Audio-Technica ATR30

started making music in 2001 with sonic foundry acid 3. moved on to fruity loops 3 after a few years, currently use fl studio 7 producer edition for everything. i have a basement studio. i record myself and, on occasion, local musicians. my audio interface is an m-audio nrv-10. i use a pair of krk v6 studio monitors.

it's a dynamic mic. it's inexpensive and comes with a cable. i consider it similar to an sm57, but with more notches in the high frequency response. it has a lo-fi character when used on the underside of a snare or on hi-hats. it seems to give a distorted response when used on the beater head of a bass drum. i've never tried it with vocals, but i know it works well on guitar cabinets at a 90 degree angle. it doesnt have the deepest bass response, but it can be useful for adding some texture and quirk if you are getting bored of sterile sounds. i certainly have a lot of fun with it, and anticipate that it will be needed in the future.

I've been involved with music for 37 years. I play guitar, bass and drums. I've always been surrounded with musical equipment and musicians. I haven't been much into recording. Most of the stuff I've recorded has been on analog tape. These mics are great for that. But, in a live situation is where these babies pump! They are great and I'd put them against the sm58's any day. Lots of Bang 4 your Buck!!

These ATR30's are good all around mics. Great for stage and great for the studio. If you're on a budget, give one a try. I've picked them up on internet auctions for a buck or two.