Vintage Condenser Microphone
Vintage Condenser Microphone
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 Neumann KMi85 KM85i Vintage Condenser Microphone $500.00 Time Remaining: 6h 34m |
 NEUMANN U47 FET I VINTAGE CLASSIC ALL ORIGINAL CONDENSER STUDIO MICROPHONE LQQK $3,999.00 Time Remaining: 29d 13h 32m Buy It Now for only: $3,999.00 |
 PEARL CR57 VINTAGE CARDIOID CONDENSER MIC 48V PHANTOM POWER XLR W CASE CLIP $153.23 Time Remaining: 20d 10h 3m Buy It Now for only: $153.23 |
 Vintage Altec Lansing Slim 18 Goose Neck Condenser Cardioid Microphone Mic $189.99 Time Remaining: 9h 57m |
 JZ Vintage 11 V11 Condenser Microphone Neumann Telefunken AKG Mic Sound $699.00 Time Remaining: 9h 2m Buy It Now for only: $699.00 |
 AKG THE TUBE CLASSIC VINTAGE STUDIO TUBE CONDENSER MICROPHONE C12 C12VR LQQK 2 $2,999.00 Time Remaining: 21d 16h 23m Buy It Now for only: $2,999.00 |
 2 X Neumann KM88i Vintage Multipattern FET Condensers $1,725.00 (27 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 1h 28m |
 VINTAGE SONY C 37A TUBE CONDENSER MICROPHONE W POWER SUPPLY grlc737 $4,300.00 Time Remaining: 1d 4h 9m Buy It Now for only: $4,300.00 |
 Vintage Marantz Superscope Condenser Microphone EC 1 Mic $9.99 Time Remaining: 27d 6h 11m Buy It Now for only: $9.99 |
 vintage mic Audio Technica PR331 unidirectional condenser microphone $20.00 Time Remaining: 1d 10h 42m |
 NEUMANN KM84 VINTAGE CARDIOID CONDENSER MICROPHONE INCLUDING ORIGINAL CASE XLR $1,000.23 Time Remaining: 23d 23h 29m Buy It Now for only: $1,000.23 |
 NEUMANN KM 86I 86 I VINTAGE CLASSIC CONDENSER STUDIO MIC W ORIGINAL CASE LQQK $1,999.00 Time Remaining: 28d 16h 41m Buy It Now for only: $1,999.00 |
 SONY ECM 64 P VINTAGE HANDHELD CARDIOID CONDENSER MICROPHONE BATTERY PHANTOM $9.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 2d 6h 5m |
 Vintage Electro Voice EV1751 Cardioid Electret Condenser Mic w Switch 150Ohms $89.99 Time Remaining: 28d 7h 56m Buy It Now for only: $89.99 |
 American Made Shure SM81 Vintage Condenser Microphone $239.00 Time Remaining: 3d 2h 43m Buy It Now for only: $309.00 |
 AT813 Audio Technica AT 813 Vintage Made in Japan condenser $84.99 Time Remaining: 1d 5h 58m Buy It Now for only: $84.99 |
 Vintage Realistic Condenser Microphone with Box and Case Super Clean $24.99 Time Remaining: 1d 56m Buy It Now for only: $24.99 |
 MIDAS FET HAND MADE CONDENSER MICROPHONE 48V PAIR Vintage Microphone NEW BLACK $230.00 Time Remaining: 3d 3h 10m |
 TELEFUNKEN SCHOEPS M221 RARE VINTAGE CONDENSER MICROPHONE WITH AC701K TUBE $692.23 Time Remaining: 10d 23h 16m Buy It Now for only: $692.23 |
 Vintage Sony Electret Condenser Microphone ECM 95S in Original Box $18.95 Time Remaining: 9d 12h 4m Buy It Now for only: $18.95 |
 MIDAS FET HAND MADE CONDENSER MICROPHONE 48V PAIR Vintage Microphone NEW BLACK $235.00 Time Remaining: 3d 3h 11m |
 AKG C414 B ULS TL II CLASSIC VINTAGE STUDIO CONDENSER MICROPHONE IN CASE LQQK $899.99 Time Remaining: 15d 3h 47m Buy It Now for only: $899.99 |
 Neumann TLM170 TLM 170 Condenser Microphone Grey Black Red Logo Vintage $1,977.77 Time Remaining: 8h 37m Buy It Now for only: $1,977.77 |
 Neumann KM85i KM 85i KM84 Classic Vintage Studio Condenser Microphone System $152.50 (6 Bids) Time Remaining: 3d 11h 4m Buy It Now for only: $1,349.95 |
 VINTAGE OLYMPUS ELECTRET CONDENSER MICROPHONE MODEL ME2 PEARLCORDER $32.50 Time Remaining: 25d 7h 47m Buy It Now for only: $32.50 |
 Vintage Realistic Dual Pattern Stereo Effect Condenser Microphone Mic 33 919 $14.99 Time Remaining: 4d 6h 1m Buy It Now for only: $19.99 |
 MXL V900 Vintage Condenser Microphone $199.99 Time Remaining: 13d 5h Buy It Now for only: $199.99 |
 2 ADK A 48 Condenser Microphones With case Vintage Valve $749.00 Time Remaining: 2d 6h 34m Buy It Now for only: $749.00 |
 Vintage Sony ECM 220 Electret Condenser Microphone w Case Tested $5.00 Time Remaining: 4d 7h 25m Buy It Now for only: $14.99 |
 VINTAGE SONY ECM 16 Electret condenser microphone $35.00 Time Remaining: 14d 5h 26m Buy It Now for only: $35.00 |
 Vintage Sony Electret Condenser Microphone ECM 15P Storage Case Only $4.99 Time Remaining: 29d 2h 42m Buy It Now for only: $4.99 |
 Vintage Sony ECM 210M Condenser Microphone with Owners Manual $5.70 (4 Bids) Time Remaining: 4d 8h 13m |
 AKG C 451E 451 vintage early 70s condenser mic preamp NO ck capsule $179.00 Time Remaining: 10h 37m Buy It Now for only: $179.00 |
 Vintage condenser microphone capsule AKG CK 8 made in Austria $129.00 Time Remaining: 1d 2h 26m Buy It Now for only: $129.00 |
 Sony ECM 95s Condenser Microphone w Extras Vintage $9.99 Time Remaining: 5d 9h 50m Buy It Now for only: $14.99 |
 Rode RODNTK Condenser Professional Microphone Mic with a VINTAGE TUBE UPGRADE $390.00 Time Remaining: 11h 13m Buy It Now for only: $390.00 |
 Vintage MXL MARK Condenser Microphone $68.95 Time Remaining: 11d 7h 36m Buy It Now for only: $68.95 |
 Vintage Pair of Nakamichi CM 100 Condenser Microphones W CP 1 Capsules Cables $14.50 (3 Bids) Time Remaining: 6d 8h 37m |
 MIDAS FET HAND MADE CONDENSER MICROPHONE 48V Vintage Mic BESTvalue for money $119.00 Time Remaining: 2d 2h 28m Buy It Now for only: $119.00 |
 Vintage tube condenser microphone RFT CM7151 Germany GDR 1954 $16.50 (3 Bids) Time Remaining: 7d 21h 48m |
 VINTAGE BELL HOWELL ELECTRET CONDENSER MICROPHONE BOX JAPAN $59.00 Time Remaining: 19d 58m Buy It Now for only: $59.00 |
 NEUMANN KM84 i Vintage Condenser Microphone KM 84 $1,099.00 Time Remaining: 1d 2h 19m Buy It Now for only: $1,099.00 |
 Vintage tube condenser microphone body RFT CM7151 Germany GDR 1954 $10.49 (2 Bids) Time Remaining: 7d 22h |
 PEARL CR55 RARE VINTAGE CARDIOID CONDENSER MICROPHONE INCLUDING SHOCK MOUNT XLR $153.23 Time Remaining: 29d 23h 20m Buy It Now for only: $153.23 |
 Vintage Realistic Stereo Electret Condenser Microphone In Case $70.00 Time Remaining: 16d 12h 49m Buy It Now for only: $70.00 |
 AKG D224 E PAIR VINTAGE TUBE MICROPHONE + PSU + CABLES TUBE VALVE CONDENSER MIC $570.00 Time Remaining: 3d 5h 8m |
 Pair of 2 Neumann KMi km 84 km84 Vintage Condenser Microphones w Case RARE $3,299.99 Time Remaining: 3d 12h 18m Buy It Now for only: $3,299.99 |
 NEUMANN 12 PIN CONNECTOR FOR SM69 SM2 VINTAGE STEREO TUBE CONDENSER MICROPHONES $76.23 Time Remaining: 13d 22h 29m Buy It Now for only: $76.23 |
 Vintage Sony MICROPHONE ECM 31HVC Electret Condenser for use with VIDEO CAMERA $1.55 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 8d 5h 32m |
 Vintage GLOBE ELECTRET Condenser Microphone In Case no Reserve $39.99 Time Remaining: 7d 11h 24m Buy It Now for only: $39.99 |
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Audio-Technica At4047 Condenser Microphone $699 The Audio-Technics AT4047 Condenser Microphone is designed for professional recording and critical applications in broadcast and live sound. Transformer-coupled output and a specially tuned element provide sonic characteristics reminiscent of early FET studio mic designs. The AT4047 mic has exceptionally low self-noise, wide dynamic range and high SPL capability. It sports a vintage silver-matte finish on the microphone and shock mount. Audio-Technica includes a protective case and AT8449/SV shock mount with the AT4047 microphone. Requires phantom power.Gold-plated, specially contoured and aged, dual-diaphragms Switchable 80 Hz hi-pass filter and 10 dB pad Includes AT8449/SV shockmount |
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Mxl 960 Tube Condenser Microphone $399.99 The MXL 960 Tube Condenser Mic will keep you productive reliably and affordably. Professional-quality, large-diaphragm 1" capsule, tube condenser microphone has an extremely wide dynamic range and a crisp, airy sonic character. Well suited to either analog or digital recording. 20Hz-20kHz. Cardioid pattern. 135dB max SPL. Equivalent noise: 13dB, A-weighted.Requires phantom power.Professional-quality, large-diaphragm tube condenserCardioid patternExtremely quietWide dynamic rangeCrisp, airy vintage tube sonic characteristicsFrequency range: 20Hz-20kHz135dB max SPLEquivalent noise: 20dB, A-weightedWired with Mogami cable |
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Blue Blueberry Cardioid Condenser Microphone $999.99 The Blueberry Cardioid Condenser Microphone from Blue consists of a Class A discrete mic amp perfectly chosen to match the single pattern, cardioid, hand-built, large diaphragm capsule. The mic capsule has been tuned to provide a silky-bright and airy top end reminiscent of the best vintage microphones. The result is a recorded signal such as a vocal, minus unwanted low end resonance that can cause a compressor to breathe or pump, or a vocal or instrument track that sits and blends with the basic tracks of recorded program material.Requires phantom power. |
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MXL V900 Stage and Studio Condenser Microphone $199.99 The MXL V900 is a large diaphragm condenser microphone that is as comfortable to use and as effective on stage as it is in the studio. The heavy duty custom grille assembly has been carefully tuned to optimize the MXL V900 microphone's premium condenser element. Internally shock mounted, the MXL V900 mic has a unique stand mounting design that isolates vibration and reduces handling noise. The MXL V900 microphone has a classic, vintage look that will complement your performance and stage presence. The MXL V900 is a Class A microphone designed to exhibit a wide dynamic range and a low noise floor. The MXL V900 is also a perfect microphone for digital recording.Requires phantom power. |
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Presonus Tubepre & Mxl990 Condenser Microphone $139.99 This pack includes a PreSonus TUBEPre Microphone Preamp and an MXL 990 Condenser Microphone for one low price.PreSonus TUBEPre Microphone PreampThis unitets you add character to your signal by varying the amount of gain and tube drive. A 12AX7 tube in this single-channel mic preamp fattens your signal while dual-servo gain stages let you simultaneously output to your amp and console. Sterling specs include 10Hz-80kHz frequency response, a 94dB noise floor, and >90dB S/N ratio. Capacitor-free circuitry and wide dynamic control give you a big boost without noise. Includes 48V phantom power, phase reverse, 20dB pad, and 80Hz rumble filter. A large VU meter with a cool blue backlight keeps you informed. Balanced/unbalanced and XLR I/O give the PreSonus TUBEPre flexibility. Great as a studio direct box.MXL 990 Condenser MicrophoneThe 990 has a silky, sweet high-end while retaining tight, solid low and midrange reproduction. The 3/4" gold-sputtered diaphragm creates a professional sound suited for digital and analog recording. Attractive vintage body style with champagne finish. 30Hz-20kHz frequency response. 130dB maximum SPL. Includes custom shock mount, mic stand adapter, and case.PreSonus TUBEPre Microphone Preamp12AX7 and dual-servo gain stagesCapacitor-free gain stage for maximum fidelity and low noiseXLR mic and high-Z instrument inputs on back panelXLR (balanced) and 1/4" (unbalanced) outputs on back panelSupports dual output of signal10Hz-80kHz frequency response>90dB S/N ratio94dB noise floorVariable gain and tube driveGain: 3dB to +48dBTube drive: 0dB to +20dB48V phantom power-20dB pad and polarity reverse80Hz rumble filterLarge VU meter with blue backlightExternal wallmount power transformerRackmountable with optional adapterMXL 990 Condenser Microphone3/4" gold-sputtered diaphragmAttractive vintage body style with champagne finish30Hz-20kHz frequency response130dB maximum SPLSensitivity: 15MV/paEquivalent noise: 20dB (A-weighted) |
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Used Mxl V900 Stage And Studio Condenser Microphone $136.49 The MXL V900 is a large diaphragm condenser microphone that is as comfortable to use and as effective on stage as it is in the studio. The heavy duty custom grille assembly has been carefully tuned to optimize the MXL V900 microphone's premium condenser element. Internally shock mounted, the MXL V900 mic has a unique stand mounting design that isolates vibration and reduces handling noise. The MXL V900 microphone has a classic, vintage look that will complement your performance and stage presence. The MXL V900 is a Class A microphone designed to exhibit a wide dynamic range and a low noise floor. The MXL V900 is also a perfect microphone for digital recording.Requires phantom power.Gold-sputtered, vintage modeled diaphragmLow-noise solid state preampEasy-to-move swivel mount attaches to any mic standIncludes 25' Mogami microphone cable & aluminum carrying caseWired with Mogami cable |
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Mxl V900 Stage And Studio Condenser Microphone $149.99 The MXL V900 is a large diaphragm condenser microphone that is as comfortable to use and as effective on stage as it is in the studio. The heavy duty custom grille assembly has been carefully tuned to optimize the MXL V900 microphone's premium condenser element. Internally shock mounted, the MXL V900 mic has a unique stand mounting design that isolates vibration and reduces handling noise. The MXL V900 microphone has a classic, vintage look that will complement your performance and stage presence. The MXL V900 is a Class A microphone designed to exhibit a wide dynamic range and a low noise floor. The MXL V900 is also a perfect microphone for digital recording.Requires phantom power.Gold-sputtered, vintage modeled diaphragmLow-noise solid state preampEasy-to-move swivel mount attaches to any mic standIncludes 25' Mogami microphone cable & aluminum carrying caseWired with Mogami cable |
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Behringer T-47 Tube Condenser Microphone $173.99 A recording microphone with classic tube soundThe sound of tube mics is undeniably rich and smooth. At the heart of each of these Behringer T-47 mics is a hand-selected 12AX7 tube, which has been specifically designed to give these microphones their incredible sonic character. One advantage tube condensers have over their solid-state counterparts is that they are not subject to the rapid rise of odd-order harmonics, which the ear perceives as highly unmusical. Even when subjected to high sound pressure levels, the T-47 condenser microphone reacts in much the same way the human ear does.Cardioid polar patternT-47 tube condenser mics feature a tight cardioid (heart-shaped) sound-reception pattern, which reduces the pickup of sound from the sides and rear for improved source isolation. The included custom shock mount fits all standard microphone stands and provides further isolation from external sources of vibration, such as sounds transmitted through floor joists and outside traffic.Dedicated power supplyThe included Behringer PSU-T power supply/preamp provides the supply voltage for the tube preamplifier and houses a Low Cut switch that can be used to reduce the low frequency response, if so desired. The included 7-pin multi-core cable supplies power to the mic and routes the audio signal to the XLR socket on the PSU-T.The ultimate recording micSince the early days of recording, sound engineers have been searching for the best-sounding mics for recording acoustic instruments and the human voice. The resounding choice of professional recordists around the globe has been the tube condenser microphone because nothing compares to a sound that's so open, warm, and full of character. Unfortunately, tube mics can wipe out a home-recording budget faster than you can say "phantom power supply." But with the T-47, anyone who can afford a decent live microphone can have a studio-grade, tube-powered condenser mic for about the same price.The T-47's sensitive sideAnother advantage of tube mics is that they typically outperform transistor designs when it comes to subtle signal levels, such as environmental ambiance. The T-47 picks up every nuance of your performance, capturing an openly transparent slice of time and space with just the right amount of tube warmth. Now you'll be able to justify that new set of strings for your acoustic guitar (because you'll hear the difference), and you'll marvel at the sparkling highlights coming off your wind chimes.Professional, large-diaphragm, tube condenser microphone for unsurpassed audio qualityHand-selected 12AX7 vacuum tube for exceptional warmth and vintage soundIdeal as main and support microphone for studio and live applicationsCardioid pickup pattern for outstanding sound source separation and feedback rejectionPressure-gradient transducer with shock-mounted capsulePerfect for vocals and acoustic instrumentsSwitchable low-frequency roll-offUltra-rugged construction with metal die-cast bodyHigh-quality components |
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Cad Equitek E100s Large Diaphram Condenser Microphone $499.99 Engineered and built in the USA, the CAD Equitek E100S large diaphragm supercardioid condenser microphone has an extremely low noise floor for its class (3.7 dBA) and the smooth, vintage tone and robust low end CAD is known for. The bootstrapped, full-differential Quadra-FET front end delivers high sensitivity and low distortion, plus CAD's proprietary circuitry ensures the highest performance. The CAD microphone's nickel-plated 1" capsule delivers accurate phasing on instruments, and a full rich vocal tone, accentuated by the extended low-frequency response. Features include an 80Hz high-pass filter and a 10dB pad. From vocals to percussion, acoustic instruments and everything in between, the CAD Equitek E100S condenser mic will prove to be one of the most versatile tools in your microphone locker, in the studio, or onstage. The CAD Equitek E100S condenser microphone comes in a vintage woodgrain cherry case and has a stealth shockmount included. 48V Phantom power is required.Large diaphragm supercardioid condenser micLow noise floorFull-differential Quadra-FET front-endNickel-plated 1" capsuleExtended low frequency response80Hz high-pass filter10dB padComes in a vintage woodgrain cherry case with shockmountMade in the USAApplications:Studio vocals, Choir, Acoustic instrument, Guitar cabinets, Bass cabinets, Strings, Piano, Cymbals/Overheads |
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Mxl 990 Large Diaphragm Stereo Condenser Microphone $129.99 The MXL 990 Stereo Condenser Microphone has an extremely smooth, natural sound quality. Featuring twin 20 mm gold sputtered capsules this pressure-gradient stereo condenser microphone has a 20 Hz-20 kHz frequency response. The MXR 990 also has a 3-position, switchable attenuation pad with settings for Hi (0 dB), Medium (-5 dB), and Lo (-10 dB), making it easy to configure the microphone to virtually any sound source. A heavy-duty wire mesh grill with an integrated pop filter protects the instrument's capsule, and an LED activity light aids users in properly orienting the microphone toward the sound source.Based upon the MXL 990--a top selling studio condenser microphone--the MXL 990 Stereo Condenser Microphone is ideal for location recording and is optimized for capturing a wide range of musical performances--both vocal and instrumental--with stunning realism and broad spatial imaging, thanks to its 90-degree X/Y stereo pick-up pattern. The MXL 990 Stereo Condenser Microphone also has a maximum SPL (Sound Pressure Level) rating of 137 dB--making it an excellent choice for capturing loud instruments such as trumpet, saxophone, or electric guitar. Requires phantom power.Ideal for location recording90-degree X/Y stereo pick-up pattern for broad spatial imagingTwo class-A FET preampsHigh Sound pressure level for recording loud instruments such as trumpet, saxophone, or electric guitar3-position attenuation padLED activity light aids in proper mic orientation toward the sound sourceInternally wired with Mogami cableAttractive vintage body style with champagne finishSupplied with mic stand adapter, and a 10' five pin to Dual XLR stereo cableComes in rugged carrying caseMade with Mogami cable |
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MXL MXL 990 Condenser Microphone with Shockmount $59.99 The MXL 990 Condenser Microphone with Shock Mount has a silky, sweet high end while retaining tight, solid low and midrange reproduction. The 3/4" gold-sputtered diaphragm creates a professional sound suited for digital and analog recording. Attractive vintage body style with champagne finish. 30Hz-20kHz frequency response. 130dB maximum SPL. Includes custom shock mount, mic stand adapter, and case. Requires phantom power. |
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Used Blue Blueberry Cardioid Condenser Microphone $909.99 The Blueberry Cardioid Condenser Microphone from Blue consists of a Class A discrete mic amp perfectly chosen to match the single pattern, cardioid, hand-built, large diaphragm capsule. The mic capsule has been tuned to provide a silky-bright and airy top end reminiscent of the best vintage microphones. The result is a recorded signal such as a vocal, minus unwanted low end resonance that can cause a compressor to breathe or pump, or a vocal or instrument track that sits and blends with the basic tracks of recorded program material.Requires phantom power. |
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Nady PCM-200 Professional Classic Dynamic Condenser Microphone, Cardioid List Price: $109.99 Sale Price: $69.50  |
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The Nady PCM-200 is a beautiful professional microphone with a classic style for any environment. The high-output dynamic cartridge produces big, powerful sound every time. Designed with a cardioids pickup pattern, which reduces feedback during live applications, you can rest assured you will be heard ... |
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MXL MXL 990 Condenser Microphone with Shockmount List Price: $199.99 Sale Price: $59.00 Used From: $57.98 |
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The MXL 990 Condenser Microphone with Shock Mount has a silky, sweet high end while retaining tight, solid low and midrange reproduction. The 3/4" gold-sputtered diaphragm creates a professional sound suited for digital and analog recording... |
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Nady PCM-100 Professional Classic-style Condenser Microphone List Price: $82.99 Sale Price: $69.44 |
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Nady PCM-100 Condenser Microphone PCM100 Microphones |
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MXL V67G Large Capsule Condenser Microphone List Price: $279.00 Sale Price: $99.00 Used From: $89.10 |
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The MXL-V67G sports a gold plated round grill and distinctive vintage brass body design. It was designed for vocals, so this mic will surely stand out in any crowd. The V67G sounds as golden as its looks... |
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COSMOS ® Silver Retro Classic Elvis Style Mini 3.5mm Flexible Microphone Mic for PC Macbook pro/Laptop/PC/Desktop computers/Skype/VOIP/MSN/Yahoo + Cosmos cable tie List Price: $39.99 Sale Price: $11.99 |
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50's Old School Retro Microphone On your PC desktop! High sensitivity & Noise Cancelling Condition: Brand New Connectivity: Wired Cord Length: 2.5m Material : ABS Plastic interface: Analog (3.5mm Jack)... |
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MXL V69MEDT Large Diaphram Condenser Tube Microphone List Price: $399.00 Sale Price: Too low to display |
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The MXL V69 Mogami Edition is a large diaphragm Tube Condenser Microphone. Its classic sound enhances vocal and instrument performances in professional and home studio environments. The wide dynamic range and warm sonic characteristics make the V69 a perfect complement to all analog and digital recording devices... |
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Shure 55SH Series II Iconic Unidyne Vocal Microphone (The Elvis Microphone) List Price: $284.84 Sale Price: $155.00 Used From: $140.00 |
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The classic look and feel from the 50's and 60's Shure's Unidyne II mic has been updated in the 55SH Series II. This is a cardiod dynamic mic designed for vocal reproduction. A nostalgic reproduction, this model has modern performance characteristics, like 50-15,000 Hz frequency response... |
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ADK Microphones Hamburg Mk 8 Class A FET Cardiod Condenser Microphone List Price: $559.00 Sale Price: $343.01 |
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The popular Hamburg Edition microphone has a finely-tuned response curve designed to replicate a vintage, late 1950’s German tube (Valve) mic. The Hamburg Mk 8 offers a mellow, robust tonality. ADK President and Founder Larry Villella says: “The Hamburg has a robust quality that tends to round-out the tone of the source... |
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Blue Microphones Baby Bottle Cardioid Condenser Microphone List Price: $399.00 Sale Price: $399.00 Used From: $274.99 |
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Blue Microphones' transformerless Baby Bottle cardioid condenser microphone delivers a rich, accurate midrange response that makes it ideal for recording vocals, drums, and electric guitars, along with more difficult sources like saxophones and horns... |
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On Stage MY410 Studio Microphone Shock Mount List Price: $43.99 Sale Price: $15.79 Used From: $19.91 |
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The On Stage Studio Microphone Shockmount lets you treat your studio mic with the same care as a $10,000.00 vintage mic. This professional suspension shockmount isolates most studio condenser mics (42 to 48mm diameter) from physical vibration, floor, and stand noise... |
Independent Artist Website - Sound Decisions About Studio Recording
Now that you have had a general introduction to recording, specifically for tracking a live show, this Independent Artist Website will give you an overview of studio recording, from the usual rent-a-pro approach to setting up your own project studio.
First things first: You have to decide who is going to be the producer, even before deciding on the engineer. None of the later decisions about tracking instruments, recording vocals, doing overdubs, processing signals, or getting a final mix will mean Bo Diddley, to coin a phrase, if your bands three or five or eight members are arguing all the time about who sounds the loudest and what so-and-so’s girlfriend is doing in the vocal booth. Someone has to run the show.
This is even true for a solo act in independent artist, since in a studio leadership vacuum most seasoned (or semi-seasoned, or even just salty) engineers will step right up and make the decisions for you. If the band does not present a united front behind its leader, the whole process will be at risk. So, before anything else, decide
• Who will be the producer?
• What arrangements of what songs will be recorded?
• How much debate and democracy will be involved in the process,
• When the various deadlines are going to be set, and
• Why things are going to be run them way they are.
Now is the time for clarity, group cohesion, and common goals. Larger-than-life egos and delusional daydreams have to be left at the door (better yet, down the street) so that a workable, affordable, efficient, and effective plan can be developed — and pursued to a successful conclusion. Everybody needs to get on the same page (or play the same tune, or whatever metaphor you prefer). Now you are as ready as you are going to be, so what is next?
Well, as usual, it is about money, mostly, and time, too. What is the working budget? Can you afford (and do you want to afford) to go into a project-level studio at $30 an hour with engineer included? A pro studio at $50-100 an hour with engineer maybe included? To make these calculations, you need to have your songs down pat, know how you are going to record them (rhythm section together or dubbed) and how long all of it will take. If you are doing a three-song played that is one thing; if you are doing your debut CD with 11 tracks that is a whole other thing. For simplicity is sake, and to keep consistent examples from here forward, let’s go with your demo for now.
The whole decision process can take a U-turn if one of the band members, or a good (really good) friend, has a decent project studio set up — meaning pro and semi-pro equipment, a decent recording room, good microphones (and cables!), and so on. So, this is the second big decision, after choosing the producer, but it is not one that the newly christened producer should make alone. Once again, unanimity is vital.
Wherever you do the sonic deeds, if you are recording your drummer and bassist (and maybe a guitar or keyboard too) as a unit, which imparts an organic feel to the tunes, then you will need baffles, sound deflectors, etc., to minimize bleed. You will have to have headphones for everyone, good mics that are properly placed, quality cabling to minimize hum and pops, and so forth. If this is all starting to sound awfully complicated, opt for the best mid-level project studio in town, the one with good equipment and a decent studio, if not state-of-the-art. We were doing your demo, remember? Not your platinum-worthy debut.
Most likely, the studio will have a computer-based recording system, with a Mac or PC running one of the major Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) software applications — Apple’s Logic, Cubase, Digital Performer (Mac only), Sonar (PC only), or some other. You probably don’t want to do your demo with entry-level programs like Apple Garage band or Cakewalk’s Home Studio unless you have to; they are competent in the tracking arena, but fall way short in terms of plug-ins and quality of effects (like reverb) that are essential to the project.
If you do not see a number of different kinds of microphones, you will at least want to see the trusty Shure SM-57s and 58s for miking guitar amps (and using as drum overheads) and at least one good condenser mic for vocals. There should be a decent outboard mixer available, if not always used with the DAW, a sufficient number of cans (headphones) for everyone, Monster or other quality cables, perhaps a piece or two of vintage rack gear, and pro-level monitors (for Pete sake, no living room stereo speakers). If the producer is not a gearhead or audio pro, well, he or she will need to study up on the subject, or find a good (low-paid) consultant.
If you have your plan together; if your parts are practiced and tight; if your excitement level stays high despite the ups and downs of getting your demo project together — well, you are in about the best shape you can be, considering the importance of what you are doing. You will need the help of a good, flexible, communicative engineer, so do not make a hasty decision about where to do your demo recording. Talk to different people, get referrals, interview studio owners, ask tough questions, and keep your priorities straight. If you get too off into the equipment and the process, well, maybe you should be in the recording music business, and that is okay, too. But never lose sight of what is really important, and the reason you got into all this in the first place: the music.
It is about the music, folks. If you need reminding, put a big sign on the refrigerator.
About the Author
Greg Joes – We provide marketing and promotional services to clients seeking exposure in the music business. We provide Independent Artist and labels with the means to service their records to industry insiders and potential new fans.