I would recommend a studio projects C1 as one of the better vocal mics in your price range. Shure SM57s are also a good mic that will find lots of use. It is commonly used to mic a snare or amp and they're inexpensive.

I just checked, and as of today at noon, $200 Canadian converts to around $145 US. So if you're serious about $200 Canadian as your max, the C-1 is slightly out of your range (I've never seen one new for any less than $199 US). But there are a bunch of great mics to be had for much less than that. Of course, it depends on what you're using it for. If this is your first mic, it might be nice to have something versatile, that can do a good job with acoustic guitar, vocals, etc. etc. I haven't used one yet, but from what I've heard the Studio Projects B-1 is just the ticket, and for only $80 US!!! Supposedly it does vocals, guitar, amp micing, etc. quite well. And there's also the MXL 990, available only from musiciansfriend.com, for only $70, WITH SHOCKMOUNT! I hear the 990 is really good for rock vocals, so that might be just the ticket, and it looks pretty hot too. Then there's the v67G, for about $100 US, which is great on vocals, but not as great with other stuff, like guitar. But it's always a matter of preference, the characteristics of the voice you're recording, etc. etc.

For vocals and guitar, look at the avlex AVS80. I have two. They are cheap, and they sound good. They are a large diaphragm condenser, so they have a good overall frequency response and good detail. Thay are not too good to close mic drums or really loud guitar amps though. Two thumbs up. :tu: :tu:

tomleblanc, post: 4676 wrote: I just checked, and as of today at noon, $200 Canadian converts to around $145 US. So if you're serious about $200 Canadian as your max, the C-1 is slightly out of your range (I've never seen one new for any less than $199 US). But there are a bunch of great mics to be had for much less than that. Of course, it depends on what you're using it for. If this is your first mic, it might be nice to have something versatile, that can do a good job with acoustic guitar, vocals, etc. etc. I haven't used one yet, but from what I've heard the Studio Projects B-1 is just the ticket, and for only $80 US!!! Supposedly it does vocals, guitar, amp micing, etc. quite well. And there's also the MXL 990, available only from musiciansfriend.com, for only $70, WITH SHOCKMOUNT! I hear the 990 is really good for rock vocals, so that might be just the ticket, and it looks pretty hot too. Then there's the v67G, for about $100 US, which is great on vocals, but not as great with other stuff, like guitar. But it's always a matter of preference, the characteristics of the voice you're recording, etc. etc.

I dunno about that. I've used quality mikes and purchased a 990 due to other folks suggestions and found it to be nowhere near what I expected for studio quality. I'd say save your money until you can get something you are sure of. Don't just buy due to comments on some product page or because something "looks" good. Make sure you hear what you are looking for before you buy. There are subtle differences that you will really miss if you settle for lower quality. You will not get a "big" sound from low quality, no matter what you run it through.

Welcome to the forum. Check out some of the more recent posts. After fourteen years I suspect these guys have sorted out their mic choices.