I'm looking to acquire a condenser microphone which will be used solely for Hip Hop vocals and as I advance onto my research I get farther from what I have aimed to buy at first: MXL770, AT2035 and Rode NT1-A... These were the main microphones I was viewing opinions about and try to settle for one (I know sound is subjective but I am just trying to figure out which is the best microphone for my needs, overall).

It will be really cool if someone could suggest a microphone at the price point of $300, and if at that price point it won't be a noticeable bump from the ones I suggested then I guess I'd go with the MXL770 since I got a friend who uses it and I found it to be great, if there's better at $300 I'd like to know of it.

Thank you!

PS: I'm using a Steinberg UR22 as my main and only interface and preamp.

Check out the 3U Audio mics. Their different Warbler models are based on different Classic mics. I think the Warblers are around $300. I haven't heard any of them, but they have quality components and have gotten great praise for the price. There is a HUGE, ongoing thread here on GS.

Hi, even though you only posted a few minutes ago, I'm surprised somebody hasn't jumped on with this suggestion yet. Check this thread out. I'd not get the mxl if it were me. There are better mics for the money nowadays.

This should help:
Affordable LDC Microphone With Multiple Voicings

Or the Roswell pro audio mics are better as well.

Look around and do some searching. The "What's the best mic for my money?" thread comes up almost daily, and has been answered a thousand times.

That said, every year or two, the lower end mics make a leap forward, and get closer to closing the gap between the high end stuff and the low end stuff.

I would search, listen to samples, and find a sample that is similar to your voice that sounds good to you if you can. Some of these new mic manufacturers offer a money back return policy.

The mxl stuff, is a little "long in the tooth" now, as far as sound quality vs. price. IMHO, you can do a little better.
Good luck.

haha...beat me to it.

Hell, I forgot. Aston mics (which will also beat an MXL in a big way) are going for like $225? So many better options.

That said maybe for your buddy's voice, that MXL worked well for him. Never know.

Hey there

If you have a budget of $300, I would recommend foregoing the 770 in favor of the MXL V69M. The V69 is a fan favorite among the Hip Hop community due to its flattering depth and color, as well as its ability to cut through a mix. It comes with all the accessories you'll need aside from the pop filter (power supply, cables, shock mount, etc.), which is a plus.

I was thinking more about your situation today and feel you should also check out Advanced Audio and ADK mics. MXLs can be a great value, but I've scored a couple Advanced Audio (AA) mics on the cheap that really sound killer. Hard to believe the bang for the buck value of those mics. Happy hunting!

Well,I guess I have found one AKG C214, and I believe it is a step up from the ones discussed above, I assume?

3u audio mics will blow the AKG mic away.

Do you have a personal experience using both the AKG C214 and one of the Warbler mics?

214 is an ok mic. A little bland, and a little processed sounding but still clear on top. I'd rather use it for instruments, or if it's all I had, for female vocals. On some male vocals the ess range is not pretty on this mic IME.

Bottom sounds a little processed somehow.

You could make it work, but with so many other options, the question is why?

I guess it'd be an ok first mic?

Spend a little more, get a 414Buls if AKG is what you are after. More importantly though, if it's you that will be recorded, find the mic you sound best on. Ignore all the rest.

Or not.

Again, good luck.

PS: I have used the 214, and have only heard the 3U mics in clips. What I have heard of the 3U, sounds real nice though. Hard to get that from a 214, just a different sound entirely.

Some ideas here: https://gearspace.com/board/best-stu...ng-vocals.html

Miktek MK300.

Yeah!

Is that $300 usd?

Miktek stuff is nice. If that mic sounds like their higher priced stuff, it's a good buy.

so many options.

Go somewhere, try them out.

I would! Only that I live in a place where it's really hard to put your hands on a piece of gear, let alone try it... I will have to rely on shipping for this, that is why I have to make sure I don't miss anything.
Again, I've been reading reviews on the SE2200a II, users mention it's quite a fine microphone for the price, thoughts?

Yes, USD. I have one, and like it.
It does have that "Miktek sound", recognizable family resemblance to my CV4. Let's just say "it punches far above its weight".
A;though, it is a weighty mic as in, heavier than I expected, a nice beefy build.
I think it is very good value for the money. IMHO. Good luck.

Used Shure SM7b.
You will need a preamp that provides substantial gain.

I have the warbler 1 check out the huge thread about it and listen to some samples. by far best mic you can get for $300. sounds like a $1000+ mic.

The Lewit 440 is a really good buy in this range as well. Suits most modern rap vocals amazingly