Today we have part NINE of our Building A New Studio series, where we are turning a small children’s bedroom into a studio! Check out Part 1 to 8 here
In the last few episodes, we checked out microphones stands and cables for microphones. Today, Mike and I discuss… you guessed it, microphones!
Following our discussion and order, we brought in the marvellous McKail Seely to perform the intro and chorus of one of her songs across different microphones.
In good old PLAP fashion, you can download these multitracks for you to mix and get to know these microphones better. Whilst our choice of microphones is below, the whole video discusses SO much more! Check it out about or here
➡️➡️ Mojave 201fet: https://imp.i114863.net/LvVGa
The Mojave Audio MA-201fet is ideal for a broad range of studio duties. From vocals to voiceover work to more raucous sources such as kick drums and bass or guitar cabinets, the MA-201 handles it all with poise. At this price, you can double your value and get a pair of them – perfect for drum overheads, piano, or any number of other stereo applications. However you use it, the Mojave Audio MA-201fet will become an honored denizen of your mic locker.
Check out Warren’s review here of the 201fet by Mojave: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_NN9odqpOY
➡️➡️ Royer R-10: https://imp.i114863.net/qazzN
The R-10 design employs several Royer innovations, including an internally shockmounted ribbon transducer and a multilayer windscreen. The R-10’s shockmounting effectively isolates the ribbon element from vibration and increases ribbon durability. The layered windscreen provides excellent protection from plosives and air blasts while reducing proximity effect, so you can close-mic sources without excessive bass buildup. The microphone’s smooth frequency response, phase linearity, and lack of self-distortion is a perfect antidote to the unforgiving nature of modern digital recording. And its velvety, high-fidelity rendition of instruments and vocals is a sheer delight to the ears.
➡️➡️ sE Electronics sE7: https://imp.i114863.net/a1deeZ
sE didn’t just design a great-sounding mic — they also included features not even found on small-diaphragm mics costing much more! A 6dB/octave 80Hz highpass filter lets you roll off unwanted mud and rumble, while the 20dB pre-attenuation pad increases the mic’s impressive usefulness by letting you mic more raucous sources, like toms, snares, and electric guitar. The sE7’s class-leading SPL handling capability and dynamic range ensure that you will capture every nuance of these sources without fear of overload. The high-quality build is typical sE and includes a gold-plated XLR connector for optimal signal integrity over many years of daily use in your studio. The sE7 is such an incredible value, we’d advise you to go for a stereo pair — perfect for drum overheads!
➡️➡️ Lauten Audio Atlantis FC-387: https://imp.i114863.net/Gj9ggk
The Lauten Audio Atlantis FC-387 FET condenser microphone gives you a degree of control over your sound beyond the reach of most typical mics. That’s largely because of its 3-way voicing switch, which lets you subtly but effectively contour its basic character. Set to its Gentle postion, the Atlantis FC-387 levels out bright peaks, taking the bite out of sibilant esses. The Neutral setting maintains even transparency without noticeably altering your sound, whereas the Forward voicing lets you add life to dull sources, without reaching for your EQ.
➡️➡️ Lewitt LCT 540 S: https://imp.i114863.net/15A77d
Aside from its remarkable specs, the Lewitt LCT 540 S is a full-featured true condenser mic that’s well equipped to handle the trickiest recording tasks. And with its versatile cardioid polar pattern, it’s also a daily workhorse mic you’ll constantly reach for. Its robust maximum SPL rating of 136dB and two pre-attenuation pads let you mic dimed electric guitar amps without fear of overload; meanwhile, its two low-cut filter settings eliminate structure-borne rumble and unwanted LF content. The LCT 540 S comes complete with a shockmount, a windscreen, a magnetic pop filter, a cushioned mic bag, and a mil-spec transport case. All in all, it’s a valuable addition to your mic locker, and a fabulous value — so much so that we know you’ll be tempted to buy two of them!
Looking for information on all the equipment used in this Home Studio build? Check out our cheatsheet here: DOWNLOAD
What do you think? What are your favourite or dream microphones? Comment on the video above!
Watch the video above to learn more