Which condenser mic is best? (under $500)

[@tallmccartneymusic]

I think aside from the frequency response, a really important thing to consider about mics is the length of the transients it captures. I think most people don’t use 57s on vocals because it has a really fast and tight transient response, hence why it has such bad plosives when you speak into it.

[@travisraab]

Yeah good point!

[@tallmccartneymusic]

@@travisraab I learned this the hard way by making some poor purchases 🫠

[@chrissiemilnarskii]

Underrated comment - this is a really good way to look at mic selection!

[@handssmelloh9173]

I actually love mismatched overheads for drums. It makes the stereo spread more interesting and gives a little more depth. Have you tried Blue's Bluebird at all?

[@travisraab]

I've seen it in the studio yep I think it sounded cool if I remember 👍

[@keeppushin]

The best mic was the OG 990xl the new ones are really toys with so much give on the grills

[@MLZsVideos]

This doesn’t really help me tbh. But thanks anyways

[@PrototheDodo]

I personally think the MXL 990 is the best “bang for your buck” condenser (I am soooo biased since it was the first proper studio microphone I’ve ever bought), but it’s so warm and smooth and nice to record with, especially under heavy compression (and on drums for that matter! I mean really, just line it up with the kit, put some heavy compression on it and press record. It sounds like absolute heaven with that room sound.) But yeah I’m totally rambling. Condensers are awesome and some of the best microphones out there and I totally love them.

[@travisraab]

Yeah I've used a non modded 990 tons of times and been totally happy with it. Maybe ignorance is bliss

[@AJOrpheo]

Speaking of sub 500 mics, not a condenser but, the SM7b has been our studios go to so much lately. We had a country client in recently and I paired the mic with our BLA 73 neve clone and it was a beautiful sound. I've been eyeing that 4040 though. Something that I can have for the LDC sound and use in a variety of situations until we build up our mic collection sounds very tasty!

[@travisraab]

Sounds like a nice setup you have

[@AJOrpheo]

@@travisraab Not as cool as yours is! love the vibe and equipment. But, we'll build up to that one day!

[@travisraab]

@@AJOrpheo I don't really have much. I don't have a neve that's next level

[@AJOrpheo]

@@travisraab I highly suggest the Black Lion Audio clone! its affordable and sounds great. My first good preamp. It actually is more Neve inspired as it runs jensen transformers instead of carnhill but it has that dark vintage neve sound and saturates beautifully. Might be a good one to review! Its called the BLA B173

[@AJOrpheo]

Its Cinemag input and output transformers! It definitely gives a more open and brighter sound but still feels familiarly Neve

[@676bun]

I have 2 mics an MXL V69 tube mic ($269) and a Shure KSM 32 (found used for $200) never had any other mics, but there is one keep eyeing the Lauten Audio Clarion FC-357, seems to be getting a lot of attention, people in the mic sphere talk about it with amazing reviews.

[@travisraab]

I've got a Lauten review coming

[@noahhonore2022]

What I've learned from being stuck with just two very different sounding condensor mics for so long is that you should match the sound of the mic to the instrument unless if you have a specific goal in mind when you get to the mixing stage. That way you capture the fundamental frequencies of each thing. Like you said though, doing the opposite usually has an interesting effect like the 57 on kick or ribbons and other dark mics on overheads so sometimes it's worth noting and trying those things when necessary.

[@travisraab]

Good point

[@Mute67]

Learning to place/position the microphone right makes a difference (duh), and choosing the right type of microphone for that.

[@travisraab]

Good point

[@Mute67]

@@travisraab Heard from someone saying that he use microphones as instruments or sound generating equipment.

[@Haze763]

I'm more confused than ever!! Hahahaa I've learned not to get so technical and picky. My main condenser in my MXL v67 and Mt SM57 is a workhorse of course. Both perfect for us bedroom musicians. I'd love to have a big mic locker but really don't need it. Less is more. ✌

[@travisraab]

Both great mics!

[@Haze763]

@@travisraab Thanks for your advise!! Love your channel. Keep up the good work!! ✌

[@johnkaplun9619]

As Steve Albini said, if you gonna spend money on one piece of equipment, buy microphones. If your mic sounds shit than what we even doin?

[@miriammiland7505]

H e l l o f a m

[@canconeteirodopunk]

ohh! no snsmp??? LOOOLLL 🤣in this daus i record every think with a M3! thats fine to me!

[@travisraab]

👍👍