So I may be getting one of these, although I have a Blue Snowball, which I like a lot.

From Amazon:
Samson CO1U USB Condenser Microphone

The C01U USB Studio Condenser Mic is the first affordable studio condenser mic with a USB interface.

For the first time ever, musicians who record music on computers have a simple, affordable way to capture high-quality vocal and acoustic instrument performances.

Seamless integration was the idea, and it was obtained by creating a studio condenser microphone that can be plugged into any computer with no in/out boxes, no expensive computer pre-amps, just a USB cable.

The C01U condenser microphone is based on our wildly successful C01. It features a 19mm internal shock mounted diaphragm with a cardioid pick up pattern ensuring pristine studio quality recordings.

The C01U works perfectly on any computer, Mac or PC, and with any DAW software program. It immediately solves a huge problem for users of many laptops, many of which have no other input method for audio devices.

It’s a must for any musician on the road or in the project studio, but the C01U is going to offer solutions to more than just musicians. The mic opens up possibilities for anyone who records audio—from Podcasters, journalists, students, and business people adding audio files to websites and multimedia presentations.

Feature List

• Large Diaphragm, 19mm, Studio Condenser with USB Digital Output.
• Compatible with any computer based Digital Audio Workstation.
• The extremely detailed sound reproduction makes it ideal for recording vocals, acoustic instruments and just about any other sound source.
• High Quality AD converter with 16 Bit, 48K sampling rate.

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Nice low cost mic
It took just a little playing to get the mic placement figured out, but now it produces nice sounding audio. What works well for my screencasts is to set it on the table right in front of me at about a 60 degree angle tilted away from me. So the green light on the front is pointed towards my mouth, but I talk over it. I look at the computer screen, so the main acoustic energy is flowing about 5 inches above the microphone rather than aimed straight at it. I also bought the windscreen for it to help smooth any acoustic bursts.

It works perfectly with Windows and Linux. Supposed to also work with Mac. For me, a big concern before buying a microphone was that it works with Linux. I didn’t have to do anything to get it to work with Linux. I just plugged it in and used the ALSA mixer to turn it on and used it with Audacity and RecordMyDesktop.

5 Stars Great mic at a great price
I was looking for a good high-quality condensor microphone. This is it. USB connected for digital no-noise signal. Standard size fit my stand and vibration mount. The sound is clean and perfect for voice applications. Highly recommended!

5 Stars Received right away and works great!
This was sent out fast and we were very happy with the promptness and condition of the product.

Buy/More Info

The CAD U37 USB Condenser Microphone combines a high-quality large diaphragm condenser with USB connectivity. The U37 USB provides a smooth, extended frequency response that is excellent for singing, speech and instruments. A bass roll off switch and a 10 dB pad make this one of the most versatile USB microphones we carry. The U37 also features a cardioid pick-up pattern that helps to minimize background noise and isolate the main sound source. Includes a desktop microphone stand for easy placement.

User Ratings and Reviews

4 Stars Great mic, but picks up environmental noise
The CAD U37 is a great mic for the money, but you have to be willing to tolerate its desire to capture ambient noise. If you’re around a noisy computer, for example, it will capture that sound. If you are in an echo-prone room, it will pick up any echos. You might like this for multiple people to be gathered around a single mic and speak or play an acoustic number, but if you want something akin to an isolated sound where your voice and only your voice is registered amid a din of activity, you’ll be disappointed.

I have not fiddled very much with the two settings on the microphone. I have kept the buttons facing to the left (if you are looking at the CAD logo (facing up) on the microphone).

5 Stars Best value for money USB Microphone for Computer
I had been researching USB Microphones for a long time and was nervous to make a selection, incase I ended up with a lemon. Well I just heard about this microphone a couple of weeks ago and read up on CAD Microphones. I took the plunge and bought this little beauty. It is made of a plastic casing, but don’t let that put you off – this is obviously the trade off in getting a good quality USB for under $100. It’s the inside heart of the microphone which makes it a great mic. Yes it is sensitive in picking up background noise, but I don’t mind. I love that this mic has the ability to pick up a full texture of sound in the room. I also like that it records with very low background hiss, which is a big problem with integrated mics in laptops.

One important thing to remember with any USB mic is to know how to open up it’s settings on your computer. When I first connected the U37 to my computer, it defaulted its input sound level to practically zero. It is in this setting that I have learnt to control the sensitivity of the microphone.

9/10 for this microphone. You won’t be disappointed. Peace Out

2 Stars works okay, but not the best solution
The CAD u37 isn’t as great as I thought it would be. The mic is very noisy and picks up way to much ambient noise. The other problem is with Logic Pro 9, it had way too much latency to be useful. I actually had to activate low latency mode and set my buffer size much lower than with any other usb audio device I’ve used, and sometimes it would still have latency. I am fairly disappointed as I had hoped it would be plug and play. I did like the quality of the microphone, maybe not the warmest microphone but has a lot of clarity to it which is nice. I would recommend this for podcasts or something where the timing of the recording is not critical. Another problem with USB mics is that they cannot be upgraded. If you are serious about getting nice semi-professional quality from microphones, I would suggest getting an actual xlr condenser with an audio input device with a phantom power supply like the line 6 ux2. Would probably be a better investment for you seeing as all you would have to do to upgrade is just purchase a better condenser. Will be returning this product.

Buy/More Info

C-4 microphones are built to capture the performance of a choir, piano or any other vocal or acoustic sound source to provide a beautiful true-to-life sound. Sold in perfectly matched pairs, these outstanding condenser mics are especially great for live applications because their non-reflective finish eliminates unwanted glare caused by stage lighting. Condenser mics are the ideal choice for capturing vocals or acoustic instruments, either in live or recording settings. By their very nature, condenser microphones are much more sensitive than dynamic microphones, enabling them to pick-up even the subtlest of signals. Thanks to their cardioid (heart-shaped) pattern, C-4 microphones pickup your source signal while rejecting off-axis sounds that can ruin an otherwise perfect recording. Another difference between condenser and dynamic mics is they contain active circuitry that requires phantom power (+48 V DC) for operation. You can power them from any phantom power equipped BEHRINGER XENYX mixer, plus enjoy the benefits of our state-of-the-art XENYX mic preamps.

Buy/More Info

The Audio Technica AT2020 Cardioid Condenser Microphone features an all-new proprietary design, with the proven reliability of Audio-Technicas modern engineering and manufacturing expertise.Ideal for project/home studio applications, the AT2020 features a custom-engineered low-mass diaphragm, providing extended frequency response plus the ability to handle extremely high SPLs. The AT2020 has a fixed cardioid polar pattern to allow isolation of the desired sound source. The mic features excellent performance specifications, including a flat, extended frequency response (20 20,000 Hz), high SPL handling capability (144 dB), and a wide dynamic range (124 dB). Every aspect of the AT2020 has been tailored for a very smooth, natural sound while ensuring maximum accuracy, making it a perfect complement for todays digital recording equipment. The AT2020 comes standard with a pivoting, threaded stand mount, which attaches securely for easy and precise placement. The microphone requires 48V phantom power that may be provided by a mixer/console. In addition, the AT2020 measures 6.38 inches long, has a maximum body diameter of 2.05 inches, weighs 12.1 oz., and comes with a soft protective carrying pouch.Audio Technica AT2020 FeaturesThe price/performance standard in side-address studio condenser microphone technologyIdeal for project/home-studio applicationsHigh SPL handling and wide dynamic range provide unmatched versatilityCustom-engineered low-mass diaphragm provides extended frequency response and superior transient responseCardioid polar pattern reduces pickup of sounds from the sides and rear, improving isolation of desired sound sourcePivoting, threaded stand mount attaches securely for easy and precise placement of the microphone

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Astonishing sound and value for well under 100 bucks!
I was especially fortunate and got a new one for around [...]

making this beautiful-sounding vocal mic

a spectacular bargain for the home-recording musician or audio-blogger.

I don’t know of any truly-decent large-diaphragm condensers with

the full 1″ diaphragm size for under [...] (don’t be a sucker for the

super-cheapies that look so big & cool). The AT2020 has a 2/3-inch diaphragm size, but

sounds better & bigger than anything else I have ever heard in the price range.

If you can spend [...]on a wonderful AT2035 or maybe a Studio Projects mic,

then by-all means, do it.

But the AT2020 [...]on all competition under [...], IMO.

I use it with the Studio Projects VTB1 Mic Preamp and the sound is B-I-G.

The AT2020 and the VTB1 are definitely a sweet pair together.

Although, I suspect any decent preamp used properly with the AT2020

would sound pretty darn good.

And DO use a preamp, even if only a $30 Art Tube MP.

Count on buying the 2 items together.

The pre will “send your AT2020 to the gym”, by giving it

a thicker, fuller, BETTER sound.

The thing to remember with preamps is to

try to get close to the *loudest possible clean sound*

coming out of the preamp and generate

a BIG signal going IN to the recording device, which should

have its input gain quite LOW (maybe like “2″ or even “1″).

Watch your clipping/overload levels,

listen for any audible noise or distortion in the recording,

and make adjustments to cut those sound flaws, if they are present.

For vocals,

Experiment with going as loud as you can from the preamp while still sounding CLEAN,

until you find you particular setup’s “sweet spot”.

“Straight-up” dial-settings is often around where you end up.

The AT2020, used with a decent pre like the one I have (there are many others),

should get you a serious studio vocal sound

with pro-quality clarity and little coloration.

IMO, it’s got to be the world champ of under-[...]studio Condenser Mics,

at least right now (in 2009),

until something more miraculous comes along.

And if you are presently recording vocals with

something like an SM58, moving up to the AT2020

with a modest preamp will absolutely blow your mind–Much “bigger” sounding,

with much finer detail, presence and clarity.

I hear this mic is good for miking electric guitar cabs

and various percussion too.

But voice is its forte, I believe.

It’s a gem.

5 Stars For the price this is it!
I have a couple other condensor mikes with shock mounts in the same price range, but this one is the best. Not sure you can do much better for anywhere near the price. I loaned one to a friend and he immediately returned his mike to the shop for one of these. Nice neutral sound, solid construction, I use it with a tube amp to get some non-linear compression for voice.

5 Stars Great Value
Let’s face it…I’m just a hobby musician. A guy in his mid-30′s who has tinkered with music most of his adult life. I’ve played both as a solo artist and with bands. I’ve also been fortunate enough to spend time in actual recording studios with true professionals. None of this qualifies me as an expert…but I do have a certain level of familiarity on the subject.

I purchased this mic to supplement my home studio. I was hoping to get a little better sound than my usual stable of dynamic mics provide. I think I got pretty lucky with this purchase – it’s my understanding that in this particular price range, you shouldn’t expect a whole lot. I mean, it’s just a microphone, right?

What I will say is that I was certainly satisfied with my purchase. I’ve used this microphone in conjunction with a tube preamp on a handful of recordings with great success. I bought this with the intention of using it for vocals, but I’ve found that I actually prefer it to record my acoustic guitar – this microphone picks up all the sound that I’m looking for from my acoustic – it’s the nice, mellow, and full bodied sound that I hear when I’m playing, but that I was never able to capture before. In terms of its originally intended use, I felt is was only a slight improvement over the SM58 that I typically used for vocals – however, I wouldn’t put too much stock into my assessment, as vocals are not one of my strengths when it comes to music (let’s face it, autotune was created for a reason, right?)

Granted – everyone is going to have different opinions of this product, and I happen to think it works great for those of us on a budget. In terms of value – it is a great product for a fantastic price. I liked this microphone so much, I plan on buying at least one more.

4 Stars Great Mic! My 1st Studio mic!
So happy to get my new mic it sound great but i have not rec with it so i give 4 star for the design, the sound, the price etc… so if u are look for a Studio mic that are around $80 THIS IS THE ONE!

4 Stars AT2020
This is a wonderful microphone. I use it to record interviews in the field instead of a shotgun set up. It is more hassle to use because it requires phantom power. But it provides a clean, clear, warm voice print.

I also plan to use it to record my children’s musical performances here at home. So for home concerts and for my field work, this mic works for me.

DD

Buy/More Info

Designed specifically for recording meetings, the ECMF8 from Sony is an inexpensive electret condenser microphone with a high-quality output and a small, inconspicuous design.

As a tabletop omni-directional microphone, the ECMF8 picks up sound from all directions, ensuring that speech is easily discernable, even in multiple sound source environments. As a boundary microphone, the ECMF8 is able to offer a flatter frequency response than many other microphones by reducing frequency distorting reflections, providing a low-noise signal even when the microphone is at a distance from the sound source. A frequency response of 50 to 12,000 Hz captures the most important speech frequencies, while a -51 (+/-4 dBm) effective output level delivers a strong signal to the recording device. Output impedence is 1.6 kohms (+/- 30%, unbalanced).

The ECMF8 operates on Sony’s CR2025 lithium battery, which has a life of approximately 100 hours. The mini plug connects directly to most portable recorders, while its L-shape helps ensure that it doesn’t come disconnected during use. Small and unobtrusive, the ECMF8 weighs just 0.88 ounces (including battery and cord) while its 3.3 foot long cord lets you position the mic a reasonable distance from your recording device. The ECMF8 also comes backed with a 90 day limited warranty on parts and labor.

User Ratings and Reviews

1 Star BAD QUALITY
I am a musician, I bought one, it is so bad , the sound is so small, it is not sensitive, I cannot use it. just throw away. Do not waste your money even it is 1 dollar.

Luke Thanh Hoang

1 Star Cheap construction
This product was not what I expected it to be. It was so light weight, it never would have stayed in one spot for very long. I threw it in the garbage.

5 Stars Great Little Microphone
I purchased this to use with my Sony Cassette Recorder. It greatly enhanced the recording. You do need to purchase the battery separately.

1 Star DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY ON THIS MICROPHONE
DO NOT BUY THIS MICROPHONE IF YOU CARE ABOUT WHETHER OR NOT YOU ARE ACTUALLY RECORDING A SESSION OR NOT. Steer clear!!! These mikes might look great, but of what use are they when they need a battery and there is no low battery indicator? There is absolutely no way to know that you’re not getting a recording until you try to play something back and there’s nothing there or it’s faint sounding. What a useless microphone!! You also have to turn the microphone on and off on the bottom which is difficult to do because of the switch design and if you forget to turn it off, you’ll run your battery down. Arrh!! This is the worst waste of money of my whole life… Thankfully, I only bought two, and they are not terribly expensive.

As a court repoorter, I’m always looking for new equipment and thought I would try these mikes for court as they looked low key and would be a nice addition to my microphone stable. I didn’t see in the specs that they also require batteries (which by the way, don’t come with the microphones) and I bought them only to find they would be of no use to me in my work as I can’t run the risk of not getting a perfect recording each time.

Do not buy these microphones — any microphone that needs independent batteries and doesn’t have a low battery indicator is worthless. I highly recommend the Labtec VERSE 333 MON MOUNT MIC ( 980184-0403 ) which are available on Amazon and are cheaper than the Sony. They have identical plugs and are about the same size. I have three of them and they work great. I have never had a problem. I take down courtrooms, public meetings in large rooms, depositions — and I get everything clearly enough to be able to provide a perfect transcript to my clients.

1 Star Don’t Buy!!
I picked this small mic to use with collaboration tools at my desk…and since it was Sony figured it would be a great product. WRONG!! Unless you hold the mic almost against your mouth, it won’t pick up your audio. I tried adjusting my mic levels and nothing seemed to work. I ended up at Radio Shack to buy a lapel mic that actually works!! This is buy far the WORST Sony product I have ever used.

Buy/More Info

This miniature condenser microphone achieves full-sounding pickup and is known for outstanding consistency and dependable performance. The PRO 70 is designed to make music and speech clearly and comfortably audible, yet never draw attention to itself or its operation. The microphone is equipped with a low-frequency roll-off switch that allows for reduced pickup of room noise. The versatile PRO 70 may be powered by either battery or phantom power. Its cardioid polar pattern reduces pickup of sounds from the sides and rear, improving isolation of the desired sound source.

Buy/More Info

The Audio Technica AT2020 Cardioid Condenser Microphone features an all-new proprietary design, with the proven reliability of Audio-Technicas modern engineering and manufacturing expertise.Ideal for project/home studio applications, the AT2020 features a custom-engineered low-mass diaphragm, providing extended frequency response plus the ability to handle extremely high SPLs. The AT2020 has a fixed cardioid polar pattern to allow isolation of the desired sound source. The mic features excellent performance specifications, including a flat, extended frequency response (20 20,000 Hz), high SPL handling capability (144 dB), and a wide dynamic range (124 dB). Every aspect of the AT2020 has been tailored for a very smooth, natural sound while ensuring maximum accuracy, making it a perfect complement for todays digital recording equipment. The AT2020 comes standard with a pivoting, threaded stand mount, which attaches securely for easy and precise placement. The microphone requires 48V phantom power that may be provided by a mixer/console. In addition, the AT2020 measures 6.38 inches long, has a maximum body diameter of 2.05 inches, weighs 12.1 oz., and comes with a soft protective carrying pouch.Audio Technica AT2020 FeaturesThe price/performance standard in side-address studio condenser microphone technologyIdeal for project/home-studio applicationsHigh SPL handling and wide dynamic range provide unmatched versatilityCustom-engineered low-mass diaphragm provides extended frequency response and superior transient responseCardioid polar pattern reduces pickup of sounds from the sides and rear, improving isolation of desired sound sourcePivoting, threaded stand mount attaches securely for easy and precise placement of the microphone

Buy/More Info

The MXL 006 USB Condenser Microphone features a large gold diaphragm that delivers a big, rich sound characteristic of studio and broadcast microphones.Unlike most studio condenser microphones, however, the MXL 006 is a USB instrument that connects directly to a computer without the need for external mic preamps. Now, anyone requiring high quality, professional sound on their computer can record music or dialog by simply connecting to a standard USB port. Featuring support for USB 1.1 and 2.0, this exceptionally easy-to-use microphone even includes gain adjustment settings via the built-in three position attenuation switch.Working with the new MXL.006 is a pleasure. As a plug and play device for both Windows and Macintosh, it requires no special drivers whatsoever. Simply connect the microphones USB cable to a computers USB port, and installation is quick and effortless. In addition to recording instruments or voice for home recording applications, the new MXL.006 is the perfect microphone for podcasting or adding dialog to presentations and other multimedia projects. It is also the perfect solution capable of opening new possibilities for radio and news broadcasters and for location recording.Unlike electrets or dynamic microphones typically used for computer work, the MXL 006 has an extremely smooth, natural sound typical of what one would hear on a professionally produced CD or radio show. The analog section of the new MXL 006 microphone features a 20 Hz-20 kHz frequency response, a large gold diaphragm, pressure-gradient condenser capsule, and a 3-position, switchable attenuation pad with settings for Hi (0 dB), Medium (-5 dB), and Lo (-10 dB), making it easy to configure the microphone to virtually any sound source. The digital section features a 16-bit Delta Sigma A/D converter with a sampling rate of 44.1 kHz and 48 kHz. Protecting the instruments capsule is a heavy-duty wire mesh grill with an integrated pop filter.

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Great Mic
Purchased this mic for podcasting and I am very impressed. I did a bit of research and found a few audio recordings from various mics and the MXL USB.006 was the one that stood out amongst the rest. If you’ve ever watched/listened to a recording of yourself and said “is that what my voice really sounds like when I talk!?” then you will be absolutely amazed at what your voice really sounds like with this mic. My wife was also impressed at the quality and she had no trouble jumping on the mic and giving it a test run with her vocals. Very clean, rich sound. I also purchased a pop filter, which was recommended by a few reviews, you can certainly tell the difference but still a great mic even without it.

5 Stars Convenient and flawless performance on a Mac – truly plug and play
I’ve been a home recordist for about 30 years. I’ve owned a variety of mics, from old Crown PZMs to higher-end Audio Technicas and a few exotic Germans. These days, I don’t do as much recording as I did when I had dreams of becoming the next Nils Lofgren, but I occasionally like to doodle with music. These days, I’m a great believer in the ease and rock steady performance of Garageband on the Mac. I honestly much prefer working with it, rather than many “better” programs out there. It’s just so solid on the mac. The reason for this long intro is just to introduce my approach to recording. I want stuff that works, and that works with little muss or fuss. When I sold of my last AT stereo mic and E-MU 4040 preamp, I thought I was done with wrestling with wires and recording. Well, I caught the bug again lately and felt guilty about ridding myself of all my equipment. But I wanted ease and convenience and I started researching the USB mics out there. I listened to about every sample available, and I was fairly sure the MXL mic were worth investigating further. They have a rich, full-bodied sound which I like. They also seemed to suffer less from ambient noise than the Snowball and Sansom mics. The MXL sounded a little darker, which some might think meant a bit deader, but I was sure that wouldn’t be the case when it came down to recording. And I was right. First of all, the .006 works flawlessly. I plugged it it. My mac recognized it and I was up and rolling without latency. Occasionally you’ll get hit with latency in Garageband — but that usually just requires a restart. Then it’s gone. The MXL was up and running in less than a minute. No problem getting enough power from my USB port, something I even had problems with with an old Belkin USB mic adapter. No, the MXL worked great. It’s fairly well made, the only “suspect” component being the gain switch, which is pretty inexpensive and felt a little unsure. But it works fine, so I wasn’t too worried about it. Plus, look at the price of this mic. The sound? Well, I would rate it an 8.75, which I think is quite flattering. I was able to mic myself singing with my guitar amp about 8 feet way and achieve a nice mix. And it recorded my 5-year old’s faint, faint whisper (too shy to talk into the mic) perfectly. Stunningly, actually. So this mic is actually capable of great detail and sensitivity when your hitting it within its working range. Not dead sounding at all. I really like it’s balance and design which make for quick and easily recordings without a whole lot of tweaking. As far as vocals, my teenage daughter voice sounded fantastic. Very nice with female vocals. I really like my “voiceover” sound with this mic. Rich and fully, but not over bloated. As far as my singing, it handles dynamics great and, as I said, it will handle a whisper to a shout without blinking. It’s not a 100% 3-dimensional and rounded like a great Neuman Old Blues Eyes mic, but it’s excellent for male vocals when doing home recording. I think I got my best take (of a male vocal) when I was cranking up my delivery a bit. A little R&B shouting, and it was as good as any mic I’ve played with for a long time. So consider that my take of it’s vocal abilties for the male voice. It’s less a Leonard Cohen mic and more of a John Lennon mic. And, as I said, I really think it shines with female vocals. I didn’t hear the whine as described by the other reviewer. But my recording room wasn’t dead silent and the noisest thing I heard was the fan from my mac. I think you’re more likely to be bugged by uncontrolled sound in your environment than any noise inherent to the mic — if there is any. I wrote MXL and they said poor power supplies and likely user error is probably behind the claimed noise. I just know, recording music, that you just aren’t going the hear it in the mix even if it does exist. I did some dead silent voiceoever again tonight, and I still didn’t hear a whine. So overall, I’m very happy to recommend this mic. Make sure you get a pop screen, it helped alot. I really, really like this mic for both its performance and especially its fantastic convenience. If you don’t feel like dealing with the time (and expense) of rigging up a mic and preamp and just want to “plug and play”, well, I don’t think you can make a better choice than his MXL .006 mic or one in its USB line. And I look forward to hearing more of the mics in their USB line.

3 Stars Great sound! … except for the high-pitched self-noise
I got this microphone to record voiceover narration for a video. There are points where there will only be narration, and no music or background audio.

Although it sounds pretty good for a USB mic, in that it gives a rich, faithful reproduction, there is a noticeable pitch generated by the microphone itself. This self-noise is audible during quiet moments or even when speech is recorded, if you listen carefully. On the plus side, it does come with a nifty case, desktop tripod and has hardware gain control with three settings. It worked right out of the box with my Mac, so no problems in the compatibility department.

I was poking around to make myself feel better about buying this microphone over the popular Samson C01U and Snowball, and came across a review of all of these microphones, including the new Rode Podcaster, pitted against each other. The reviewer noted a distinct B-natural pitch from the MXLUSB.006, though it did have less self-noise than the Samson. Check out the review at Emusician, search google for Samson, MXL, Podcaster and you should find it.

Wish I saw that review before I bought the MXL, since I experienced the same thing. Though the MXL has a rich sound, the noise is unacceptable for my application and I’ll be returning it.

Although USB mics are notorious for noticeable self-noise, I went ahead and got the Rode Podcaster, and have not noticed any significant self-noise.

If a faint high-pitched noise is not a big deal to you, this is a pretty good condenser microphone. I would be all over it if it weren’t for the fact that I need a really quiet mic.

5 Stars Beyond impressed with its ease of use and value…
When it comes to recording, I pretty much know nothing. And I have no problem being the first to admit that. Anything technical has never really been my forte. But when I decided to go pro with my humor blog and as an added bonus for my readers, offer an audio mp3 of me reading each post aloud, I realized real quick that not just anything will do.

Three years ago, I developed a cyst on one of my vocal cords. We didn’t get to it fast enough and when it burst, it managed to permanent damage my voice when a piece of the left cord went AWOL; it’s been MIA ever since. Seeing how my vocal cords cannot ever completely close, I constantly sound hoarse; as if I have a cold. Some days are worse than others. I needed a microphone that could compensate for this as well as my simplistic technical skills and short attention span. A great guy down at The Guitar Center recommended this microphone to me.

I read the owner’s manual immediately. It was the least I could do after all of the goodies Marshall included (cool case, desk stand, etc). Amongst the advice, they mentioned how dropping the microphone or even bumping it can damage it enough to cause what I see other reviewers tend to complain about. It’s always easier to blame to manufacturer than admit you’re a klutz, I suppose. But at the same time, the reviewers very well could’ve taken perfect care of the microphone as instructed– but the 18 year old playing with it at the store it came from didn’t. Who knows.

All I know is this. I followed the instructions and suggestions (i.e. purchasing a pop filter, placing the mic in the middle of the room, and everything else) and within seconds of USBing it into my PC, it was ready. My voice sounds ridiculously damaged as it should. And I’m as happy as a lark.

Buy/More Info

The Shure SM86 is a unidirectional (cardioid) condenser vocal microphone for professional use in live performance. An extremely rugged microphone, the SM86 withstands the rigors of touring while delivering studio-quality sound. The tailored frequency response of the SM86 reproduces vocals with clarity. A cardioid pickup pattern isolates the main sound source while minimizing unwanted background noise. The built-in three-point shock mount minimizes handling noise, and a two-stage pop filter reduces wind and breath “pop” noise. The SM86 is an excellent selection for use with both stage monitors and personal in-ear monitors.

User Ratings and Reviews

4 Stars Shure SM86
My son loved this microphone and we received it after order in a timely manner.

4 Stars Recommended
I have a pair of these that I use for recording vocals on live bands (churches and small bars). I’ll swap them out with the house mics (typically an SM-58 or equivalent dynamic). In several cases this was the first condenser an artist had used, and they’ve always liked the obvious ‘new’ sound. The fidelity is a significant upgrade, but there’s always the limiting factor of the $10 mic pre built in to the house mixer board. Used with a good outboard pre, it is a very strong mic for the money. Yes there are better mics but this puts me reasonably at the point of diminishing returns. Although cardioid, it is VERY sensitive to the angle at which it is held-make sure it is parallel with the mouth, or you lose much of the sibilance. Quality is typical Shure professional grade, no issues with these after several years.

Buy/More Info