Good Microphones?

[Pgpaw3]

Hey SFO-ers.

 

I need your opinion's on something.

 

I want to do some voice recording (just talking, like voice overs, not singing) for some video's I want to make, and I need a good microphone.

I want one with great voice recording quality, is easy to use, and wont cost an arm and a leg.

I have heard the Blue Snowball and Shure SM57 are good, and are less then $100, which is even better.

 

What do you guys think? Are those good mics, or are there better for around the same price?

 

Thanks.

[Arashikage]

I have a Turtle Beach P11 headset that I use.  It's not professional, but it's a gaming headset that cost me about 60 dollars.  I use it to record Fox's lines for the SFOCast Theater production.  If you wanna hear what it sounds like, check out the production.  (I actually don't know if it's finished, but the WIP version has been posted in the SFOCast Theater thread here: )

[StarFoxfan-FUR_ever]

Agreed. Arashikage is right. I have Turtle Beach X11. I dont know if they still sell the model. Turtle Beach mics are HORRIBLE for singing, but for speaking into, they are incredible. I think I payed around 40-60 dollars I forgot exactly what it cost. If you want to check out the models they feature, go to http://www.turtlebeach.com/ From there you can search from their entire current line of models.

[Fedora]

I have heard good things about a mic called the Blue Snowball. I have unfortunately do not own one and have little info on it. However, I heave heard that is it is well used in VA circles and is of good make. It's a USB mic as well if that means anything. Otherwise, I'd steer ya towards an Audio-Technica mike. Just be warned that they are very expensive and NEVER buy straight from their site.

 

I myself use a TurtleBeach P11 but they are gaming headphones not recording mikes. They work quite well though as AK has said. I record my lines as Falco and Pepper in the SFO Theatre with them.

[StarFoxfan-FUR_ever]

Also in case you want another headphone company in case you dont find what you want, look up http://www.trittonaudio.com/

 

Most people who say they dislike Turtle Beach generally love Tritton, saying it is usually cheaper and better than Turtle Beach. However, they can sometimes be cheaply made so beware.

[CrypticQuery]

From what I've heard, the Blue Snowball Microphone is perhaps one of the best you can get at that pricerange.  The audio quality is unparalleled from what I've listened to as well.  I'd get the brushed-aluminum one; it has that classic look it it.

 

http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Microphones-Snowball-Microphone-Aluminum/dp/B002OO333Q/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1366228916&sr=8-3&keywords=Blue+Snowball+Mic

 

--

 

Here's a pretty decent review on it;

 

[LoneWolf]

Anything manufactured by Blue is going to be top-notch.

[Drasiana]

I think the Snowball is what Fred and Faisul use though I suppose it wouldn't hurt to double check with them.

[DZComposer]

The SM57 will be more versatile, as it is XLR-based and not USB. Of course that means you will need some kind of mixer or preamp in addition to it. Be cautious, though, there are a lot of counterfeit SM57's out there, and they sound like ass. Only buy SM57s new and from reputable music shops. Once you learn how to tell the difference, always disassemble and check an SM57 before you buy it used.

Though if you're just going to USB it, then the Blue Snowball is a good choice. I also can vouch for the MXL 990, which comes in a USB variant.