so far I haven't taxed it... Mostly short documentaries and such, did one feature length movie, but with a verrrrry simple mix- time and money :roll: . So for the most part, the material that I work with comes in digital format, OMF or WAV, so I am not doing a lot of recording. I am in the process of expanding, (well, really getting the basic equipment that I should have), and am looking now at microphones. I recently bought a nice used Mackie mixer (1642 vlz pro) to add to my setup, and want to add a mic to the mix. I don't really have a budget for anything fancy, and probably don't need more than one mic anyways, at least for now. I am thinking that I want it for simple vocals (voice-overs and the like), if I need to do any foleys/fx I can always borrow a shotgun for a session. I think that the Shure SM58 is a good all around, relativly inexpensive solution for me. I've worked with them a lot and know their capabilities. And have done a lot of different types of recordings with them.

So my question is, is it worth it to get a used mic? Or should I take the plunge and invest in a new one? I realize that a new one is around $100, which on a relative scale is not much, but if i can get one that hasn't been used much for half the price, that is another $50 that I can put towards other things that I need as well. I know that the SM58s seem to work forever, I do some work at a theater here and we have a few that have to be at least 20 years old if not more, and even though their pickup is nowhere near the same as new ones, I am still surprised at how well they work, of course all the equipment there is about 20-25 years old and I am always surprised that it works. oh, I mean at how well it works. :)

I have been cruising ebay, and see some mics that look to be relatively little used, but I am cautious about this purchase, more so than buying my mixer. Also, if I do look for a used one, any suggestions as to what to ask beyond the basics- how old, how much use, etc.?

I guess the other part of this question, is if anyone has any better ideas for me- other mics models or types to consider. If I really need a fancy condenser or shotgun to record, then I can always borrow one or worst case scenario rent some time in another studio to record my tracks. I feel like I need at least one mic in my stable, and want something that can cover a lot of different ground.

Other things to consider: I live in Israel, where audio equipment is appx. twice the cost., (one online place here advertised the sm57 on sale, for, hehe... 700 shekels, which is about $150-160) Ordering online and having it shipped here is also not worth it, there are ridiculous import taxes on audio equipment, easily 100% of the value of the item (thats why the prices are so high). I do order online and have things that would be a customs mess sent to my parents in the states, that I will pick up in August when I visit.

I appreciate any tips/ advice.

Tony

p.s. Phew! Sorry, I didn't mean to write so much. .