which condenser mic for vocals? under $300.

[TwilightOdyssey]

Re: which condenser mic for vocals? under $300.

I don't think there is a dynamic mic made that has the same high frequency sensitivity and directionality as a condenser/capacitor mic.

The PR30's large diaphragm gives it a nice, smooth response way below an SM57, which starts to nosedive after 200Hz. The high frequency response of the PR30 and SM57 look practically the same on paper, so I would not be surprised if someone would be hard pressed to tell the difference in a blind test if they were high-pass filtered.

Consdenser mic's generally have a much wider frequency response, which gives them more 'weight' the low mids/bass and more 'air' in the high frequencies.

 

[El Dunco]

Re: which condenser mic for vocals? under $300.

I don't think there is a dynamic mic made that has the same high frequency sensitivity and directionality as a condenser/capacitor mic.

The PR30's large diaphragm gives it a nice, smooth response way below an SM57, which starts to nosedive after 200Hz. The high frequency response of the PR30 and SM57 look practically the same on paper, so I would not be surprised if someone would be hard pressed to tell the difference in a blind test if they were high-pass filtered.

Consdenser mic's generally have a much wider frequency response, which gives them more 'weight' the low mids/bass and more 'air' in the high frequencies.

This, pretty much. You just can't truly match a condensor sound from a dynamic. They're constructed far too differently, but the Heil mics definitely do a great job in most applications you would want a cardioid pattern mic for. I still bet you I can pick the PR30 vs a 57 with the hi-pass. Those frequency charts aren't all that accurate. They smooth them a fair bit to make them look flatter than they are.

 

[jtougas]

Re: which condenser mic for vocals? under $300.

There's a reason a lot of vocal tracks are double-mic'ed...

 

[El Dunco]

Re: which condenser mic for vocals? under $300.

There's a reason a lot of vocal tracks are double-mic'ed...

I like to use a condensor with an old harmonica mic. Has a vintage character and is fairly confined to the presence range which is perfect for giving a bit of extra something to the sweet spot to the voice. If I'm recording a band wanting a more retro sound, if the vocals are too hi-fi it's harder to get it to fit together without it sounding like it was tracked later.

 

[jeremy]

Re: which condenser mic for vocals? under $300.

ive had a pr35 for a few years and i love it as a vocal mic or on a guitar cab. flatter and clearer than a 58 or 57 with better low end clarity. its not the same as a condenser but in the studio its very nice in the mix