Do You Really Need an Expensive Microphone?

[@JRClark]

Honestly yes.....I had had cheap and expensive and expensive mics really shine and are easy to mix....especially when you have high end preamps and audio interface converters.

[@ESDMelo]

straight to the point !

[@JRClark]

@@ESDMelo all facts low budget gear ain’t where it’s at…spend the money for a good sound….

[@ESDMelo]

@@JRClark I used to beat my mind a lot on how to get good sounding vocals with the hardware i had, taking courses and watching every youtube video but going to studios and working on expesive hardware opened my mind a lot.

[@JRClark]

@@ESDMelo I use a Manley ref c…bar 1073..tube tech…prism sound Lyra..I have a golden sound now check out my new album sound quality

[@JayfkProductions876]

Somewhere someone is recording into a MacBook mic directly 😂 😂 😂 😂 😂 😂 😂 😂 😂

[@BoloDaProducer]

That mic sounds good 👍🏾

[@JayfkProductions876]

@@jr4times730 that's the point of the joke buddy.

[@PetrolMediaInc]

A mac? Shoot people sent me iPhone recordings.🤦‍♂️ and some how they got the distance right so it’s not distorted 🤣 That just further proves that almost anything will work as long as the microphone is used correctly

[@jr4times730]

@JayfkProductions876 not your buddy and if you have nothing credible to say don't comment at all... the fact that you even think what you said was funny makes you the 😃 joke... go find yourself a dumpster to play in on trash pickup day and don't for forget to bring your MacBook with you clueless spoiled brat... who has only been to the Apple store and complains if your mom told you, no iPhone 16 until Black Friday for you... then she switched to Cyber Monday and you still whined

[@KingNon]

Been there... even recorded through headphones as the microphone. Gotta start somewhere 🤷🏿‍♂️😂

[@iEKNOWS_]

I had the TLM mic and it was way too bright for my liking. The frequency response shows a significant boost in the 6 to 10k range and at times the mic can come off as harsh. It took me a while to realize that the TLM wasn’t a good mic for my vocals. Finding the right mic for you is definitely a process.

[@silveramateur571]

Same thing with me I use to have the 103 and the Lauten 357 and i still prefer the Rode nt1 on my voice Im looking to buy a Austrian Or Akg right now

[@no-yj2cf]

I have an expensive mic and haven't released a hit yet!

[@DanBires]

What I find that makes a mic perform its best is not only the room you are singing in but the sound correction by being able to isolate frequencies to clean up muddiness that reflects around you. I can use just about any mic for 100 to 3k and as along as I have the area sounding perfect it will save you so much time doing extra work. Basically if you ever record in a pro studio they will have sweet spots marked off in those rooms where they get the best sounds with least amount of frequency issues. It’s not about isolation booths either. Just get some Gobos or set up a few bass traps around your singer. Those blankets and foam really don’t help that much. You want a clean sound not a dead sound. Well that’s my best suggestion.

[@guitar_genius]

Someone once said the best-sounding bad performance won't get you anywhere. So if can't rap/sing if you are not delivering good bars or vibes, regardless you are using a 30 000 dollar mic, the listener won't waist time on your song.

[@BoloDaProducer]

Amen!

[@KROWNCHAKRATV]

Whats your take on JZ microphones. Any good?

[@czarnicholas_]

I got the MXL cr89 after my Slate ML-1 broke, couldn't be more satisfied for the price

[@iEKNOWS_]

Great video!!

[@marcdevasconcelos]

The AKG sounds pretty much exactly like the Austrian Audio! Got their CC8 pencil condensers from zZounds, incredible on Drums and Acoustic guitar 😀

[@createtech9432]

I am perfectly happy with the AKG P120. . . Its not like Im trying to produce hit records. Sounds good in my home studio.

[@MastaGOfficial]

Me too. I'm happy with my AKG P120.

[@mxjosesax]

I love my AKG P120

[@Bat-manwholaughs]

You may not be a singer or a rapper but your voice is great for referencing microphones !!!

[@BoloDaProducer]

Thanks!

[@micro1603]

They all sound good, the AKG 414 was used in a lot of early rap and R&B songs by artist like Luther Vandross.

[@d3vp131]

Differences between mics jump out at you when you start stacking and harmonizing vocals. Like a plugin compared to what it’s emulating, one source in a vacuum doesn’t tell much.

[@bigmoneymone]

Dope video !!!! I listened to all the mics on here through some good headphones and the AKG c414 and the Neumann U87 ai sound alike but over all the thing that separates all the mics from one other is the gain and the warmth !!! I come to the conclusion that with good Tube mic pre-amp with a EQ & compression on it you can make any mic sound really good !!! Thanks for comparisons !!!!

[@BoloDaProducer]

You’re welcome

[@BeastmodeBeats]

The Austrian Audio OC 18 was on point dynamically!

[@RickRijuanaPro]

That C 414 sounds nutz In the same space as the other mics it sounds booth isolated quiet

[@ashconbeats8414]

Been using the rhode NT1A for 10 years now. By far the best microphone especially considering the price!

[@nxumalo]

I agree !! Rode NT1 its fire!! When you do A B it with even $10.000 Mics it's not a big difference.I'm very happy with it.

[@jasontaylor404]

Excelente video Bolo, informative as usual. Thanks

[@BoloDaProducer]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@anthemmakersmusic]

Learn to mod and Mod that 33 dollar mic. That knowledge will serve you well when your expensive mic begins to age and is out of warranty.

[@philbjackson]

I had the rode nt1 for 3 years, great startup for singers for rappers go with the Shure sm58, akg at2020 under 150.00. especially if you know your plugins turns these to a high-end mic

[@perrykeshahwalker5321]

I use a 512 audio Sky light and its absolutely wonderful. I also use a behringer 67g and it sounds great.

[@Furybeatsgme]

If you're doing vocals mostly you can get a professional studio quality sound with the Atlantis, the tlm103 or warm 251, run that with the warm 73eq and the warm 1b. An apogee duet 3 or a babyface used/Apollo. Youll be right around the price of a u87

[@stldweller]

That Rode NT1 signature sounds like its all that's needed.

[@Blacksonaudio]

When you want to ask/answer this question, the absolute best example is Masquerade by George Benson. The vocal you hear is on a SHURE SM-58/7(?). First take! Was supposed to be the scratch vocal and that performance couldn’t be matched.

[@cortezdevinci]

Yea I’m still using the baby bottle I definitely need to upgrade

[@oneguyz11]

Bro I’ve picked up that Temu mic just because it was so cheap and I wanted to see if it was any good, and I was surprised at how good it sounded for such a cheap mic, but I’m still not using it on any major recording lol, I have almost every mic you display except for the TLM, the grey mic which sounded very good and the 414 clone, but my go to mic right has to be my Townsend Sphere mic, cause I can dial up the Sony 800 mic and many others

[@twinflametaurus]

Bolo ,i truly believe that the day usb condenser mics came out , that changed the game up 100. that made outboard hardware and interfaces not necessarily needed for beat makers of midi . O yea , what you think about zenbeats.

[@anthemmakersmusic]

Other great budget vocal mics like the Shure KSM 32/ , KSM 44, Rode, K2 if you want tubes and the Lewitt 441 flex which is very similar to an AKG 414

[@iTzMisTV]

I got a MXL, and Ima be releasing my first project this month. It cost me $150, came with everything I need and I watched reviews on it. Def a good mic lol and I do not plan on upgrading ever 😂

[@nilespeshay1734]

Dope and helpful video, Bolo! (As somebody who records in a completely untreated room.. I gotta be aware of 'off-axis rejection' just as much as overall sound quality.)

[@BoloDaProducer]

Good tip!

[@YAYYEE]

10:17 this is the mic that I like the sound off , Atlantis FC 387, I just got a shure sM57, it’s a performance mix but does well in the studio

[@justincallender258]

U787 ai sounds the best for me for a warm and balanced sound.

[@wrkeys]

Dope Review my guy!!!

[@BoloDaProducer]

Thanks!

[@anthemmakersmusic]

On the cheap hit that rode or the Wa 47jr. If your voice has is very bassy then start carving out with eq. My point is that the WA 47 jr can be made to sound very close to a 47 with some knowledge and some technique.

[@leathajacketassassin]

I like this. I'm gonna be shopping for mics soon.

[@SpyderBlackOfficial]

That akg c414 sounds mid-range boomy. Sure they use it in the industry but who really knows what gatekeeper mic is actually used behind the scenes. The Rode Nt1 sounds the best in my personal opinion

[@Aliengroover]

I worked at a studio that hosted some bigger names and sat in on other sessions. I've indeed seen them use 414s. But so many different mics are used, and I've never hear of them being tricky with it.

[@blackdeville4217]

Any Neumann microphone could be a bad experience for a project or bedroom music producer because they are so sensitive, they work too well. I've used one and it heard cars driving down the street & dog's barking outside across the street. 🤣😭 Those microphones are great but they're for treated rooms. The Neumann TLM 107 is everything that you want! The Rode MT1 Signature is also a great mic and it has XLR & USB connection.

[@dabanjo]

This is it right here. It's like having a 1,000,000 lumens light bulb. Yes it's bright, but way too bright for the bedroom!

[@blackdeville4217]

@@dabanjo Precisely!

[@markbruggeman274]

Ever tried a BM 800?

[@SteveRobz1]

Just got the new SM4

[@musicproductiontips3121]

You can buy the most expensive mic. You still need a really good preamp like the Avalon 737

[@carlchargo6479]

No because I can definitely the same with both depending on the voice for me

[@user-uu2xy3se6c]

Not really but a good microphone can help you with the quality of your sound especially when you got a good preamp for the signal.

[@EDawg_32]

NT1 is undefeated for what you get. Awesome mic. You can record anything with that. Other mics do sound better but the NT1 is amazing

[@macavree9464]

Get you a MXL 990 you will be a believer, it’s a real beast!

[@anthemmakersmusic]

oh and TLM 103 is very similar to Sennheiser MK8. Both are made by Neumann

[@SteveDangBeats]

Based on all the vocals that I've received over the years, I'd say don't go lower than an sm7. Neumann fan here. I got some vocals back recorded on a Sony C800 and I swore they recorded the joint with the mic backwards 😝

[@SteveDangBeats]

Also, that Slate mic looks interesting.

[@ChongFreak]

I bought an akai, went to blue. I noticed it didnt improve much. More overthinking. I should've used that money for better monitors but my mind told me recording was priority.

[@jmosouthernsoul1967]

Is J Low's Mic Special made?

[@tonytec59vmix]

no not really unless your have a very acoustical room.

[@Oktanesevensun]

I didnt hear a big leap in diffrence but normal ears cant tell.

[@BigChiefPrinceVision]

Seem like to me the rhode nt1 kept up with all the expensive ones

[@traezaX1]

I may not need one but i want one..like someone said ...its better to have it and not need it than to beed it and not have it.

[@wilferd]

Just ordered a WA CX12, hoping my voice matches it good, I am the MacBook Pro onboard mic recording guy lololol

[@706erRick]

Have you ever use a Marantz mic.....

[@BoloDaProducer]

No, I need to check it out

[@THA-REAPER]

Way back people would record on the worst mics to get something recorded and memorized. After go to the studio with way better stuff already prepared and knock everyting out in a couple takes. Saved lots or studio time. Now almost everything sounds halfway decent. The person recording just needs the technical know how to give the extra push. The goal always been to do less work though. Thats why having the better and right mic has its value for the person or tone they're after.

[@wutsupg]

Sup BOLO!? I know you know this already so my comment doesn't apply to you. $150 to $200 condenser mic from a reputable manufacturer should be enough to cover what you need in a home studio. Just run it into a quality audio interface and that should do it. Everything else is just excessive or budget based. Audio Technica AT2020 and AT2040 work well for me.

[@yiqwaba3833]

LS-208 sounds is like butter on grits Neumann U87 Less buttery on da grits on da mash tater bro. TEMU version is like popcorn butter bro with more lows. Neumann TLM butter is a bit less than U87 but a more crispy chicken on da side bro with less tape. Rode NT2 signature remove more tape more clean and perfect butter and good noise floor with that crispy chicken. LAUDEN less tape brings out more fried chicken and good low end and noise floor. AKG reminds me of Neumann TLM. I use AKG P120 And Samsung C1 and SM57 .

[@otocolobus8187]

Bro what is butter 😭

[@yiqwaba3833]

@@otocolobus8187 😂 smoothness

[@jaydee816]

LS208 is top tier I got it I chose it over my AT4040

[@SHAKA-NEU-LU]

All the mics sounded pretty good to me, even the $33 mic. If you can’t afford an expensive mic, then just learn how to process it where it doesn’t sound like you’re trying too hard. I got the podmic usb which is a great mic, but I didn’t like my voice when I heard it on my livestreams. I just got the Lewitt 440 and I think my voice sounds better on it because it is a condenser mic. Just remember that your voice isn’t going to sound great on every mic

[@joshcohea8068]

Buy Blue

[@bubz75]

$3 Hell Naw 💁🏾‍♂️🎤😗👌🏾

[@Realtalkyou08]

Bro can you do some beats with this Roland JUNO-D6 61-key Synthesizer. It’s very affordable

[@BoloDaProducer]

I’ll probably pick it up soon

[@Realtalkyou08]

@@BoloDaProducer wow thanks man

[@CireProductions]

What is expensive? I see some mics are 2000$-3000$ , Some vintage mics way above that. Some mics for 300$ Some for 500$ Some for 99$ Depends on what you need it for. Or if it is even being used correctly!

[@BoloDaProducer]

Very true

[@ZaeLi-j3d]

Yes you do need expensive microphone phone

[@arrow-gee]

With Your Budget, Settle For A Cheaper Mic, And Spend More On A Higher End Interface. The Difference Is Night & Day! You Will Never Hear Your Mic At It's Best Without A Great Interface, Regardless Of How Much You Spent On The Microphone.

[@anthemmakersmusic]

No. Building a booth would probably give better results than buying an expensive microphone. If you are going to shell out for a more expensive mic choose the Sphere and a Apollo x quad core. Then add some mic pre amps. The mic modeling software will allow you to finesse a less than perfect recording. Its not going to make a completely fd up recording pristine but it will give you great results. Mic placement, mic singing or rapping techniques play a big part in recording. Sound baffles are also an excellent way to get better results. Lastly if you don't have any of that a closet with a decent ceiling and heavy moving company blankets will dampen the sound. IMHO

[@Blacksonaudio]

Btw.. I have the original Rode NT-1 and an AKG C 414 and a Temu U87. I ain’t got no Grammy or no hits that nobody knows about. But I tell you once I put any of those in front of the UAD plugs I get an amazing sound. “But I’m not a rapper”😂

[@Dizzorocks]

I feel the same way about my 414

[@BoloDaProducer]

It’s special 🔥

[@bro.sweets4583]

No you don’t need an expensive microphone to get the job done and done well. You’ve been lied to🤷🏾‍♂️ if they say otherwise

[@anthemmakersmusic]

Bolo I'm a microphone fiend haha

[@alishield5176]

❤❤❤

[@wmextra]

Good afternoon fella

[@Csaustin86]

I can’t lie. I love the fifine k688 dynamic microphone. I also have the Rode NT1 5th gen. The fifine is nearly $200 less, and imo…..sounds better 😟 the mic won’t make the talent.

[@anthemmakersmusic]

Your TLM sounds like a WA47jr

[@anthemmakersmusic]

On the cheap hit that rode

[@ZaeLi-j3d]

Get XLR

[@WhoDarez]

But MPCX has phantom power for a condenser mic 😆

[@BoloDaProducer]

True!!

[@mrknoxonthebeat]

Yes and no, because a mic can be expensive but still sound like trash because of MULTIPLE reasons. It depends on what you need it for as well. Also, the mic pre is just as important. So a cheap mic can sound amazing with a really good mic preamp. An expensive mic with a trash preamp won't sound that great.

[@BoloDaProducer]

👍🏾

[@suarezbros214]

The sm7b works amazing for rap and pop genre

[@BoloDaProducer]

True…

[@TheOnlyJay_S]

It depends on what you want and what you can afford. Expensive mics tend to have a very rich sound. Cheap mics while they’re not all bad, tend to be brittle but if you know how to mix properly, you can make it work.

[@BoloDaProducer]

Very true!

[@norryellzy3455]

Bolo I got a message on my MPC trying to save my project. What does this mean? How do I fix it? ERROR SAVING MPC PROJECT /media/az01-internal-sd/MPC Documents/Projects/Albert.xpj

[@rtdrec]

U87ai for 2500 Brandnew in Europe. Thomannmusic

[@Blacksonaudio]

When you want to ask/answer this question, the absolute best example is Masquerade by George Benson. The vocal you hear is on a SHURE SM-58/7(?). First take! Was supposed to be the scratch vocal and that performance couldn’t be matched.