Hey guys I want to start getting into recording vocals, but I want to start off with a Mic in the 200-250$ price range to get my feet wet. Is the MXL 3000 a good condenser mic ? Thanks!
Comments
I second what moonbaby had to say. One of the best sounding voca
I second what moonbaby had to say. One of the best sounding vocal recording microphones is the venerable SHURE SM58. If it's good enough for Steve Tyler, Bono, Michael Jackson and others, it's good enough for you. Most rock 'n roll recordings have utilized the SM57/58's on most everything in the studio. They are a de facto standard on drums, guitar amplifiers & vocals. Just as popular with PA systems as with the finest recording consoles. The MXL's are decent inexpensive condenser microphones that might be 100% adequate to utilize for a pair of overhead drum microphones and some vocals were you want an edgier sound. But the SM58 is a microphone that actually compares well to the + $3000 Neumann U 87 large diaphragm condenser microphone and at only $100 US compared to + $3000 US for the 87, it's a no-brainer.
If you decide upon the SM58 for vocal recording purposes, it's actually quite helpful to purchase an additional foam pop filter to be utilized with that microphone. Even though it has that large metal ball with some internal foam, it still has a tendency to blast and pop. SHURE actually sells a foam pop filter designed to be used with the SM58 but any other will do just fine. The similar cousin to the SM58 is the Beta 58. Now the Beta 58 because of its neodymium high power magnets along with a slightly different design, increases its output level above the SM58 and includes a slightly higher frequency response. It sounds a little more like a good condenser microphone. But it doesn't sound like a SM58. I have and utilize both depending upon the singers vocal characteristics. That is to say, I don't utilize both simultaneously. If for a singer I want something that sounds a little more like a condenser microphone, I'll select the Beta 58 over the SM58. However, the SM58 is truly my first pick choice and usable on a whole lot more stuff than the Beta 58. The Beta 58 also features a tighter super cardioid polar pattern as opposed to a standard cardioid polar pattern of the SM58. This is really only an issue when utilized with live PA systems & floor monitor speakers depending upon their placement of the speakers.
As also mentioned, condenser microphones in a not ideal acoustic environment tend to pick up more of what you don't want in the room. The SM58 won't pick up most of what you don't want. And if your feet get too wet, you can safely dry them off with a SM58 where any condenser microphone would just get killed. So it also comes in handy on those occasions when you immediately need a hammer for something also. Any condenser mic would turn into unusable little metal pieces. And this ain't no bunk.
Don't let your funk turn into a bunk
Mx. Remy Ann David
Is certainly better when you want to hear a condenser microphone
Is certainly better when you want to hear a condenser microphone sound. It's not good when you want to hear a dynamic or ribbon microphone sound. It's only a matter if you deem it better otherwise it's just different which doesn't necessarily mean better. But that's the beauty of out of the mouths of babes. All I can think of out of the mouths of babes is that funniest videos show of all of those babies barfing. It seems so natural? Sort of the way I feel about the comment regarding the condenser microphone.
Barfo Profundo
Mx. Remy Ann David
Hey all, I never said the MK319 was BETTER than the SM58. Not m
Hey all, I never said the MK319 was BETTER than the SM58. Not my point at all. No need for insults.
After using both mics for several years, if I was starting out again and had it to do over, I would get a used MK319 over the SM58. For me, it has worked more widely for different vocals that I have recorded than an SM58. It has a flatter response, which makes it more versatile when trying on different vocals. And if he wants to record a guitar too someday, it would be more versatile there too. Also, its greater sensitivity lets it work better with cheap preamps typical of entry-level equipment. And when used in a close mic situation, you can get good results with a decent LDC even in an untreated room. So IMHO the used MK319 gives more VALUE for a first $100 mic.
But as you say, it does come down to what sound the OP is going for, so he should try both if given the opportunity.
Hmmm...new to recording and "getting your feet wet" with a cheap
Hmmm...new to recording and "getting your feet wet" with a cheap LDC is usually not a good mix. These mics typically pick up too much of the acoustical environment, and if that room isn't properly treated, the sound is crap. You'd be better off getting a Shure SM58 (if you don't already have one) and a decent interface (as opposed to a cheesey soundcard) instead.
BTW, I didn't mean to imply that you HAVE a cheesey soundcard, but if you do...:)
And, no, the MXL line isn't "good"... it's cheap. "Good" condensers are 'way out of your budget, and "great" ones are more than your car. If you can't get your voice to rock with a 58...