[Phil Bankester]

Well . . . I think I’m about to suggest trying a mic that I have no personal experience with, but Ty mentioned in an earlier post. I would give serious consideration to a pair of Audio Technica AT2020 mics (assuming you want to record performances and jam sessions in stereo). My experiences with Audio Technica mics has always been good, and I’ve heard a lot of great things about this one, especially considering the price – $99.00. I’m about to order a pair, I think. I have used a pair of Shure SM81 mics in an XY configuration for a lot of different live events with good success, but they are considerably more money. Another good option is the Audio Technica Pro37R.

Audio matters!

[Phil Bankester]

You’re absolutely right, Ty. It’s a big generalization to say LDs are warmer, especially given some of the really cheap ones of recent years.

I’ve never tried either of the mics you mentioned for VO work, but I can imagine they would, indeed, be warm. I spent a bit of time listening to recorded samples of short shotguns yesterday, including those two. They sound great on a boom at 18″, so I expect they would sound great closer as well. They are a little pricey, too!

When I use the AKG Perception or the Shure KSM 44 for VO I do use a low freq roll off to help reduce the proximity effect.

Audio matters!

[Phil Bankester]

The large diaphragm condenser mics generally seem to provide a little warmer, fuller (more full?) sound. They are almost always used in studios to record voices, even VO talent for animated films. They have always tended to be very expensive but recent manufacturing advancements have allowed some really fine, lower cost microphones to be produced. I spent some time in radio as an announcer and the stations always had dynamics like the RE20 with windscreens, and we used them really close. The RE20 doesn’t exhibit much proximity effect when used up close, which is good in that case. You don’t want to use a large diaphragm condenser that way, though. I usually use one at about 10-12 inches with a good pop screen. I don’t think you’ll find the RE20 to be very good for music recording.

Audio matters!

[Phil Bankester]

I’d like to offer a couple of suggestions. If you really want a dynamic cardioid, try the Shure Beta 58 for around $160. It’s the best sounding dynamic I’ve personally used for the price. My recommendation, though, is for a large diaphragm condenser mic. I have several higher end mics like AKG C-414, Shure KSM-44, Mohave Audio M-200, and others. I also own an AKG Perception 200. This is the finest inexpensive studio mic I’ve ever come across. It comes with a spider shock mount and metal case for around $160. I’ve used it for VO work, and as a live vocal mic for a bluegrass group (it also sounds great on a banjo!). It requires phantom power, but the recorders you’re considering can power the mic.

If you can afford it, the Shure KSM-44 is my favorite right now. It’s my main VO mic, and we’re also using it on a boom for interviews. It has a very warm, detailed sound up to a couple of feet away.

Good luck!