Microphone Recommendations
Your microphone collection is what defines the quality of your recordings. A good mic will do most of the work for you and cut down on your mixing and post-production work.
Shure SM7B
This microphone belongs in every studio. It is the go-to mic for vocal recordings. I use this mic on rock vocals and clients that are doing voice-over work. It's got that full-bodied tone that works well with loud music and any recording going to radio or television. I highly recommend this microphone.
You many want to also consider getting a Cloud Lifter to increase the signal level.
Warm Audio WA87
Everyone knows about the Neumann U87 as being the go-to mic for recording vocals. Now you can own a mic that has cloned the classic U87 sound at a much more affordable price. At NAMM this year I listened to the U87 & the WA87 side by side. The audio quality is comparable and for the price, I'd recommend the WA87. Then you can use the money you save on other mics and gear.
AKG C414
When you need a mic that can do it all, the AKG 414 is the answer. This mic has 9 different polar patterns that are easily selected right on the mic. With the built-in rocking switches for the -6/-12/-18 dB pad and 40, 80, or 160 Hz bass roll-off filter, this mic can handle it all. You can also get a matched pair of these mics and really tackle any recording that may come your way.
RODE NTK
This tube mic is a workhorse in the studio. I've used this mic for over 15 years and it always gives me what I want in tone. I've used this mic on vocals, drums, guitar amps, horns, violins, congas, and a whole bunch of odd sound sources. The NTK performs like a champ every time. This mic comes with a really long 7 pin cable that makes this mic a great choice for any studio setup.
Warm Audio WA47
The mic that was and still is used by all the great vocalist in the music industry now has an affordable option. The Warm Audio WA-47 is an all vacuum tube, large diaphragm, transformer balanced, multi-pattern (9), large condenser microphone, based on the classic '47 that has been used on countless hit records for the last 50+ years. The WA-47 sounds great on vocals, acoustic/electric guitars, acoustic/electric bass, drums, piano, strings, brass/woodwind instruments, and an array of other sources. The classic '47 became extremely popular in the 1960's and is now considered one of the greatest microphones ever made. The classic '47 is still widely used today in professional recording studios but has become extremely rare and expensive to acquire.
Rode Nt1-a
This is a great mic for recording virtually anything in your studio. It's ideal for vocals, but I've had lots of success using this mic on guitar cabs and as a room mic for the drums. It has a very clean response and doesn't put a lot of noise into the signal chain. Priced around $230, this is a great start for building your mic collection. This bundle comes with a shock mount and pop filter, so it's got everything you need to get going.
Shure SM57
The utility mic that can take a beating and keep on pumping out great sound. This mic is so versatile that it can be used on anything. This dynamic mic is built like a tank and is typically the go-to mic for recording snare drums. I have 3 of these mics at the studio and they come in handy for recording drums, guitar amps and live vocals. Now you can get the SM58 for live vocals, but the SM57 is a bit more versatile.
HEIL PR 77D Broadcast Bundle
I've been using Heil Microphones for some years now and they are very dependable. This year at the NAMM convention in Anaheim we got to check out the new PR 77D. This is another versatile mic that has a switch to choose between recording vocals or instruments. It does offer some flexibility to shape the sound you're recording. Plus this mic looks really cool and vintage, so you will be more inspired in the studio. The broadcast bundle includes a XLR cable and radio station style boom stand that clamps to your desk. Priced at $269 this is an excellent option for a budget studio setup.
Latch Lake micKing 2200 Boom Stand
If you're going to be serious about your recordings, you need a microphone stand that is even more serious than you are. The Latch Lake micKing 2200 Microphone Boom Stand features all of the outstanding original patented features of the micKing including: the world's strongest boom clutch in its class, unique patented base, Spin Grip Mic Mount, movable counterweight and revolutionary lever lock adjustment systems. The 2200 differentiates itself with just one telescoping extension on both the boom and the mast. It performs flawlessly in all positions with the lightest to the heaviest of microphones. The MK2200 now utilizes a 29 lb, 16" base. This foundation enables its immense strength and flexibility. It's a stand that sells itself and you'll be pleased with the investment.
Mogami Gold Microphone Cables
The cable is usually the most over-looked piece of the studio. A solid connection from your mic to your interface is extremely crucial. These gold cables provide the quality that you need to make sure that your audio is clean and professional. I never recommend cutting corners and using cheap cables is the fastest way to downgrade the quality of your recordings. So pony up and invest in cables that are used by the pros.