batsbrew
i can't really suggest a cheap mic.
that's the one piece of gear i've always thought should not be bought based on price,
it is THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT PIECE OF KIT IN THE CHAIN.
 
seriously, there's nothing else you can buy that is more important.
 
 
 
that said,
can't go wrong with a SM57 !
 
99 bucks at MF.
 
but if it has to be a condenser, i'd strongly suggest a ADK Hamburg, on the low end of the money scale.
 
and that's about as cheap as i'd be willing to go.
 
 
gotta have a budget, to make any solid suggestions.

This is the best advice in the thread.... spend as much as necessary to target the quality you want.....it goes without saying this will obviously define your upper limit in recording and will color all performances.
😉

Rhodes NT1A for condenser. Been great for me and is a top choice for many.

AT
I'm testing the new WA-14 (the older AKG 414EB variant) and it is very nice.  $500, which is a lot, but not that much when considering condensers.  sounds very "vintage," with a thick and rich tone.
 

 
I too have been eyeing the WA 14 and kind of like it.  I haven't decided to get it yet because it am eyeing the Lewitt LCT-450 as well.

Joe_A
Rhodes NT1A for condenser. Been great for me and is a top choice for many.

+1, a number of home studio owners I know use these Rode microphones, I really like mine for male vocals. That being said, I also believe as Batsbrew states, go for the best you can, it's an important component of the studio...

Joe_A
Rhodes NT1A

Yes indeed.  This is a good suggestion.  I'll check into it.

eph221

Joe_A
Rhodes NT1A

Yes indeed.  This is a good suggestion.  I'll check into it.

 
Excellent mic, I bought one with boom stand and pop filter for £140 ($180-$200?)

+ 1 for the Rode NT1a
 
I also have a Behringer C1 and that is pretty good for the price as well. Caveat here is that some users have had bad experiences with a C1 which is probably an indication of quality control issues or may just be an anti Behringer bias.

Now you'll have to send us recordings....😃😃😃

Another good solid choice is the Shure Sm7b. Big rich sounding dynamic mic that helps tame the room. Requires a preamp with at least 60db of gain. I have other good choices here, but this mic could carry a lot of the load if needed. It's great on a gtr amplifier / horns, and especially vocals.

musicroom
Another good solid choice is the Shure Sm7b. Big rich sounding dynamic mic that helps tame the room. Requires a preamp with at least 60db of gain. I have other good choices here, but this mic could carry a lot of the load if needed. It's great on a gtr amplifier / horns, and especially vocals.

Absolutely...
SM7b is a classic mic... for good reason.