(newb) Setting up budget studio for recording sfx / etc. Opinions please!

[jiggitysmith]

bump. If it sounds like it would be good please let me know. Also sorry, I know there are a seemingly endless number of these types of threads. From what I've gathered, the Shure SM57 is a necessity so I'm basically wondering what sort of 100-200$ condenser or pair of condensers would you rather take than the two AT2020s?

[larry b]

The question is do you need the features of the A&H? If you do, then go for it. If not, then you might be better off just getting a basic two channel audio interface. That way you could either spend more money on a condenser mic, or alternately get something like the FMR RMP mic preamp as well as the two mics you mentioned.

I would strongly suggest that you spend a bit more on the condenser mic or just get an SM7b instead of the SM57 and a cheap condenser. The SM7b would negate your need for an SM57 (probably) and would also most likely sound better on a wider variety of voices than an ultra-cheap large-diaphragm condenser.

I know someone will disagree with me here but IMO the sub-$200 LDC market is complete and total crapola. Nearly useless.

As for the SM57, if you are recording guitar amps you need a 57. If you are recording snare drums you need a 57. Otherwise, meh.

I would look at these two items for fantastic vocals on a budget:

Shure - Microphones - SM7B Vocal Microphone

FMR Audio - Home of the Really Nice Compressor and Preamp (512) 280-6557