Which mic

i'd save up some more, and start with a Shure SM7



i use a Shure KSM44, and love it.
works for damn near everything.

It will be only acoustic guitar and vocals do you think the sm57 would be the best for only these they suggest a condenser mic in the shops but I'm not sure everyone I know says get a 57 but they only record instruments will it be ok for vocals? Thanks for the help

I have a Shure SM58, and I bought a condenser mic (48V phantom power needed) but payed 3-4 times as much, but it is worth it, along with a reflection filter because where I record, it is like well no room at all. The gain is good with the condenser mic but I also run a TC Helicon now before going to the input of the audio/interface. A cheap condenser will not sound that bad but all mics may need EQ on them before getting (or after recording) the mixdown you may want the sound on. A Shure SM58 is fine for live playing, but not really that good anymore, just cheap and a cheap condenser will probably sound better on the recording. Best thing to do is go to the market place, plug in the mic and see how it sounds. There are cheap condenser mics and some do not sound bad at all. Look around again just to get an idea on the Internet, but I bought mine (although I usually buy at Sweetwater) at GC, where they also have some cheap condenser. You should try some out, because that is the only way to tell. Mine Sennheiser is good enough but not all that expensive either. http://www.sweetwater.com...io/studio-microphones/ Sorry again using Firefox browser and paragraphs do not work with this forum. Everywhere else on forums it works fine. I stay away from ribbon mics, and some dynamic mics work fine better than perhaps a Shure also. Only reason I give a link to Sweetwater, is because a person can look around there and see reviews and what other people think of what they bought, but then there is probably the hype, because of what they bought and all of that also.

I have to sing close to the condenser because of noise in the room (well a little noise) but the TC Helicon has a noise gate in it, and vocals do not take that much dynamics unless you yell into the mic. The condenser sounds the same whether you are close to it, or 8-9" back or whatever. A pop filter may be needed because of P's and B's and stuff like that while singing from your voice. A Shure SM58 does not even come close to the condenser as far as I am concerned. Bassy up close and far away the response changes. No comparison to me, the condensers will always win, although sibilance may play into it also. Do not sing direct into it, sing pointed a little away from it, if needed. Shock mount may cost more also, but in the home, no shock is usually fine, but I bought one anway, and that was 100 more. Sits in the box.

Sorry, spelled wrong: Reflexion filter: http://www.sweetwater.com...php?s=reflexion+filter

A recording has to sound right into the audio/interface or computer usually first of all. Trying to fix it later, will usually not work. Sonar 7 with some of the FX effects I can use, listed (don't know if all are Cakewalk stuff) do not work in Windows 7, may work in XP, have not ran through them to mark it all down. Usually the Cakewalk FX stuff will work, like Reverb, and Echo, and perhaps EQ, but I use to use like Parametric EQ, and I think that does not work with Windows 7. That will be because X1 probably is newer, but a lite version does not include everything or can you record are faster speeds.

the 214 sounded good on her singing, too.

@

Like Batsbrew, I also own a Shure SM58 and a Shure KSM44 (LDC).  There is really no comparison, the large diaphragm condenser is pretty much awesome on everything I have used it on.  Especially acoustic guitars and vocals. 
 
I also have a pair of SM81 mics that sound great when you stereo mic a guitar...but not the greatest for vocals.  I would say if you are looking for one mic to do it all, invest in a LDC mic.   

57 you'll be able to use it in the future

The AT-4040 is pretty awesome for a dry, but very articulate mic. However, if you can muster, I highly recommend the Avantone cv-12 mic. I stacked one of these right next to a vintage AKG c12, and I have to say, the Avantone held up quite well, regardless of the price. You'll be very happy with one. 

I own 2 SM58's, an SM57, a pair of cheap ribbons and an AT4033
 
I only ever use the AT or the ribbons for vocals, and usually a blend of AT/ribbon

Given what you've said about your voice, I'd check out the AT4033 which I find is great on breathier, non-raspy "male" vocals