Suggestion for recording young male vocals (singing)

[Garrett Low]

I'm planning on recording an 11 year old male singing. Looking of recommendations on a good budget large diaphragm mic. This is more for fun, at least for now, and will be done in my home. I'm considering trying to pick up a used Rode NT2-A at a good price. I'd like to hear other mics to consider in the $200 - $300 range or cheaper if possible that would be good for me to consider.

Also, if anyone has a lead on a good used mic please let me know.

Thanks!

[Rick Reineke]

IMO, an 11 yr. old may be 'freaked out' by an intimidating LD mic. Give'm a 58.

[Garrett Low]

Actually he won't be freaked out by an LDM, he's my son...LOL. Seriously, it won't be a problem of the look of the mic. I'm trying to get a little fuller sound plus I'd want something that I can use in other situations. I thought about getting a 58 but am thinking I'd want something I could use in other studio situations if the need arose. I'm also thinking that it could make a good VO mic too.

[Rick Reineke]

In that case get him a U-47.

[Garrett Low]

I might invest in a U-47 after he has his first #1 hit. Until then I'm looking at mics that have a few less digits in the price tag.

[Rick Reineke]

Yes, I figured that, and was joking, Unfortunately I have no recommendations at this time. I'm sure someone here has some hands on advice in that area.

[Eric Olson]

Originally Posted by Rick Reineke

Yes, I figured that, and was joking, Unfortunately I have no recommendations at this time. I'm sure someone here has some hands on advice in that area.

For a cheap large condenser I would suggest the MXL990.

MXL 990 Condenser Microphone with Shockmount | Musician's Friend

I have a couple of these and for what you want, it seems perfect. Assuming you have phantom power, it will perform much better when recording than most dynamic stage microphones. Spending more can buy a higher quality microphone, but the money is probably better spent on voice lessons.

[Battle Vaughan]

Others you might consider: Rode NT1-A, often sold in a promotional bundle with shockmount, pop screen, and cable for around $200; Audio Technica AT2035 or 2050, both large diaphragm side address mikes, or the AT2010, a hand-held condenser mike; Blue Microphones "Spark," versatile and low-cost medium-diaphragm entry among its lots-pricier brothers; AKG Perception 220.

Many of the Asian large-condenser mikes have a peak in their freq response centered about 15 k, which puts a bump in the high overtones that --- for a young, presumably high-pitched voice -- make make the result a tad brighter than you might like, although EQ can fix that. Might look at the freq response charts from the manufacturers in making your decision....just a thought.

[Robert Turchick]

In that price range, I have used for VO and singing the Shure SM27, AT 4040, and Blue Bluebird with really good results.
The 4040 being my fav of that bunch.