Essential Studio Vocal Microphones
Most of us recording at home won't have dozens of microphones available for each and every little thing we need to record. Good news is that you can record just about everything you'll be doing in you home studio with no more than a couple of mics... a good vocal mic and a good instrument mic.
I'll talk about a few very good mics we've used over the years not only in the home studio but used in pro commercial studio's as well. It's not always just about the price tag.
Vocal Microphones
To give your vocals a real noticeable edge in tone quality you should record them with a large diaphragm condenser microphone. Years ago you'd have to spend thousands of dollars to get one but many companies have these types now even in the under $200 range.
No, they're not as good as the $2000 mics but they will give you more quality vocal sounds than a regular dynamic mic made for live stage performance.
MXL V67G Studio Condenser Microphone
Made by the famous Marshall company who make the guitar amps, this MXL V67G has become a favorite in this class.
It has a wide cardioid pattern which will pick up from a good range and with it's own built-in transformer and FET pre-amp it produces a very nice open, smooth sound.
*Get it for a good price at the microphone specialty store MicrophonesOnly.com
Behringer B2Pro
The Behringer B2 Pro is also a large diaphragm condenser microphone made specifically for recording vocals in the studio.
*Get it for a good price at the microphone specialty store MicrophonesOnly.com
Shure Beta 58A
The Shure Beta 57A is used more for live stage performances than in the recording studio but this mic is very versatile and who knows, your voice might sound great with this mic in the studio... it's the one Daniel Lanois chose for Bono on the U2 recordings.
More/Buy MicrophonesOnly.com
Don't Forget The Pop Screen!
A pop screen for your studio mic is very important. There's nothing worse than getting a great track and then finding a loud "P" or "B" in front of a word. These are usually impossible to get rid of so the best thing to do is avoid them.
How To Make Your Own Microphone Pop Screen
You can buy a pop screen but they are very easy to make, here's what you need:
1. nylon stocking
2. embroidery hioop
That's it! Any nylon and an embroidery hoop available at a arts and craft store.