Which mics to buy?

[samcrew]

Hello all,

I registered here a few weeks ago, and I thought its about time I posted

I'm just starting to get into home recording, i've got a laptop with mixcraft, USB midi keyboard, alesis firewire mixer, a rubbishy carlsbro mic, an okaish audio technica drum mic kit (no overheads).

I'm starting to get to the stage where I need to upgrade my mic collection on a pretty low budget. I need to record vocals, acoustic guitar, electric guitar and drums and I'm wondering wether to buy a Shure SM57 for my snare and micing guiar amps and a cheapey condenser such as the Behringer C3 for vocals and guitar, or getting a stereo matched pair of condensers such as the Samson C02s for drum overheads, and would they double for acoustic guitar and vocals?

Your help would be greatly appreciated,
Thanks,
Sam

[Hope Leaves]

I'd definately get an SM57, seriously good mic which you will probably still be using long after upgrading everything else. I haven't had experience of the other mics, although Behringer dont have the best reputation for reliability, and with a vocal mic at that price it wouldn't surprise me if it wasn't too good.

[samcrew]

Right ok, yeah I think I will have to get a SM57, so thats on the list. What would you reccomend for vocals, acoustic guitar and possibly a drum overhead for under £100?

[Hope Leaves]

I honestly don't know as far as overheads go, as I've never had to record real drums. I have an AKG Perception 100 which was about £75 - it sounds ok for vocals and I have used it on accoustic guitar to reasonable effect. Someone else may have some suggestions which are more suitable though.

[icedan2002]

I have to agree with the sm57. It is a very good mic for the money.

I know your on a budget so check out Cascade Microphones. I believe they have some mics that cost a little more then the Behringer and get some good reviews.

I own the FatHead II's ($349.00 a matched pair)and could not be more pleased with them.

Check them out!

i use some neumanns but i had to build into them as to purchasing them.I first bought a sm57 as an all around mic . I play few instruments. The sm 57 is good for a so called "watching your budget" but to get a mic you may have to figure out what is most important for the purchase ?.

Is the main reason vocals or, overall mic for instruments ?

The sm57 is good for Brass instruments. I have one i use it on the trombone Now my main instrument is Bass Guitar then on from there.When i play horn it sounds good and it holds.

I can use that mic on drums. horns, ok as a mic for amps, and so on.

As for vocals well, You can use it, but it won't give you the good vocal fullness of a vocal mic. And it is a bite bright . I would use a pop screen of filter in front of the mic for vocals , It will pick up everything. Get one of those few dollar wind filters that you push on. They are made from a sponge. It will knock down the highs on that mic allowing you to increase volume and fullness just a bit.

I would say "GET IT" you will use it on everything until the day comes to buy another brand for just vocals.
Don't get me wrong, The mic for the money is worth it. You will and can always find a place for it and someday add on a vocal mic, Your sm57 will always be able to be used.

[samcrew]

Okay, thanks everyone for your suggestions, look like I'll be getting an Sm57, any ideas on the best place to buy in the UK?