Do you want a computer? Get a Mac. Are you editing music, photos or video? You may want to spend a little more and get a pro. Do you want a car? Go to the consumer reports and find out what’s going to last a little longer than your loan duration. Do you want a really great drink? Get a Peppermint Black and White Mocha—because it’s yummy.

What I’m trying to say is that, it doesn’t matter what you want, there is usually some good advice to follow that will lead you to the best product possible. That being said, there is—apparently—no right answer when it comes to buying studio vocal mics. What the crap!

Over the last 2 months, I have talked to 6 pretty great producer/engineers, who I have connections with, and I cannot get a straight answer from any of them. “Hey, Colbie, Danny, Woody, Damian, Brian, & the other Brian! What do you guys think is the best Mic and Preamp combo for my studio with this budget?”

“I don’t know bro. Just use what sounds good.”

Hmmmm…

I really was not expecting that.

Where’s the Magic formula?! XYZ equipment = Platinum CD production? (Now that’s Algebra I can get into)

And from there I got told all kinds of stories: Amazing artists (names of which evade me) that got Grammys for songs that they recorded holding a $100 mic in their cupped hands, the $5000 mic left in the closet (and othere stories that were good. I wish I remembered the details).

Well I confess that in the beginning of this process I was a little bit confused. Now I am quite confident that I am a lot confused. But it’s cool because I now know that as I keep trying out and testing, borrowing and sneaking mics to try out, I will eventually find what works best for me. It’s a crazy idea but I think I get where these producer friends of mine are coming from.

So what about you? Are you thinking long and hard about any upcoming purchases? Are there any gear people out there who can chime in on mics that they have found to work for them. Let me know. Cheers!