• Registered: 2008-05-03
  • Posts: 11

Topic: Best condenser microphone

Does anyone know a condenser microphone (max $200) that's suitable for power ballads?
If you use an USB condenser microphone, do you still have to use a pre amp?

  • Registered: 2009-07-17
  • Posts: 5

Re: Best condenser microphone

Hey Modern!

First I apologize I meant to hit reply and I may have accidentally reported your post (sorry!).

Your question is pretty open-ended and certainly open to opinion but here's mine.  For great vocal capture at the 200 price point its tough to beat Rode NT-1A. Usually listed at just over $200, I purchased mine from $180 from Sweetwater during a sale.  It actively competes with my more expensive large diaphragm condensers.

I don't really think you can do better at that price point.  The low-end blueberry mics are probably the next quality upgrade at the mid $300 range.  Of course its a subjective question, but that's my opinion.

As far as the USB mic q, it depends on the mic, but almost all of them feature a analog to digital conversion that either has a preamp (or modeled preamp) built in or replicates the process.  The quality of that conversion is dependent entirely on the mic.

  • Registered: 2009-07-29
  • Posts: 7

Re: Best condenser microphone

I use a Rode NT-1 for a cheap but solid studio solution.  If you want something great for live that's pristeen try a Shure 87a...you'll need phantom power for both of these mics.  Nice feedback Glowdog!!!

Peace,

Brian
www.myspace.com/voxiferation
www.myspace.com/ujiya

  • Registered: 2009-09-23
  • Posts: 4

Re: Best condenser microphone

try Heil  PR35  killer condenser worth much more than it is.   Eagles use them now.... ZZtop ... Slash.. Joan Baez

  • Dove
  • VC Member
  • Offline
  • From: USA
  • Registered: 2010-11-25
  • Posts: 4

Re: Best condenser microphone

I also used Rode NT-1 ............Its cheap and working best .
I have no problem with this .