$1 Vs. $3,000 Vocal Microphone (The Results May Surprise You)

[@mrdub7777]

Difference is definitely a lot less noticeable in this style specifically since the distortion masks a lot of the high end details that the Manley brings out. Never let “bad” gear stop you from making art but at the same time, don’t lower your standards…

[@christianhaleofficial]

Agreed 100%! Thanks for the comment 👊🏽

[@ramspencer5492]

Where did you find a $1 mic? Need to hear the raw tracks... You can get something usable from a lot of mics.... Butt if you're not going for a really, really processed sound.... Your going to hear big differences. The Manley still sounds better.... But once you add distortion it really doesn't matter that much

[@christianhaleofficial]

Hey! This mic was sitting in my studio closet for years, and like I mentioned in the video, I think I got it for free from a church closet cleanout forever ago. And check out 18:59 & 20:00 for some dry comparisons :). Thanks for the comment!

[@capancrunch2426]

Hey Christian what's up my guy it's been a while, I guess most beginners don't realize you can get amazing results with inexpensive gear, these mics like the manley, neumann, telefunken etc.... are made with commercial facilities in mind, the higher end mics are extremely robust and are made to move around constantly

[@christianhaleofficial]

No doubt you can get great results with cheap gear!! As I mentioned, I love my Manley and just tracked someone on it an hour ago. BUT I hope this video helped folks see they can get great results with what they have on hand, like you mentioned! Thanks for the comment

[@capancrunch2426]

@christianhaleofficial for sure brother good stuff 😊

[@evilone10]

I guess you used a pop filter with the Manley that kind of control the plosives better, and would not made a huge difference with the 1$ mic...The feeling of "space" is different due to their own caracteristics, other than that cheap gears always can make the job done at a certain extend.

[@christianhaleofficial]

💯great observations all around 👊🏽

[@andikerl2486]

It's an old Electro-Voice PL series mic. But to my knowledge it is a condenser

[@christianhaleofficial]

My man! Thanks for making me aware of what this is! And this one in particular looks OLD.

[@adammariucci]

The $1 mic actually sounds like a better vibier fit for the song especially because you are trashing the vocal with decapitator. Almost works better and has a more authentic trashier sound! In any case - they both work and sound great - just different!

[@christianhaleofficial]

Hah I know exactly what you mean and thought the same thing when I was A/B-ing them! It def has a thing for this kind of song. Thanks for the comment 👊🏽

[@andreaswockinger7017]

Love my manley reference cardioid, but sometimes - especially with female singers - it tends to be very sibilant. It’s kinda tricky sometimes to the tame it in the mix, but nonetheless a great pop vocal microphone!

[@christianhaleofficial]

Agreed 100%. As I mentioned in the video, I make a lot of mix moves that tame it (soothe, deessing, etc.). Maybe you should grab this $1 mic for female singers 😂. Thanks for the comment!

[@andreaswockinger7017]

@@christianhaleofficial nah, then i usually for the sm7 - can shape this thing in all different directions haha.. lately i've experienced with the manley slight distortion, its also such a super hot output mic. never forget about the pad switch!!!!!

[@christianhaleofficial]

@@andreaswockinger7017 oh yeah, I’ve dealt with that a little. The pad is 100% essential.

[@ifelovemusic]

@@christianhaleofficial This is the reason I didn't go with the Manley. I think it is really nice but can be very specific. It does pair well with the voxbox though. I went with the Stam version of the C800 (tubes in PSU as well) and its bright but def not as "brittle" as I think the Manley is. Dope video

[@christianhaleofficial]

@@ifelovemusic C800 rules, I love that mic! And for sure, Manley is amazing but you do have to dial it in. Thanks for the comment, glad you enjoyed the video

[@keithwillems9786]

Your Layers should have been a $1 microphone as well.

[@christianhaleofficial]

For sure - probably should've been! BUT I think the point still shows that you can get a good vocal with less than ideal gear, and that skill, experience, and technique > gear.

[@spcdmusic]

Vintage 1980s Electro-Voice PL80 Microphone

[@christianhaleofficial]

My man! Thanks for letting me know.

[@thewaxbiscuit]

Sounds worlds apart to me, But you can get away with the $1 mic.

[@thewaxbiscuit]

Not to mention the lo-fi production on this vocal suits the $1 mic. So for this track, yea it works fine and the benefits of the manley are minimal.

[@christianhaleofficial]

Great insights and I def hear what you’re saying there. Appreciate the thoughts and comment 👊🏽

[@lbsmoothmusic]

What a joke you can tell when somebody don't know what they're doing. You should upgrade quite a lot in your space before you start worrying about quality of microphones. Is obvious you can hear anything in there. The difference is so significant it's not even a serious conversation

[@christianhaleofficial]

So true!! I DEFINITELY don't know what I'm doing, that's for sure. Just ask my friends and family, you don’t even know the half of it 🤣🤣. And the reason I can’t hear anything in my room is because I actually mix with my speakers muted and my fingers in my ears. It’s a whole lot more fun this way! 10/10 would recommend trying it out sometime!