Pro Dynamic Microphone
Pro Dynamic Microphone
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Audio-Technica Pro 31Qtr Cardioid Dynamic Microphone $39.99 The Audio-Technica PRO 31QTR is a dynamic microphone with broad frequency response and low handling noise. The PRO 31QTR has a tough, durable design that delivers consistent performance on the road. The cardioid polar pattern reduces pickup of sounds from the sides and rear, improving isolation, while the Hi-ENERGY neodymium magnet delivers a hot signal with articulate vocal reproduction. Audio-Technica builds the PRO 31QTR mic with built-in pop protection, an on/off switch, and corrosion-resistant, gold-plated contacts.Cardioid polar pattern Hi-ENERGY neodymium magnet 2-stage ball-type head/pop filter MagnaLock on/off switch Gold-plated, corrosion-resistant XLR connector Rugged design and construction |
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Heil Sound Handi Microphone Pro Plus Dynamic Microphone Black $108 The Heil Handi Mic Pro Plus is a dynamic microphone that incorporates innovative mic technology designed for a wide range of professional applications. This versatile Heil microphone excels at live sound, commercial broadcast, and sophisticated recording venues. The Handi Mic's wide frequency range outperforms tired, 30+ year old industry technology and can withstand huge amounts of SPL. The end result is a microphone that can answer the call to any application. The Handi Mic Pro Plus is ideal for use with tom drums where smaller microphones are needed, as well as inside Leslie speakers. The Handi Mic is perfect as an interview microphone because of its small size, low profile and great sound. Since 1982, Heil Sound has been the leading manufacturer of communications microphones and has a paramount understanding of phasing. When properly applied, this knowledge creates outstanding cardioid patterns with unbelievable rear rejection that removes unwanted sounds that try to enter from the off axis rear. The pattern control of the Heil Handi Mic Pro Plus is outstanding. This exceptional performance is achieved by using the ideal combination of materials for the large low mass diaphragm and a special mixture of neodymium, iron, and boron that gives the Handi Mic Pro Plus the strongest magnet structure available. Heil technicians paid special attention to the microphone's phasing plug assembly. The Handi Mic's equally placed ports accept sound from behind out of phase. Thus, the Handi Mic Pro Plus produces a very linear cardioid pattern and reduces proximity effect while achieving perfect articulation. The Heil element in this microphone is usable at extreme high sound pressure levels and is immune to overload conditions. That makes the Heil Handi Mic Pro Plus a dynamic microphone that is perfect for vocal and live sound applications. Includes: Standard 5/8" -27 mic clip Unique wall mount Foam windscreen |
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Audio-Technica Pro 61 Hypercardioid Dynamic Microphone $59.99 The Audio-Technica PRO 61 is an exceptional vocal stage microphone. A dynamic mic that delivers outstanding gain before feedback, the PRO 61 has plenty of the presence needed for lead vocals. Its hypercardioid polar pattern improves isolation of the voice from surrounding sounds. The PRO 61 mic's superior internal shock mounting eliminates handling noise. A neodymium magnet yields the articulate reproduction needed for vocal use. Rugged Audio-Technica design and construction assure that the PRO 61 will serve you reliably with a long use life. Excellent gain before feedback Outstanding stage presence for lead and back-up vocals Extended frequency response for optimal clarity and smooth, natural sonic characteristics Hypercardioid polar pattern improves isolation of desired sound source Superior internal shock mounting reduces handling noise Hi-ENERGY neodymium magnet for articulate vocal reproduction 2-stage ball-type headcase for superior "pop" protection Gold-plated XLRM-type connector Rugged design and construction for reliable performance |
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Audio-Technica Pro 41 Cardioid Dynamic Microphone $49.99 The Audio-Technica PRO 41 is a dynamic microphone that offers you superior internal shock mounting to reduce handling noise. Cardioid polar pattern reduces pickup of sounds from the sides and rear, improving isolation of desired sound source. Hi-ENERGY neodymium magnet for articulate vocal reproduction. 2-stage ball-type headcase for superior "pop" protection. MagnaLock on/off switch. Corrosion-resistant contacts from gold-plated XLRM-type connector. Rugged Audio-Technica design and construction for reliable performance.Dynamic element 90-16,000Hz frequency response XLRM-type output connector Quiet-Flex stand clamp 5/8" to 3/8" threaded adapted 15' cable XLRF-XLRM Protective pouch |
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M-Audio Soundcheck Dynamic Microphone $49.99 SoundCheck is a rugged, dynamic mic. Its unidirectional design helps to eliminate unwanted background noise, producing clearer, more professional-sounding recordings without hassle. A perfect match for M-Audio's Fast Track USB and Fast Track Pro audio interfaces, SoundCheck boasts an internal filter that minimizes unwanted pops as well as a front-mounted on/off switch and contoured grip for live use. The microphone includes a hard mount, case and XLR cable.Affordable dynamic mic for vocals or guitarsUnidirectional design rejects background noiseInternal filter minimizes popsFront-mounted on/off switch and contoured gripIncludes hard mount, case and XLR cable |
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Audio-Technica Pro 31 Cardioid Dynamic Microphone $39.99 The Audio-Technica PRO 31 microphone has a cardioid polar pattern that reduces sound pickup s from the sides and rear, improving isolation of the desired sound source. Hi-ENERGY neodymium magnet for high output and articulate vocal reproduction. 2-stage ball-type headcase for superior "pop" protection. MagnaLock on/off switch. Corrosion-resistant contacts from gold-plated XLRM-type connector. Rugged design and construction for reliable performance.Dynamic element 60-13,000Hz frequency response XLRM-type output connector Quiet-Flex stand clamp 5/8" to 3/8" threaded adapter 15' cable XLRF-XLRM Protective pouch |
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Heil Sound Handi Mic Pro Plus Dynamic Microphone Black $108 The Heil Handi Mic Pro Plus is a dynamic microphone that incorporates innovative mic technology designed for a wide range of professional applications. This versatile Heil microphone excels at live sound, commercial broadcast, and sophisticated recording venues. The Handi Mic's wide frequency range outperforms tired, 30+ year old industry technology and can withstand huge amounts of SPL. The end result is a microphone that can answer the call to any application. The Handi Mic Pro Plus is ideal for use with tom drums where smaller microphones are needed, as well as inside Leslie speakers. The Handi Mic is perfect as an interview microphone because of its small size, low profile and great sound. Since 1982, Heil Sound has been the leading manufacturer of communications microphones and has a paramount understanding of phasing. When properly applied, this knowledge creates outstanding cardioid patterns with unbelievable rear rejection that removes unwanted sounds that try to enter from the off axis rear. The pattern control of the Heil Handi Mic Pro Plus is outstanding. This exceptional performance is achieved by using the ideal combination of materials for the large low mass diaphragm and a special mixture of neodymium, iron, and boron that gives the Handi Mic Pro Plus the strongest magnet structure available. Heil technicians paid special attention to the microphone's phasing plug assembly. The Handi Mic's equally placed ports accept sound from behind out of phase. Thus, the Handi Mic Pro Plus produces a very linear cardioid pattern and reduces proximity effect while achieving perfect articulation. The Heil element in this microphone is usable at extreme high sound pressure levels and is immune to overload conditions. That makes the Heil Handi Mic Pro Plus a dynamic microphone that is perfect for vocal and live sound applications. |
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Audio-Technica Pro 63 Cardioid Dynamic Instrument Microphone $49.99 Tuned to make an impact, the Audio-Technica PRO 63 Cardioid Dynamic Instrument Microphone clarifies the intensity of instruments, vocals, and spoken words. Cardioid polar mic pattern reduces pickup of sounds from the sides and rear, improving isolation of desired sound source. Hi-ENERGY neodymium magnet for improved output and transient response. 2-stage ball-type microphone headcase for superior "pop" protection. Corrosion-resistant contacts from gold-plated XLRM-type connector. Audio-Technica gave the PRO 63 Microphone a rugged design and construction for reliable performance.Dynamic element 70-16,000 Hz frequency response XLRM-type output connector Quiet-Flex stand clamp 5/8" to 3/8" threaded adapter 15' cable XLRF-XLRM Protective pouch |
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Audio-Technica Pro 8Hecw Hypercardioid Dynamic Headworn Microphone $159 The Audio Technica PRO 8HEcW is a dynamic headset microphone with a hypercardioid polar pattern. It does an excellent job of rejecting signals that are not nearby the mic element. The headband is worn around the back of the head with each cushioned support pad resting on the temple in front of the ear. The assembly may be oriented so that the microphone descends from either the left or right side. The cable remains clipped to the headband, with some slack at the boom connection. This makes for an ergonomically sound configuration for vigorous exercise instructors, animated business presenters or hyperactive auctioneers. It is also viable for singing drummers and other vocalists who need their hands to be free.It comes with a 55" cable terminated for use with Audio-Technica UniPak body-packtransmitters.Hypercardioid polar pattern to minimize feedbak and extraneous signalsTight, secure headband for stabilityComes with windscreen |
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Musician's Gear Microphone Pro-Pak $49.99 The Musicians Gear Microphone Pro-Pal includes a Musicians Gear dynamic cardioid stage mic with on/off switch, tripod mic stand with mic clip and fixed boom extension, and a low-noise mic cable with XLR connectors. |
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TC Helicon MP-70 Dynamic Handheld Microphone $129 Perhaps no one has done more for quality onstage vocal processing than TC Helicon, but what about that all-important first link in the signal chain? TC has answers with the MP-70 Modern Performance Vocal Microphone. This is what every singer deserves: a microphone engineered for the sonic realities of modern vocal performance including the requirements of vocal effect processors. Youd expect nothing less from the only pro audio company 100% dedicated to the needs of singers. Supercardioid dynamic capsule 50Hz-18kHz frequency response Patented neodymium magnet structure for high outputAnother microphone?Does the world really need yet another vocal microphone? In TC Helicons opinion noit just needs one really good one. One designed for today, where the advent of singers using studio quality vocal processing on stage has transformed live vocal performance. Singers are demanding more control. The effects used by modern vocalists require off-axis noise rejection and frequency response that the majority of dynamic instrument microphones repurposed for singers just cant deliver. TC-Helicon MP-70 delivers.Superior Vocal ToneThe proprietary Lismer capsule design uses a patented neodymium magnet structure for high output and uniform performance. The placement of the super-cardioid capsule provides best in class off-axis noise rejection and feedback suppression. In addition, a dual material diaphragm with light and rigid sections produces optimal high frequency response. If youre making use of the latest in vocal processing, this microphone can help give your sound that studio-produced edge.Designed for singersTC-Helicons modern performance vocal microphones are not a multi-purpose microphone. They are designed and voiced for the realities of live performance. Whereas many vocal microphones get their target frequency response several inches away from the capsule, MP-70 is voiced for the close-up mic technique modern vocalists use. Singers also expect a rugged design built for live performance. MP-70 uses a special heat-treated and hardened steel windscreen grill to provide up to 10 times the durability of non-hardened grills. |
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Tc Helicon Mp-70 Dynamic Handheld Microphone $129 Perhaps no one has done more for quality onstage vocal processing than TC Helicon, but what about that all-important first link in the signal chain? TC has answers with the MP-70 Modern Performance Vocal Microphone. This is what every singer deserves: a microphone engineered for the sonic realities of modern vocal performance including the requirements of vocal effect processors. Youd expect nothing less from the only pro audio company 100% dedicated to the needs of singers. Supercardioid dynamic capsule 50Hz-18kHz frequency response Patented neodymium magnet structure for high outputAnother microphone?Does the world really need yet another vocal microphone? In TC Helicons opinion noit just needs one really good one. One designed for today, where the advent of singers using studio quality vocal processing on stage has transformed live vocal performance. Singers are demanding more control. The effects used by modern vocalists require off-axis noise rejection and frequency response that the majority of dynamic instrument microphones repurposed for singers just cant deliver. TC-Helicon MP-70 delivers.Superior Vocal ToneThe proprietary Lismer capsule design uses a patented neodymium magnet structure for high output and uniform performance. The placement of the super-cardioid capsule provides best in class off-axis noise rejection and feedback suppression. In addition, a dual material diaphragm with light and rigid sections produces optimal high frequency response. If youre making use of the latest in vocal processing, this microphone can help give your sound that studio-produced edge.Designed for singersTC-Helicons modern performance vocal microphones are not a multi-purpose microphone. They are designed and voiced for the realities of live performance. Whereas many vocal microphones get their target frequency response several inches away from the capsule, MP-70 is voiced for the close-up mic technique modern vocalists use. Singers also expect a rugged design built for live performance. MP-70 uses a special heat-treated and hardened steel windscreen grill to provide up to 10 times the durability of non-hardened grills.Excellent pop and breath noise rejectionSuperior background noise rejection and resistance to feedbackSupercardioid pickup pattern for superior isolation onstageLismer dynamic capsule voiced for close-up mic techniqueSuspended dual shockmount for low handling noiseConstruction:Zinc die-cast BodySpecial heat treated hardened steel wire mesh ball grill provides up to 10 times durability of non-hardened ball grillsPatented neodymium magnet structure for high output and uniform performanceCombination cloth/foam pop filter rivals studio performancePatented dual-material diaphragmlight, rigid section for optimal high frequency response; light, flexible section for optimal low frequency responseIncluded with MP-70:Microphone clip (accepts EU and US type threads)Compact cylindrical carrying caseUser guide1-year warranty parts and labor |
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Electro-Voice N D267as Dynamic Microphone With On Off Switch $79 The Electro-Voice N/DYM N/D267AS is a dynamic cardioid vocal microphone that offers clear, consistent sound without low-end distortion. The N/D267AS mic features VOB technology for increased vocal intelligibility. The acoustic response of the EV N/D267AS mic delivers optimal performance in a live sound environment. The new "vocally optimized bass" or VOB technology gives you reduced resonant distortion at low frequencies. Critical damping of the low frequency resonant peak results in a microphone that replaces the muddiness found in competitive models with greater warmth and increased vocal clarity.VOB technology provides tailored bass response for controlled "proximity effect" and exceptional vocal clarityCardioid pattern for superior feedback rejection and acoustic isolationConsistant sound over greater workingdistances than competitive modelsNeodymium based magnet structure pro- vides greater sensitivity and signal-to-noise ratioWarm Grip handle for more comfortable feelOn/Off switch |
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Nady SP-33 Dynamic Microphone $14.99 The dynamic Nady SP-33 microphone delivers lively full-range response with punchy bass; articulate mids; and detailed, crisp highs. The SP-33 mic features an aluminum-alloy voice coil, low handling noise, and an ultra-rugged shockproof grille. 50Hz-16kHz frequency range. |
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Nady SP-4C Dynamic Microphone $16.99 Quality full-range response characterizes the switchable and versatile Nady SP-4C Dynamic Microphone. Powerful neodymium element delivers high output and low noise. Ultralight aluminum voice coil and tight cardioid pattern for high gain before feedback. On/Off switch. 1/4" jack. Includes cable. |
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Nady Sp-33 Dynamic Microphone $10.99 The dynamic Nady SP-33 microphone delivers lively full-range response with punchy bass; articulate mids; and detailed, crisp highs. The SP-33 mic features an aluminum-alloy voice coil, low handling noise, and an ultra-rugged shockproof grille. 50Hz-16kHz frequency range. |
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 CAD Microphones PRO 7 Drum mic pack 6 mics  US $94.99
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 Shure PGX24 BETA58 UHF Handheld Wireless System US $445.00
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 NoResrve shure sm58 sm58 LC withouton off switch Dynamic microphone LOT20 US $73.00
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 Gently Used ElectroVoice RE 20 Microphone With Shock Mount And Stand Included US $324.99
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 EV Electro Voice Raven Dynamic Mic Authorized Dealer EXTREMEPROSOUND MIAMI US $134.99
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 2 shure sm58 sm58 s With On Off Switch Vocal Dynamic microphone LOT30 US $155.00
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 Home Recording Techniques Tips great for AKG D12 D112 Shure Beta 52 users US $10.99
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 Audix Fusion F 10 Pro Drum Microphones Set of 3 US $149.99
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 NoReserve 1X shure sm58 sm58 s Vocal microphone Lot10 US $58.00
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 2 shure sm58 sm58 LC Without Switch Vocal Dynamic microphone Lot 6 US $149.00
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 Prodipe TT1 Ludovic Lanen Model Dynamic Microphone US $19.99
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 New wired cordlesswireless karaoke pro MicrophoneFree Priority Mail in US US $30.29
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 Pro Microphone with Tripod Stand Dynamic mic Wired Microphone Zinc Alloy Stand US $.99
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 Pyle Pro PDMIK1 Dynamic Handheld Microphone 65 XLR to 1 4 Male Cord Musician US $8.95
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 Sennheiser e845S US $120.00
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 SM Pro Audio PR8E Multichannel Microphone Preamplifier US $150.00
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 Dual Wireless Headset Handheld VHF Microphone System US $154.95
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 Wireless Headset Microphone System BONUS Lapel NEW 1 YR US $124.95
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 Dual Wireless Microphone System Handheld VHF AC Rec 1YR US $154.95
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 digital referenceDRV100 mic MICROPHONE pro studio dynamic w holder NEW US $24.99
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 Electro Voice RE20 Dynamic Cable Professional Microphone US $230.00
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 Audio Technica PRO45 Cardioid Condenser Hanging Room Microphone white US $20.00
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 Audio Technica PRO45 Cardioid Condenser Hanging Room Microphone black US $20.00
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 Audio Technica MB1000H neodymium Dynamic Cable Professional Microphone US $25.00
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 Home Studio Recording Techniques Tips great for sennheiser MD421 e609 users US $10.99
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 Nash RT 54 US $19.00
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 AIWA Pro Vocal DM H500 Hyper Cardioid Dynamic Microphone US $7.84
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 AKG D310 dynamic mic Great looking mic Perfect for video studio or live work US $47.13
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 AUDIO TECHNICA AT 8531 AT 8532 POWER MODULE FOR HEADWORN WIRELESS MICROPHONE US $19.99
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 CAD Pro 7 Drum Microphone Pack With Carrying Case US $80.00
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 Audio Technica PRO 88W Dynamic Wireless Consumer Microphone US $115.00
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 SONY ECM 64 P VINTAGE HANDHELD CARDIOID CONDENSER MICROPHONE BATTERY PHANTOM US $9.99
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 NEW BEHRINGER USB Condenser Microphone C 1U BUY IT NOW FREE SHIPPING USA US $74.88
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 NEW PAIR BEHRINGER C 4 STUDIO CONDENSER MICROPHONE C4 BUY IT NOW FREE FAST SHIP US $72.88
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 HISONICS WHM 306 WIRELESS HANDHELD MICROPHONE SYSTEM COMPLETE W CASE WIRED NR US $9.99
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 aurora audio gtq2 mkIII one year old mint condition US $2,199.00
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 NEW SENNHEISER e604 PRO DRUM MIC Best Deal on eBay Buy it Now US $132.88
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 NEW SENNHEISER e835 PRO VOCAL MIC BUY IT NOW Best Deal on ebay US $96.88
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 Audio Technica PRO 2ax Pro Series Cardioid Moving Coil Dynamic Microphone US $49.95
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 KAM RT1 RIBBON TONE 1 Vocal Stage Mic WarmCrisp US $46.00
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 Audio Technica PRO 31 Dynamic Cable Professional Microphone US $19.99
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 Shure AXS2 AXS 2 Dynamic Microphone US $1.56
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 Audio Technica AT4033A Dynamic Cable Professional Microphone with case VGC US $199.00
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 Avalon VT 737SP Tube Mic Pre Channel Strip USED SWEET US $1,000.00
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 BRAND NEW AUDIO TECHNICA PRO 4L UNIDIRECTIONAL DYNAMIC MICROPHONE US $79.99
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 Beyerdynamic M59 pro vocal mic flat black TGX60 NEW m 59 beyer tgx 60 US $219.99
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 Audio Technica AT2020 Cardioid Condenser Microphone Excellent Condition US $69.00
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 3 Pack Shure PG48 QTR Vocal Microphone Mic with Cables US $108.00
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 Audio Technica Pro 25 Drum Microphone US $54.99
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 Audio Technica PRO 88W Wireless Microphone US $65.00
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Pyle-Pro Professional Moving Coil Dynamic Handheld Microphone (PDMIC78) List Price: $37.99 Sale Price: $11.99  |
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This unidirectional, dynamic handheld microphone is perfect for the serious musician recording in the studio or out on stage. It's perfect for voice recording due to the high quality moving coil unidirectional dynamic element... |
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Pyle-Pro PDMIC58 Professional Moving Coil Dynamic Handheld Microphone List Price: $39.99 Sale Price: Too low to display |
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The PDMIC58 is a professional moving coil dynamic handheld microphone. Translation: it makes your voice sound great, thanks the unidirectional element. The durable zinc alloy metal construction means this mic is great for everyday use... |
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Audio-Technica Pro 8HEx Headset Microphone List Price: $119.00 Sale Price: $67.95 Used From: $62.41 |
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Offering highly intelligible voice reproduction, the comfortable and lightweight PRO8HEX is ideal for guitarists, keyboard players and drummers who need the full use of both hands during performance. It features a pivot mounted flexible mic boom that descends from either the left or right side. |
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CAD U1 USB Dynamic Recording Microphone List Price: $49.00 Sale Price: Too low to display |
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Offering excellent quality at an affordable price, the CAD U1 records directly to your computer via USB and is a great choice for both vocal and instruments as well as for creating podcasts and voiceovers for videos... |
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Audio-Technica PRO24CM Stereo Microphone with Camera Mount List Price: $139.00 Sale Price: Too low to display Used From: $70.99 |
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The PRO 24-CM camcorder microphone is a lightweight, compact stereo condenser ideal for digital recording with high-fidelity stereo sound. Equipped with an accessory shoe and permanently attached coiled cable, the microphone features a pair of cardioid elements in an X-Y configuration to provide the spatial impact and realism of a live sound field... |
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Audio-Technica ATR-1100 Unidirectional Dynamic Vocal/Instrument Microphone List Price: $9.95 Sale Price: $7.99 |
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Impedance 500 ohms/Frequency Response 80 - 12,000 Hz/For vocal & instrument miking/Focused pickup (unidirectional polar pattern) helps prevent This handheld dynamic mic is a great introduction to Audio-Technica quality and durability... |
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Pyle-Pro PMHM2 Omni-directional Head Worn Microphone (3.5mm / 1/4'') List Price: $42.99 Sale Price: $13.59 Used From: $19.06 |
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This headworn omni-directional mic has a back electret condenser for crystal-clear recording of your voice. Includes a ¼” adaptor, 1.2 meter cable, and windscreen. |
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Audio-Technica Headworn Dynamic Mic for At Wireless List Price: $149.00 Sale Price: $79.99 |
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Headworn microphone for PRO 88W systems |
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Shure SM57-LC Cardioid Dynamic Microphone List Price: $146.00 Sale Price: Too low to display Used From: $69.99 |
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The Shure SM57 is a fixture in the music business. You see it everywhere. In small clubs and 100,000 seat stadiums. This renowned mic is used by legendary performers and the latest up-and-comers. What you may not have seen are the thousands of SM57s at work behind the scenes in professional recording studios around the world... |
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Audio Technica Pro Series Dynamic Headworn Microphone for Wireless Systems List Price: $149.00 Sale Price: Too low to display |
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Offering highly intelligible voice reproduction, the comfortable and lightweight PRO8HEX is ideal for guitarists, keyboard players and drummers who need the full use of both hands during performance. It features a pivot mounted flexible mic boom that descends from either the left or right side. |
Recording Tips: How to Make Better Mixes
Recording and mixing audio is truly an art form unto itself. Like playing bass, it’s the type of thing most people can pickup quickly and without much effort. Getting good at it can take years, however.
I’ve been recording in my home studio since 1995. When I go back and listen to my early demos, I am appalled. They sound horrific. The EQ is terrible, they are overly compressed, they’re muddy, and all of the tracks blend together into a massive “wall of sound” where no single instrument stands out. But I like to think my current work sounds infinitely better. Take a listen to the tracks on my Demos page. I mixed these in 2006 on a shoestring budget. My entire recording “studio” cost me $500. I used budget mics, budget preamps, and budget PC audio interfaces. (One interesting note: In the song Confession, I used a $400 mic on the words “Am I going crazy? Could you ever turn your eyes my way?” The rest of the song was recorded with a $65 microphone. To this day I can’t hear any difference in quality.)
What was the secret to making better mixes? It was simple. I listened.
I would listen to my mixes over, and over, and over, and then do it again. I listened to my songs on headphones, in my car, in my girlfriend’s car, on my home stereo system, on a portable CD player, etc. During every listening session I would find something that could be improved. Over time, I figured out the fundamental principles of good mixing. I also read plenty of industry magazines, online articles, Internet forums, and whatever else I could find that would enlighten a novice like me. In the end, I was able to produce mixes I was very happy with.
Here, then, are the biggest nuggets of wisdom I wish someone had preached to me in my early days:
- You don’t need expensive gear. That’s right. Despite what manufacturers and retailers may say, the secret to good sound is not in the equipment. Using poor recording and mixing techniques on expensive gear will still result in a bad final product. It doesn’t matter how nice your API preamp or LA-2A compressor is. If you don’t know what you’re doing, the results will be garbage. Just like buying a custom Les Paul won’t make you sound like Jimmy Page! Once you’re able to produce good mixes on budget gear, you can justify a gear upgrade.
- A little processing goes a long way. The abundance of VST and RTAS plugins is both a blessing and a curse. We musicians now have access to an endless collection of software compressors, equalizers, limiters, enhancers, reverbs, etc. But with this power comes responsibility. Use them sparingly! I once held the opinion that because I had tons of plugins at my disposal, I needed to use all of them as much as possible. I was wrong. Excessive plugin use can ruin a mix. These days I use very light compression and very subtle EQ adjustments, and the results sound much more natural.
- Create “space” for each track. Every instrument should have its own “space” in the mix. By “space” I’m referring to track identity…the things that separate each track from the others, so they can be heard properly. Think of this way: When you take a big family photo, how is everyone positioned? Does everyone clump together randomly? Or does everyone organize according to height and spread out evenly? Your mixes are like musical photographs. Think of each track as an individual that should be noticed in some way. Track “space” can be created by using proper EQ techniques, stereo field placement, volume, compression, and reverb/delay settings. For example, bass guitar and kick drum occupy much of the same frequency range. If each is not EQ’d intelligently, they will step all over each other, and neither will be identifiable. There are tons of good Internet articles on this subject, so read up. I may even write one myself.
- Understand how EQ and Compression works. You’ll be amazed at how much better your mixes will sound if you use proper EQ and Compression techniques. Each has its own set of rules, and the rules are specific for each type of instrument. For instance, electric guitar requires different EQ and Compressor settings than do vocals. Drums usually need a fast attack and quick release on the Compressor, while the opposite is true for bass. Again, there are plenty of online articles dedicated to this subject alone.
- Carefully evaluate the mixes of your favorite artists. Everyone has their own taste. Whatever artist(s) inspire you with their sound, pay attention to the mix. Is it heavy on bass? Are the drums super compressed? Are the vocals subdued, or way out front? Study the sound carefully and try to emulate it. I’ve spent almost as much time listening to the sound of professional CD mixes as I have listening to my own. It’s very educational.
- Last, but not least: DO NOT OVERCOMPRESS YOUR MASTER. You may not be aware, but there is a current trend in the recording industry to make every CD louder than its competitors. This is known as the "loudness war" and it is getting out of hand. Using insane levels of compression destroys the dynamics (the change between quiet and loud parts) of a mix. The end result is a song that stays at exactly the same level—insanely loud—the entire time. Not only does it sound unnatural, it causes listener “fatigue”. The human ear wants to hear natural changes in volume. It helps create more emotion in the listener. Your heavy and energetic chorus will have much more impact if it’s actually louder than your verse! Be a part of the solution: Use your compressor and limiter wisely during the mastering stage! Even for rock music, you probably don’t want more than 3db of compression during your mastering.
That’s it for this article. I plan to write follow up articles that examine these topics, and more, in more detail. I hope this has been helpful.
Make music,
Dan
About the Author
Bassist, Songwriter, and Recording Engineer. View my site for music articles, demos, and more.
www.DanAtkinson.net
dan-atkinson.blogspot.com