Microphone recommendations?

[Magnitude Zero]

A friend of mine is looking into buying a mic for recording vocals. Unfortunately, neither of us really knows what to look for. At all. I was looking at this one, which looks pretty promising based on the reviews, but what the fuck do I know?

Female vocalist, budget of about $100. Any ideas? Let me know if you need any other information, because again, we have no idea what we're doing.

[Overkillius]

I use this; I also bought it when it was $99. I don't really know much about microphones in general, but whatever you end up buying, make sure it is USB unless you want to worry about phantom power.

[FlyingNinjaBannanas]

I personally use this Microphone and so far it has done me no wrong. This sound is phenomenal for the price and I love the recording modes it has, makes life easier if you have a studio that's full of reverberation. Just get a pop filter and you should be good for a while. Just as added info and examples, I know that Mic the Microphone, TheDumplingz (Newer that Christmas vids) and IBringthelulz (seen it in his Pinkies Brew mini cover) use it.

[ChocolateChicken]

The Shure SM57, hands down. You can record anything with it, from vocals, to acoustic guitar, pianos, and cats meowing. It's a very popular studio-quality microphone and many professionals record with it. The only difference is that it does not cost the same as a studio-quality mic; it's significantly lower in price. It's $99 bucks at Guitar Center, and less on Amazon. Check it out!

[bartekko]

I use this

tracer s2
It's an el-cheapo 4$ mic I just randomly grabbed, as my last 6$ mic broke, and honestly, it works as good as I need for whenever i need a mic. Sure, it doesn't have the greatest sound quality, and there is a bit of noise noticeable when using vst's for heavy distortion, but honestly, it's okay for my needs

time for some self inserts:
I used it to make this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NAfEBqvuM2M
and to record my nylon guitar on this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SY57axbSaeA


now that you know what I use, and how I use it, let me tell you one thing: what microphone you use matters way less than how you produce your music, your vocals and everything.
in other words, getting a better mic will not automatically make your music better

of course, if you are really good at what you do, and your hardware limits you, you will need a better mic, but i am certain that the meaning of a good microphone is often overrated

edit: foam cover does wonders

[Watashig]

The Shure SM57, hands down. You can record anything with it, from vocals, to acoustic guitar, pianos, and cats meowing. It's a very popular studio-quality microphone and many professionals record with it. The only difference is that it does not cost the same as a studio-quality mic; it's significantly lower in price. It's $99 bucks at Guitar Center, and less on Amazon. Check it out!

Some like the SM58 too, but I don't really know much about those myself.

[Peak Freak]

...

[Habanc]

I use the Samson C01U. It's a USB-connected condenser mic that's cheap enough to afford a pop filter too (which I what I also bought), and the sound quality is pretty good for the price.

However, I haven't tested it with anything more than what I need for vocal FX.

[CaptainFluffatun]

I use an Audio-Technica AT2020

[Rainbow_Rage]

SM57 is a good mic. Cheap, long lasting, it's dynamic so no worries about phantom power, it's good for vocals but it can record almost anything so it gives you that flexibility.

You may want to go for usb though depending on your setup. Do you have an audio interface or other way of connecting a mic to your computer? If not you should go for usb, the AT2020 is a very popular. Make sure you get the usb version as there is a normal one also thats a bit cheaper), as usb means you can just plug and play without the need for any other gear.

[CaptainFluffatun]

SM57 is a good mic. Cheap, long lasting, it's dynamic so no worries about phantom power, it's good for vocals but it can record almost anything so it gives you that flexibility.

You may want to go for usb though depending on your setup. Do you have an audio interface or other way of connecting a mic to your computer? If not you should go for usb, the AT2020 is a very popular. Make sure you get the usb version as there is a normal one also thats a bit cheaper), as usb means you can just plug and play without the need for any other gear.

But interfaces are fun :3

[MixolydianPony]

I recommend either the Shure SM57 or SM58, IF YOU HAVE AN INTERFACE OF SOME SORT. It's not USB. The 57 and 58 are pretty much identical in terms of what's in the guts of the microphone, the only difference is the grille. The SM58 is pretty much the industry standard for live vocal performances, so that should tell you something. However, the SM57 is the official mic of the US president, so that should tell you something about how little of a difference there is in terms of which is better for vocals. Personally, I have both and love both. The SM57 is a bit rougher sounding, and the 58 is ever so slightly more crisp. Also, they're both extremely affordable, at around $100.

If you don't have an interface... you can get a small one for a few hundred dollars... and if you ever intend on scaling up your music production, you'll need one eventually. I think either Avid or M-AUDIO or MOTU sells some that are expandable, so you can buy one now, and then if you want to upgrade later, instead of trashing the old one, you can buy another and link them together.

[Magnitude Zero]

Yeah, as far as I know she has no interface of any kind.

Thanks for the suggestions, everyone. Another question: would it be worth it to go a little cheaper and get a pop filter alongside it?

[MixolydianPony]

Or you could go even cheaper and stretch some pantyhose over a bent up wire coat hanger.

Depending on how the vocalist pronounces their plosives, a pop filter may or may not be necessary. But they're only like, $20, so why not?

[Overkillius]

Yes you want a pop filter. Whether you get a pantyhose one or one that costs money (I also think you can put a sock over your mic) you want to use one.