Dynamic Microphone for Instrument Recording (under $150)

[matejkus]

Hello, I can't decide on the right dynamic microphone for recording instruments. I already have Audio-Technica AT2020 condenser, but I would like to buy one universal dynamic mic for recording some solo instruments (like wind, brass, percussion...).

My considerations so far are (in my under $150 budget):

• Audix i5

• Lewitt MTP 440 DM

• sE Electronics V7 X

• AKG D-40

• Sennheiser e609

• Audio-Technica ATM650

(the first two on the list being the favourites)

Do you have some opinions/recommendations on that?

Thank you so much!

[mixyguy2]

Nothing beyond what was said about this on the post you made at Gearslutz.

[FranklyFlawless]

Do you have some opinions/recommendations on that?

None of the above, consider the Shure SM57:

• SM57 - Instrument Microphone - Shure USA

[cryophonik]

Do you have some opinions/recommendations on that?

None of the above, consider the Shure SM57:

• SM57 - Instrument Microphone - Shure USA

Yup, the industry standard. That would be my first choice.

[I_Am_Become_KVR]

• Audix i5

This is the one you want. You'll thank me later.

[mixyguy2]

I saw recently that the Sennheiser 935 is $149 now. That'd be my choice. The 57 is a good safe bet as well

[kvotchin]

Telefunken M80, despite being advertised as a vocal mic, is actually one I’ve found is great for instruments too.

Currently can be got new for $200, so a little above your budget, but it is in my opinion worth the money.

Just another option, in case it might also meet your needs.

[mixyguy2]

Interesting. I didn't know they made more inexpensive mics like that.

[thecontrolcentre]

Shure SM57/58 ...

[_leras]

For wind, brass and percussion an sm57 style mix is quite good as they can usually handle loud volumes. And pretty good for direct sounds without the room.

I think it can also depend a bit on the quality of your recording space, how it sounds and how much room you want to pick up. If it were a nice room some better quality mics could work with wind instruments.

The problem is it depends so much, mic, instrument, room. Hard to know without trying.

[jlgrimes11]

Do you have some opinions/recommendations on that?

None of the above, consider the Shure SM57:

• SM57 - Instrument Microphone - Shure USA

These are pretty standard especially for live recording of instruments.

There are better mics but You can't go wrong with a 57.