KVR Audio

Shy · Post by **Shy** » Fri Jul 13, 2007 4:33 pm

I know that "cheap" is a very relative term, but even so I'm interested in knowing what you think is the best neutral, flat frequency curve general purpose dynamic mic that you consider a bargain.
I know that there are many fine cheap dynamic mics, each with some nice character of its own, but I really must stress that what I really need is a balance between flat sound and flat price

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Thanks in advance.

Shy · Post by **Shy** » Sat Jul 14, 2007 2:59 pm

minibump
anyone?

m0j0byrd · Post by **m0j0byrd** » Sat Jul 14, 2007 3:53 pm

Behringer XM8500
SM58 klone at a fraction
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/ ... sku=270490

adydub · Post by **adydub** » Sat Jul 14, 2007 4:01 pm

I'd really only consider the SM57 Beta or Audix I5 - both of these are well built, very versatile and will probably last you forever. Both are relatively inexpensive (less than £100) Anything cheaper is probably a false economy.

Shy · Post by **Shy** » Sat Jul 14, 2007 4:47 pm

Thanks for the suggestions guys.
Any more?

semiquaver · Post by **semiquaver** » Sat Jul 14, 2007 4:58 pm

the 57 is a super useful mic...

but it is far from flat !

flatter mics: sure sm-7, sennheiser 421

Shy · Post by **Shy** » Sat Jul 14, 2007 5:11 pm

Yes, I see that according to Shure too, its frequency curve is far from flat.
Audix I5 gets lots of good reviews, but I just wonder about its flatness.
Couldn't find Behringer XM8500.

semiquaver: SM7 seems great, but is said everywhere to be specifically a vocals mic. Do you have an idea if it's good as a general instrument mic too?
Sennheiser make top quality stuff, but not cheap

, but maybe I could afford it. I just can't find which 421 you mean, can you give a more specific model name?

_niko_ · Post by **_niko_** » Sat Jul 14, 2007 5:53 pm

Beyerdynamic makes some great mics too, the M201 is a very versatile Mic, the M88 also has a very good reputation.
From what I've read the SM7 can be used on pretty much everything, even on a kick.

Another good allrounder I've seen mentioned often is the EV RE-20.

All these are more expensive than a SM57, though.

Good luck with your choice.

Shy · Post by **Shy** » Sat Jul 14, 2007 5:58 pm

Thanks niko, I'll check those too! And thanks for the SM7 remark.

drillbit · Post by **drillbit** » Sat Jul 14, 2007 6:25 pm

Check out some Rodes mic's. They are a good price (especially in Australia) and have a very flat response for such a low priced mic. they are proud of their quality and all hand made in Australia. their bottom end mic's are a total scor

Shy · Post by **Shy** » Sat Jul 14, 2007 7:09 pm

Cool, very interesting, thanks drillbit.
Edit: I just realized they're all condenser mics though

. Not useful for my needs, and I already have a condenser, but good to know about those too for the future.

C00kie · Post by **C00kie** » Mon Jul 16, 2007 9:53 am

General (acoustic) instrument mics are often small condensers or electrets. Really don't know why you want a dynamic mic for that. Sounds like you want a (pair of) small diagram condensers instead. Otherwise the SM57beta is an undefeatable all-rounder for close miking. Not really usable as overheads though...

http://www.theprojectstudiohandbook.com/articles11.htm
The "building a mic cabinet on a budget" articles are worthwile to read.

Shy · Post by **Shy** » Mon Jul 16, 2007 10:10 am

Thanks for the link.
Though, I don't want to be limited to a cabinet

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The main reasons I want a good general purpose dynamic mic are 1. I suppose they generally pick up background noise much less than condenser mics (or at least non expensive ones), or am I totally wrong? 2. Lots of issues with bass sensitivity. A dynamic mic would be far more flexible in that regard I guess. And 3. Some have very good feedback rejection.

(note that of course I'm talking about avarage mics, not very high quality ones)

C00kie · Post by **C00kie** » Mon Jul 16, 2007 12:24 pm

Feedback rejection and background noise are related to the polar pattern of the mic. Most dynamic mics have cardioid pattern, which makes them direction-sensitive and rejects most of the sound coming from the back. However there are plenty of condensor mics with (hyper)cardioid polar pickup pattern.

Will you use the mic(s) live on stage, or only in the studio? Because in the studio feedback is usually no issue at all.

Shy · Post by **Shy** » Mon Jul 16, 2007 12:49 pm

Not in the studio. For optimal, studio conditions, I'd use my condenser mic

.

Actually I know that directionality of the mic determines a lot, but there are dynamic mics that have better feedback rejection than most regardless of it, and some are designed especially for avoiding feedback, also in extreme situations (but of course I'm not looking for those).

As for picking up background noise, as far as I know, a condenser mic will generally pick up noise much more than a dynamic mic with a similar polar pattern. As in, for example the dynamic mic will not pick up things from far away as much, the condenser will. I'm really not sure if it's mostly due to my personal experience or it's just a usual characteristics difference.

As for feedback, it's my impression that condenser mics are very, very prone to feedback, probably because they pick up more stuff. Also picking up bass, noise due to movement, wind, etc, very big problem.

I suppose some expensive condenser mics can overcome those characteristics which make them unsuitable for me as a general purpose mic, but I just can't spend that money

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Solved: Good general purpose dynamic mic w/ flat freq curve?