I am recording more and more and have been getting by with my shure mics, but I am finding I am really lacking on something that captures low frequencies well. What would you recommend in something under $200? Mainly it will be used placed by a bass cab, or maybe a kick drum (in the future).

Thanks!

For a real budget item, I've had good results from a Shure SM25B. That combined with a cheap kick drum mic should work well. My go-to is an AKG C414B.

If you can get a used Sennheiser MD-421 at that price point (and you probably can if you keep an eye out) you should get one. You can use it on practically anything and it will do the job well. An RE-20 is a stretch at that price, but you might get lucky. It, also, can be used on almost any source, but sounds great on bass and kick drum. I think I got one for under $200 that just needed a new foam kit. An AKG D112 is totally serviceable. I always use it on kick drum, haven't used it much on a bass cab, and I've heard some others say that it's not the best choice, but it's pretty much a time tested go-to and the least expensive of the 3.

Krev wrote: Tue Sep 21, 2021 12:37 pm For a real budget item, I've had good results from a Shure SM25B. That combined with a cheap kick drum mic should work well. My go-to is an AKG C414B.

I have never heard of a SM25B, I will look into it. Wish I had the bread for a AKG.

People seem to like the Audix D4 and D6 on bass cabs. The Heil PR40 is another I see recommended quite a bit.

I've got an SM7 (non-B) that I use on bass cabs, or sometimes a Sennheiser e602-II.

Also never heard of an SM25b!

For bass cabs, I like my Audix D4 or Apex 205 ribbons, usually in combination with a Countryman FET85.
I was looking for a 2nd D4 but since the newer ones arrived it seems they are seeming harder to find at a good used price.

brownreasontolive wrote: Tue Sep 21, 2021 1:15 pm Also never heard of an SM25b!

For bass cabs, I like my Audix D4 or Apex 205 ribbons, usually in combination with a Countryman FET85.
I was looking for a 2nd D4 but since the newer ones arrived it seems they are seeming harder to find at a good used price.

I'll Second cheap ribbons. I use a MXL R144 with either a 57 or a Oktava 012 sometimes. The Ribbon (mostly a useless mic) gets some pretty great sub low end. Too boomy by itself, but with a more mid range or bright mic or a DI its pretty Ok.

There may not be a B on the end. I think it's just an SM25. It's a shitty karaoke mic that I got in a lot buy once. I first used it on bass out of necessity, and was pleasantly surprised.

You can occasionally find the Peavey PVM 520 used. It is a pretty solid "Will do a few things..." choice.

RE-20 or PL-20