Cheapest and best microphone?
 

Prolly a re-post but what's the best (in your opinion) microphone out there that can produce high quality sound (also for video production) that does not cost an arm and a leg....

Put it in terms of, these mics might get destroyed during action and filming, but budget is very limited. Just want quality sound but not pay too much (if there even is such a thing).

How are you going to be using the microphone? On a boom and at a distance? Closeup? Is it for recording speech or FX?

In other words, what is your specific application going to be?
(it matters)

Hi, Masterblaster,
I've been doing some sleuthing online and around MusicBanter while researching microphones, and have learned that the condenser microphones MXL 990 (for vocals) and MXL 991 (intended for acoustic guitar and drum overhead) are highly recommended and fairly inexpensive (the package with the two microphones costs $80 at Musician's Friend). People gave them very good reviews, so I am wondering if there may be some microphone in the MXL family that would suit your filming/action uses? For example, people wrote that these microphones work well as overall room microphones, which I imagine may be what you'd need. You can learn more about the package by googling MXL 990/MXL 991 Recording Microphone Package.
--Erica

Most likely you'll want a large directional condenser, AKA a "shotgun" mic, which is what is normally used on film sets as a boom mic. You can get an Audio Technica ATR-55 Condenser shotgun mic on Amazon for $53.00. It should serve your purposes quite well.

Here is a link:

Amazon.com: Audio Technica ATR-55 Condenser Shotgun Microphone: Musical Instruments

when it comes to recording, we used a Blue Bluebird condenser mic. It was used to record the guitar (both acoustic and electric) along with vocals. $300 dollars is a lot better than some other microphones, and I plan on getting one like in the studio asap.

Buy Blue Bluebird Large Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone | Condenser Microphones | Musician's Friend

Hi Everyone,

I have to echo Vegangelica's MXL recommendation very strongly. These large diaphragm condensers (need Phantom Power!) mics are VERY nice for such LOW money.

What's also great is that if you absolutely need "next level" mics, Omaha's $300 pricepoint is MUCH nicer than the thousands we'd have to have paid years ago.

Despite some of the uglinesses of our time, great microphone technology at affordable entry levels is one of the Positives!

Take Care,
Erik

FOr the OP's application the MXLs probably would not be the best choice. A large Diaphragm condenser is not likely to provide the pinpoint directionality from a distance that a shotgun mic will provide. Yes, phantom power is an issue that will likely need to be adressed with most appropriate condenser choices. Bot of those MXLs are great mics, especially for the price, but I don't think they would fit in with the OPs purpose.

Satch is right.
I own an MXL Mogami LDC and it's good for vocals and room ambiance. I've tried it in other scenarios and it just has too wide of a pickup pattern to make it effective for using in any kind of directionality.

Typically you would find directional condensers in overhead microphones for drums, which aid in providing separation for L/R stereo. Finding a microphone that has the same narrow pickup pattern as drum overheads would suit your application if you're intending on doing audio work for film.

Basically, what Satchmo is saying is relevant and correct.

What do you folks recommend for cheap but good in Shotguns? I've gotten by with lavs for most of the video stuff I do but I'd love to know about a shotgun equivalent in price vs power to the MXLs

Thanks,
Erik

I recommend you shift a portion of your budget from something else to getting a microphone that isn't described as 'cheap'. You need to spend $300 just to get a decent microphone and honestly you should probably be looking at mics in the $700 range (Neumann TLM-103 slightly used on ebay). That is about the cheapest you're going to find a mic for that actually transmits the same sound you put into it. Just my thoughts :)