You could take a look at the Samson CO1 or CO3. They're both excellent mics and cost around $100.

Also don't forget the Audio Technica AT2020.

If you want bright, most of these mics should do. If you want extra bright, any behringer mic should do...

A local retailer is really emphasizing the ADK Vienna. Anyone try one of these?

Behringer? I usually hear bad things about them. I was curious about the B-2 though but local shops here don't carry them so I can't listen.

How would u describe the AT2020 and the Samsons in terms of sound?

I own a couple of 2020's.... they're very neutral, extremely flat response. I don't necessarily agree that you want an overly bright mic if you're singing upper register stuff. Why hype what's already there? While I think the 2020 is a great mic for the money, in your budget range, check out an AT3035. I run a commercial studio and use this mic on more sources than any other mic I own. You can find them for around $175. BTW, the preamp will have a major impact on the vocal sound you achieve as well.

Yeah the 3 series is insane. I've used the 3031 many times for overheads, choosing over 414's, U87's and such. Can't believe how cheap they are...

Behringer was a more sarcastic remark than anything. I have a B2 (was one of my first mics) and it's completely useless, apart from maybe a 3 foot kick mic or tom. (it's cheap so I don't really care if it gets destroyed) It has unnatural highs and my head hurts if I listen to it... Imagine boosting 13k by 6dB and a Q of like 50. That's your behringer mic. (most of them)

Audio Technica has a name, so you know what you get. Same with AKG. Can't say that I know what they sound like though... Never heard 'em.

ADK

I've got and ADK Hamburg I use for my own vocals in home studio, sounds great, no complaints.
I had a cheap Samson, not very good. I picked up the Hamburg new for $240 online it said 'call for price', so I did, an Audio place in Oregon.

For $200 you can buy a Rode NT1A. I've been very happy with it's results in the price range. It's got a sweet high end as well that rocks on acoustics and vocals.

The AT 3035 is a bargain vocal and AC guitar mic for under $200. Having virtually no self-noise is a huge benefit and IMO the 3035 doesn't hype anywhere on the spectrum.

I still use my Oktava MK012 w/the omni cap alot for male vocals. Believe it or not the omni capsule sounds fantastic on vocals.

behringer C-1 ... check out at their website... behringer.com ;) ;)

I'll be checking out a 3035 later this week!

How about the Perception series or the Studio Projects?

If your just doing vocals, then either the Vienna or Hamburg is definitely a good choice. Other options would be the MXL V6, very smooth for the money. IMO, the best $200 mic is the CAD M179, very versatile. It would be hard to beat this mic for that amount of $. You could also use it for any other source with excellent results.

I actually already bought the AT3035. I couldn't find any bad reviews or comments about it anywhere on the web.

I haven't gottn to try it out yet though cuz my old roomate left a big bag of his clothes in my vocal booth. :?

I heard Beppe Gambetta using a Perception series mic on vocals at a local workshop. I was very impressed. If you have a chance to audition one and compare with the other candidates I would certainly give it a shot.

JLiRD808 wrote:

I haven't gottn to try it out yet though cuz my old roomate left a big bag of his clothes in my vocal booth. :?

That's what dumpsters are for. :wink:

Yeah its headed there soon if he doesn't get over here quick. Or at least to the local Goodwill!

I meant AT3035, I typed AT2025. I edited it already.

I've heard good things about the Perception also. My friend owns the biggest music shop here in HI :mrgreen:. He says they're pretty accurate, not "coloring" the sound in any way good or bad.

He recommended at least the 200 series.

mics under $200

for the less expensive quality mics I go with Apex
http://www.apexelectronics.com/

any thoughts on them and why

I have a MXL 2001, that's nice enough. Using it til I can get a Neumann and a good pre.

Kel HM-1