In article ,
Mike Gilmour wrote:
The only other mics with this universal property seem to be the
Shure SM58 for close vocals or the Shure SM57 for instruments or
more distant vocals. They don't sound as good as the Neumann but
they'll work in most situations and they're in your price range.

They may be 'universal' but sound dreadful for speech.

Agreed. Any particular mic recommendation for speech, (cardoid sub
£100)? We use 4 x '58's 9 x '57's in a band but have no decent speech
mic for client announcements.

As James said, the normal choice for high quality speech will be a large
diaphragm condenser - like the U87. But they're expensive. And only
really suitable for a studio due to their size.

For announcements over a PA system, you've got the problem of feedback,
and a cardiod mic to help overcome this isn't so good on speech if used
very close. If you're not struggling for the last ounce of level, an omni
might be a better bet - that can be used as tight as you want without the
same bass tip up and popping problems. They're also cheaper, like for like.

I'm afraid my experience tends towards pro mics which are all rather out
of your budget. I've heard good reports about some of the far east large
diaphragm types, value for money wise, though.

Personally, I'd go for a secondhand broadcast type - an AKG 451, Neuman
KM84/5 etc as these can often be bought for around your budget, and can be
found with various DPs. But they're phantom powered, which may be a
problem.

One wild card is the Calrec CM654 series. These are decent mics available
in cardioid or omni, but use a one off 50 volt power supply and have
unbalanced outputs. They were popular as a high end domestic mic and
plenty seem to have survived in good condition - secondhand pro mics can
have had a hard life.

--
*It is wrong to ever split an infinitive *

Dave Plowman London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.