Lewitt - LCT 140 AIR

I would actually recommend getting two mics — an SM58 for vocals and an SDC for acoustic. The SM58 will run you about $100. Another good option would be SM57 with a pop filte. I'll take either of those for vocals over a $300 condenser any day. There's lot of good SDC mic options for around $200, like the NT5 or Lewitt LCT 140.

I got my two Beyerdynamic m58's (which are their version of the EV 635\[a\], omni dynamic mics "intended for" location sound for news) for €50 each. I use them on a lot of stuff, but mainly mono drum overhead and backing vocals. Also the 635a, but you can't get them for \~$40 like I did anymore. I got a Josephson c42 (84 clone) at GC Hollywood for $40, but I'm reasonably sure it was mis-marked. The sE v7 is my *favorite* live vocal mic for low males, bar none, and it is under $€100 new. I end up using it in the studio for scratches, and sometimes they stick. My favorite for females and high males is the Lewitt W950, though, and it ain't cheap. The Line Audio SDC's are insanely good and useful for their new price. Same goes for the Lewitt 140 AIR, but it is a bit more limited because of its high boost.

Lewitt lct air 140s are great budget small diaphragm condensers. For large diaphragm, I probably wouldn’t recommend anything below a rode nt1a.

It depends on a few things. If you want a true workhorse you’ll want to buy an analogue microphone. (One with an XLR output), this would require analogue to digital conversion. So would also need to purchase an audio interface to handle that for you. My recommendation for you would be to buy a used mic and then a cheaper budget interface. There are two main types of microphones to look at. 1) condenser 2) dynamic Condensers are great at micro-level detail. They are hyper sensitive and require some level of audio isolation to work properly. These are the best choice over all. Condensers to look for within your budget: Audio Technica AT2020 or 2035, AKG P120, Lewitt LCT140. Dynamics are self powered and are generally a lot less of a “hot” signal microphone type. The diaphragm within the mic only picks up sound when air (your exhaled voice) hits it. This makes dynamics a great choice for noisier environments. They also tend to have a more “colored” tone to them. Often having an extra emphasis on the low end. Most radio and TV talk shows use dynamics as an example. I’d recommend these more to beginners as they are easier to use in more situations than condensers more professional focused attributes. Dynamic within your budget: Shure SM57/58, Behringer XM8500 As far as audio interfaces go, any Focusrite interface goes for very cheap used and are pretty cheap new. The Focusrite Vocaster is their cheapest offering and might be the best suited for you. Behringer and M-Audio also have similar offerings but I’ve heard too many mixed things about them to truly recommend them. Just stick with Focusrite and you should be fine. Hope this crash course was helpful. If you have any questions just ask me. (: