Nady CM-88 Condenser Mics - Should I use them?

[SchizoPhobic]

Hey guys, I am getting ready to go buy some condenser mics, and I was thinking about getting some Nady CM-88 Condenser mics to record my drumming. Now, I am fairly new to condenser mics/recording drums in general, so I needed some help.

Has anyone here tried those mics, and are they good for recording drums? I'm not looking for anything TOO high quality, seeing as how I am a beginner and just want to get started for now. But I want something that will pick up the sound good and is cheap (I only have about $90 on me, which I know isnt a lot).

Also, can anyone recommend some cheap but good microphone cables? I record downstairs, and the computer is upstairs (I record using GuitarPort & RiffWorks) and there is a goof 25-30 feet from one room to the other, so I will need a cable. I need answers ASAP, please. I have to leave very soon

Thanks in advance

-Ty

[Moseph]

Regarding the mics, I think the biggest limiting factor here is your own developed skills and abilities, rather than the mics you use. If all you can afford is those mics, and you feel like you can't/won't wait, then go ahead and get them.

The real problem I think you're going to run into is finding 2 long (50+ feet) cables within a price range of $100. Even the low-end stuff (which if you double check your path from source to capture should be fine) generally is a bit expensive for your budget at long distances.

You might need to consider just moving the computer temporarily and using a 15-20 ft. mic cable. You can probably find those in the used or new markets for about $12-25 each.

EDIT: I take that back,

http://accessories.musiciansfriend.com/product/Musicians-Gear-Low-Z-Microphone-Cable-XLR?sku=361707

That's actually potentially manageable.

[Tripp_chaos]

Personally I wouldn't suggest that I got a 30ft cable and withing a week the casing started to crack and the sound started to diminish way before that causing me to be frustrated and then one cable down... I say temporarily move your comp that's what I used to do about 200ft from my house to my drummer and guitarists house next door. Yet if you still feel the need for the 50' cable go with instinct...

[SchizoPhobic]

Thanks guys

Instead of going through the trouble of moving the computer/tower/desk (which would be hard due to location) I might just upload RiffWorks and GuitarPort to my dad's laptop and take it downstairs. That would probably be easier, and surprisingly I never thought of that until now lol

[TriggerNYC]

is everything indoors? maybe if you went out a window youd be able to cut someof that cable down. just a thought.

also, idk if you considered it, but maybe you want to use one LDC for overheads on drums and mic up the snare and kick seperate. itll be more expensive,but youll get something more usuable. maybe youcould getyour old manto loan you some cash that you could pay back, or borrow something from a friend (like a guitar player with an sm57)

also dont forget about mic stands. btw where are youlocated maybe someone on here could help youout if they live close.

[SchizoPhobic]

Thanks Trigger. I don't have any windows in the music room, so that's out of the question.

I think it would just be best to save up and wait a little while. Sometimes I just get ideas that I am excited about and go gung-ho before thinking lol. I can't believe that I thought $80 would get me anywhere

Anyway, thanks again. BTW, could you explain to me what the differences between Condenser, Dynamic, and LCD mics are? Do you know any cheap LCD/Dynamic mics that are good?

[Moseph]

Anyway, thanks again. BTW, could you explain to me what the differences between Condenser, Dynamic, and LCD mics are? Do you know any cheap LCD/Dynamic mics that are good?

Functionally, Dynamic mics don't require phantom power, while Condenser mics do. Dynamic mics tend to be more durable and tolerant of high-powered (loud) sources, whereas condensers tend to have more balanced frequency response. There are more technical differences between them, but for the most part you don't need to care if you don't want to.

I assume by "LCD" you actually mean "LDC," which is an acronym commonly used to describe "Large Diaphragm Condenser" microphones. Basically any condenser microphone that has a diaphragm element (the physical piece that responds to sound) larger than about 1-2" in diameter.

Speaking of which, if you're looking for an inexpensive condenser mic, I have had good past success with the MXL 990 (an LDC, actually). However, it's a pretty warm-sounding mic, and I wouldn't suggest it for cymbals compared to other microphones.

[SchizoPhobic]

Okay, thanks for the info :)

After thinking about it, I might just actually save up and buy a Zoom H2 handheld recorder instead. It would be a lot easier to use than hooking up mics and running cables through the house.

Besides, I can only plug one mic in at a time using GuitarPort, and from what I have gathered you need multiple mics to get a decent sound. Do you have any experience using an H2? If so, what is it like?