Microphones for Hip Hop and Rap

Microphones for hip hop and rap remain mainly in the range of vocal microphones, because artists in these genres don’t usually record with a full band. Because they’re recording over pre-recorded instrumentals, they require microphones that highlight their voices. There are many, many, MANY mics that do this, but in the realm of budget recording, there aren’t that many worth mentioning. Although good mic pre-amps, EQs, Compressors, and interfaces/sound cards might have beneficial effects on the final sound (actually, they do have a significant affect), the object that first recieves the sound is the microphone itself. The current rage in the rap/hip hop industry is the Sony c800g, which is considered the best microphone on the market right now. But these babies cost over $7000.  Let’s step it down a notch then…actually, several notches. Here, we get the Neumann U87ai, which costs well 
over $3000. Step it down again


- See more at:http://yetimuzik.wordpress.com/2010/02/18/microphones-for-hip-hop-and-rap/

The 7 Best Condenser Mics of ALL-TIME

1. The Neumann U87

Neumann U87 condenser microphoneThe Neumann U87 is without-a-doubt, the most famous mic in all of music history.

Look at some old photos of rock stars recording their iconic albums, and chance are, they’re standing next to a U87.

How did it get so famous?

Well back in 1928, Georg Neumman came up with the original CMV3 “Neumann Bottle”, which quickly became a standard in many fields.

As time passed, Neumann continuously refined his designs until the U87 made it’s first appearance in the late 1960’s.

By reputation alone, it has since become known by many as the company’s flagship microphone.

- See more at: http://ehomerecordingstudio.com/best-condenser-mics/

Top 5 Microphones at Any Price

A while back, I was talking with friend and fellow engineer Joe Pisapia from Guster about microphones -- and as engineers working out of our homes, we're always looking for ways to squeeze the best quality out of budget-priced mics. Then the question came up -- if we had no budget to adhere to, what mics would we choose?

For fun, let's look at my top picks for incredibly useful and beautiful-sounding microphones with high price tags -- freshly updated for 2010.  Of course, they're out of reach for most of us  -- if you're on a budget, check out my list of Five Great Mics Under $200.

- See more at: http://homerecording.about.com/od/holidaybuyingguides/tp/expensive_mics.htm

10 Best Affordable Microphones for the Home Studio

Making music is perhaps one of the most expensive hobbies in the world—that is, aside from tasting truffles. When you’re looking to set up a decent home studio, it’s hard to find a way to stay within budget without ending up with a terrible sound. Here are ten options to minimize expenditure while still getting a decent sound out of your system at the end of the day, by buying smart when it comes to one of the most important types of studio equipment: microphones.

Shure SM57

For about $100 give or take, you can pick up a Shure SM57 Microphone

(you can double that price for the popular two-packs, or the SM57/58 combo packs). Though I have no real evidence, I’ve heard reputable producers say that Lenny Kravitz uses the 57 on everything, from drums to guitars to voice. This is also the go-to microphone for distorted guitars, no matter what your budget is.

Shure SM58

The popular Shure SM58 Vocal Microphone is a dynamic mic that can also be had for about $100, and cuts the budget nicely because you can use this baby live and in the studio. While there are better microphones out there for studio recording, this’ll give you a decent vocal sound on a small budget with nice boosts in all the right places. It’s also good for distorted guitars (though the 57 is usually the best choice here).

Many heavier artists use the 58 for their vocals even when they’re in expensive studios because of the amount of screaming it can take without distorting. If you’ve got a singer who is only comfortable singing with the microphone in hand, not on a stand, this is also a good choice. I’ve had good experiences using the SM58 on backing vocals, even when I’ve got a U87 or Rode Classic on the lead.

- See more at: http://music.tutsplus.com/tutorials/10-best-affordable-microphones-for-the-home-studio--audio-25

Review of the Shure SM57 Dynamic Microphone

If you ask nearly anyone who runs a professional recording studio, "Do you have a Shure SM57?"  they might look at you and ask, "are you are serious?"  Of course they do.  Every studio needs at least one, and possibly a half dozen.  The reason is they not only sound good, but they can record practically anything.  The SM57 is one of the most universal mics in the world.  It will record vocals, drums (particularly!), guitar cabs, bass cabs, acoustic guitars, brass, and stuff that is really loud.   While no one will claim it is the "best" mic for vocals or for delicate acoustic instruments, it will work, and with great predictability as to the sonic outcome.  For people starting their home studios that don't have a lot of cash, this is one mic to get.

- See more at: http://tweakheadz.com/review-of-the-sm57/

What are the Best Budget Mics for Rap Vocals?

First things first there isn’t a mic specific for recording rap vocals. If you listen to all types of rap songs you’ll notice rappers have used different mics in their recordings. In the 80s they used dynamic mics which gave the vocals a more boxy sound. In the 90s when condenser mics gained popularity, many rappers switched to them as it gave their rap vocals a much cleaner sound.

The first thing you should ask yourself in choosing a mic is what style am I going for? If you listen to other types of music, in particular rock, you’ll notice that the vocal sound from one artist to the next is very different. And guess what that’s the point! Even in rap, the vocal chain Kanye uses is much different than the vocal chain Lil Wayne uses.

If you’re just starting out and looking for a reasonably priced mic, I suggest first getting a condenser mic. These mics will give you that super clear quality. However, you have to make sure you have 3 things in order so that you get the best rap vocals:

(1) Your mic stand must have a pop filter, otherwise those annoying “pfff” sounds will be in your recording. You don’t have to be too picky when buying one, most any will do just fine.

- See more at: http://www.adgmastering.com/what-are-the-best-mics-for-recording-rap-vocals/#sthash.mTIsO4Or.dpuf