Need a Mic

I have been using my brother's all-purpose microphone for recording but that option is now out the window because I could not very well have taken his mic with me when I moved off to college.  So I'm looking for recommendations for a good quality microphone at a low price.  I want to use it for a variety of things, such as:

1. Recording ideas and sending them to my band back in St. Louis
2. Recording rough takes of my material for demo purposes and such
3. Possibly recording guitar (acoustic or electric) or vocals if I'm asked to collaborate on a project

$100 or less would be preferable, but I want something that can get me good, near-professional quality and that will be effective for recording purposes in the long term.  I am aware of the standard Shure microphones but I'm not sure if the SM57 or SM58 are best for all-purpose (i.e. both instrument and vocal) recording. 

I have a 58. Dynamic mics are the best for live stuff, but not the greatest for recordings. I would recommend getting a condenser mic for recording. I wouldn't necessarily recommend mine for multi-purpose recording, but I have heard of a few that do really well in that realm and aren't too expensive. I'll ask a few friends.


Edited by Polymorphia - August 22 2013 at 15:31

Triceratopsoil wrote: I own an SM57, use that bad boy for everything.  Works well for voice if you don't get too close to it. By the way, the only different between a 57 and a 58 is the ball top and pop filter, AFAIK

The 57 and 58 are very similar but a little more different than that. The 57 is more versatile IMO (sounds good on vocals and on instruments, the 58 is slightly less good at instruments and slightly better for vocals).

Anyway, I wouldn't recommend them overall because their output is low and you have to crank the gain on your interface, which could make it very noisy depending on the quality of interface/preamp.

So, get this instead:

http://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-AT2035-Diaphragm-Condenser-Microphone/dp/B002T45X1G

-large diaphragm
-10 dB pad
-80 Hz filter
-low-ish noise


Bada-boom.

I bought an SM58 back in 1978 and I still use that same mic for everything today.  You can get one for $99 at Musicians Friend mail order.

Pekka wrote: I record guitars and bass with this, and I'm quite happy with it: http://www.thomann.de/gb/the_tbone_sc440_usb.htm

Ooo - that looks interesting.  

Edited by Dean - August 23 2013 at 04:39

Dean wrote: If you can get a used SM58 for a decent price then I'd suggest adding a cheap condenser microphone such as the Behringer C1 to compliment the SM58 - with some careful shopping you should be able to get both for around $100.

Congrats, quite a steal