I just buy the shoes.

[ste20man]

Hi all.

I recently bought my first mic, the SM57 and was really really pleased with the results I got on clean and distorted guitar from it. I knew I wanted it straight away and bought it instantly(I do that with shoes lol).

When I tried it on vocals though I didn't get such good results.

I'm completely new to recording and think that I want to invest in a condenser mic for singing + also double miking my guitar amp when I record that. Singing is most important though as the SM57 does a great job on the guitar.

To me there seems to be a lot more competition in condensers so I'm asking for help in understanding here.

I've got about £200 max to get a condenser and am wondering if you guys can name a standard condenser in that range that most people would say -

'There's your go-to mic' for those 2 applications, voice and guitar recording.

If you guys could give me your top 3 I'd be really grateful, cheers, Ste.

[stainless]

the SM57 is a good mic for screamers (or folks with really strong pipes) so don't discard it when recording vocals.

In you price range (if I'm doing the math correctly)
a Senn MK4, MXL990 - and have it modded by Michael Jolie, ode NT1-a, Blue Yeti, AT 4040... etc



There are lower priced mics , and while 'bargains" there really is a reason some mics cost more- is it always justified??? not always, and your pre-amp has a lot to do with it

but if you're serious about recording, buy the best you can afford at the time of need. IF it's really just a hobby, buy whatever happens to strike your fancy (meaning who's marketting is the best!)