Software

There's not much to think about when it comes to software. There's one AMAZING piece of recording software out there that you've never heard of, and you can buy for less than $50 (for a non-commercial license). It's not as pretty or as well known as Pro Tools or the other major software brands, but it can do all the things those programs can do, and probably more. It's still in development, and I'm convinced that in a couple of years when it's ready for mass release it'll be overtaking the home/pro recording industry.

But for now it works just as well as software that you'll pay $1000-2000 for, and there's new features and improvements being added daily. Are you ready for the name? Reaper. Go to www.reaper.fm and download their uncrippled, unexpiring shareware to try it out. Once you get used to it, you'll never go back to paying thousands for software. I was using Nuendo when I found Reaper. Nuendo 3 is ten times the cost of the commercial version of Reaper, but Reaper is still my preferred software!

Small Diaphragm Condensor Microphones

For sources that need some clarity and precision like drum overheads, acoustic guitars, piano, etc. you'll probably want a nice pair of small diaphragm condensors. Here's a couple options that won't break the bank by any means.

Marshall MXL 603
These mics apparently sound exactly like the Oktava MK012 mics that are studio standards and cost around $200 more, depending on where you get them. I picked two of these up new for $120 on ebay. The MXL 604 are the new version of these, they're the same mics but have switchable omni and cardioid capsules that give you even more flexibility. Top money for your dollar with these mics.





Behringer ECM8000
As much as Behringer gets maligned, and often for good reason, the ECM8000 is worth checking out for those on a real tight budget. They're only $50 each! Recording guru Harvey Gerst highly recommends these as completely flat mics with great frequency response from 20 Hz to 30 kHz. They're actually designed to be used as a measuring tool for analyzing rooms, etc. They won't sweeten up your sound, but they're very accurate so you can get great results if you use them right.

Large Diaphragm Condensor Microphones

CAD M179
This is one great mic that you don't hear too much about. It's fantastic on toms and snare, and its variable pattern and low frequency cut gives it great versatility around the studio. It's a nice darker vocal mic, good for backgrounds and some lead vocals, depending on the vocalist. It's going for $199, which is great value for a LDC that you can use on tons of things.





Studio Projects B1 (also B2, C1, C2 etc.)
Great value mics right here. I have the B1, the lowest end model, and I certainly can't complain for the $99CAD that I paid for it. It's a brighter mic with a wide pattern, and it sounds great as a room mic, especially on drums. I love it on acoustic guitar with a small diaphragm condensor, and it's done a great job on other strings like cello and banjo. It's served me decently as a vocal mic, although it can be a little thin sounding and you have to watch that your high end frequencies don't get a little harsh. De-essing is a must. We all know vocals are picky and if you can afford it you'll want a more expensive mic for most of your vocals, but for the price of an SM57 these mics rock. I hear great things about the more "expensive" models as well. People compare the $300 C1 to thousand dollar Neumanns. Apparently the manufacturers have set up display tables with Neumann mics and Studio Projects mics side by side for professionals to compare, and people are astounded by the similarity in sound, and by the difference in price.

There are tons of other great large diaphragm mics out there, like in the Marshall MXL line, but these two are all I've really needed so far in the low budget price range. The combo gives you both a dark and a bright mic to choose from and covers a very broad range of uses. At some point though you'll want a more expensive mic for those really sweet vocals.

Dynamic Microphones

We'll start with mics, since that's the first thing in your chain, after having a great sounding source instrument or voice, of course. I focus on not just getting the best budget mic possible, but also being able to use that mic in as many possible situations as possible. I won't be covering all the different options for dynamic mics here, just the cheaper ones that are still great mics. I've found that once I got these two mics, I didn't really need any more dynamic mics.


Audix I-5
My first tip is to learn how to say NO TO SM-57s! OK, so everybody recommends them as great all-around workhorse mics, and if you have one around you might as well use it. But those who have tested them against other mics, like the Audix I-5, know that you can get better results for the same price. The Audix I-5 and the Shure SM-57 both currently retail for $99 USD, but the audix will get you better results close micing a snare or guitar cab. I haven't heard about other uses, but that's enough right there for me to put my money on Audix. Having said that, I still have a sm-57 for various uses like micing underneath the snare, or whatever.






Audio Technica ATM-25
This is a great for picking up low frequency sources like kick drum, bass cabinet, floor tom, etc. I've tried it against the Shure Beta 52-A on kick, and while there wasn't a huge difference, I definitely preferred the ATM25. I've heard from others that based on trying the two on various different bass cabs and kicks, the ATM25 wins out more consistently than the 52A. I've also heard it said that it sounds identical to the Sennheiser 421, which is an excellent and well known mic that goes for twice the price. Some places don't carry the ATM25 anymore, but the price difference is worth it when you do find it, right now you can get it for $139 CAD, and the Shure is $189 USD. I just saved you over $50! Okay I'm cheap.