I'm going to add to this microphone blog for two reasons: 1) I'm trapped in front of this computer for now anyway. AND 2) I subscribe to the theory that educated debate is healthy - and less educated debate can at least be educational.

As I see it, the argument isn't whether it is possible to cut a decent vocal with a microphone you can get for less than a steak at Applebees...because as most of you are already aware - this has been possible for some time. But ladies and gentlemen, Hall Of Fame golfer Bobby Jones once said that: "..there is golf, and then there is championship golf..".

Well unfortunately for most of us, there is 'major label/studio recording' and there is project studio recording. And therein lies the actual point.

Yessir. The real idea is that the majority of us (especially us project studio owners) want our sound to rival what we hear on the radio, or on our favorite recordings. Well I know I always did. smile

Now we who are old enough to know better, know that there are true audio engineering professionals out there as I 'speak' to you, cutting industry standard audio and media on some of the finest (and more notably - most effective) equipment available.

If it were possible to merely track all audio with a $20.00 microphone straight into any recording device, and then quickly and efficiently mix it to the standard that a major label (like say Universal), a major TV network (like for instance ESPN), or a major radio format (for example Sirius) currently adheres to....WELL then a lot more of these pro engineers would be employing only Shure SM Series, MXL, and yes even Radio Shack microphones for all of their critical recording work (to say nothing of the mic pre/compressor/eq/mixer/monitor equipment category).

The fact of the matter is, at a certain level...equipment of a higher grade of material and workmanship (yes...price point as well) - in the hands of someone with a proven track record in the field of recording and mixing, WILL be EXPONENTIALLY more likely to produce recordings that satisfy even the most discerning and demanding ears. Ears, by the way, that often are attached to those signing the bigger checks in the industry too. smile

If your equipment is on the lower end (Hell maybe it is the low end) of the spectrum (price-wise, material-wise, cosmetically; whatever), and it works for you in your particular realm...I'm here to say that's awesome. I envy you.

See I'm one of those obsessive/ambitious souls who always thinks that I can sound better.

And if there's a way to learn from the individuals tracking, recording, and mixing (don't get me started on mastering) today's major industry (albeit a shrinking industry) releases--then I'm game. Even if it does mean spending more money on a 'better' microphone, if not 'better' overall gear.

Now, with equipment upgrades, I do realize there will be a time when it is reduced only to my respective ability to make the best recording I can make with said equipment. But that may be where more education comes in.

See how this all comes full circle? Kinda like an omni pattern on an M149 smile

My two sheckels...Peace,

Shajuan

Spaulding get your foot off the boat...