Microphones

Microphones are evidently a must for any recording studio, whether it is for a professional or home recording studio. Obviously there are a few questions that come to mind when thinking about acquiring a microphone for your studio.

First question would be, which microphone would be the best for my studio (meaning can I buy one microphone that will serve multiple purposes). The next question is how many should I get and then, of course the biggest worry of all is how much will be spent on the microphone(s).

Well let’s start with the most economical. This first microphone ( SM 57) is not only money smart, but it is also a great microphone that can pretty much be used for anything.

The SM 57 is only $99.99, and it can be used for drums, guitars, overhead, woodwinds and even vocals.

Product Features

•                40Hz - 15kHz frequency response provides clean instrumental reproduction and rich

Vocal pickup

•                Uniform cardioids pickup pattern isolates the main sound source and minimizes

Background noise for clear audio transmission

•                Pneumatic shock mount system cuts down handling noise

•                Break-resistant stand adapter rotates 180° for optimal positioning

•                Rugged design protects against normal wear and tear

•                3-pin male XLR connector provides easy connectivity

Includes swivel stand adapter and storage bag

The next microphone is a little more expensive but it can also be used for lead vocals as well as solo instruments. It is a diverse high quality microphone called the AKG C 414 XL II. This microphone runs from $749 to $999, so it is a little more on the expensive side but reasonable for a top of the line microphone that can be used for multiple recording purposes. Listed bellow is some specs:

•                AKG C 414 - A legend since 1971

•                Nine selectable pickup patterns enables to choose the perfect setting for every

Application

•                Lock Mode: all controls can be disabled easily for trouble-free use

•                Peak Hold LED even detects shortest overload peaks

•                Incredible Dynamic Range of 152 dB

•                Three switchable different bass cut filters and three pre-attenuation levels

•                Leading-edge technology and state-of-the-art components ensure shortest signal

Path and extra protection against moisture

Designed, Engineered and Built in Vienna, Austria

Last but not least we have the top of the line Neumann U87 microphone most famously used by Michael Jackson for his entire “Thriller” album recordings. These microphones can be priced anywhere from $6000 to $15,000 or more for a stereo pair. These are classic amazing microphones and can be used for any kind of recording. This microphone would be an amazing asset to your studio and would be the showpiece. It would be the microphone to pull out when you want to compliment any singer’s vocals. Below are listed some specs:

Stereo Pair

·       Two U87s are matched in sensitivity and frequency response for accurate, pristine stereo recordings.

·       Three Polar Patterns

·       The U87 features three switchable polar patterns. Omni directional, cardioids, and figure-eight patterns provide the flexibility needed in any recording scenario.

·       10dB Pad Switch

·       10dB attenuation switch enables the microphone to handle sound pressure levels up to 127dB.

·       Low Cut Roll-Off Switch

·       A low cut roll off switch eliminates hum, rumble and low frequency noise.

·       Advanced Output Circuitry

·       Although the microphone features the original capsule, the U87 AIMT features improved output electronics that provide higher sensitivity and improved signal-to-noise ratio.

Overall all three microphones are amazing buys, I have just provided the different prices

And what each price gives you.