How Do I Decide What Microphone I Need For My Home Studio?

Below is the latest Q&A entry on Home Recording from Yahoo Answers.  I honestly don’t see the need for this person to move from his/her Samson G-Track USB mic to an Audio-Technica 4050 ) a $700 mic!), as suggested by one of the people answering his question.

Though the latter is undoubtedly a good mic, will it be better for the question-asker?  I honestly don’t think so. 

If he has the money, great.  But if not, what exactly is wrong with the G-Track?  Samson USB mics are awesome!  In fact you can get the G-Track (normally about $130) used for $50 right now at Guitar Center.  Anyway, here’s the Q&A.  As usual, I think the advice given calls for too much money to be spent.

Original question

Q: I have a home recording studio already, but looking to improve it. I currently use a samson G-track. Do i need something better?

A (I don’t agree): I’m going to do a bad thing and assume that you are recording mostly vocals. If this is the case, the Audio-Technica 4050 is a really good vocal mic but it can be used for just about anything. I’ve seen them for $300 used. Good luck!

The Home Brew Audio Answer:

Unless you’re certain the Audio-Technica 4050 will work better for you, don’t waste your $300.  In fact, the best thing to do is borrow or rent (some music stores will rent mics!) an AT4050.  Then have a friend record you talking into both mics.

And by the way, moving from the USB mic to that Audio-Technica would ALSO require him to buy an audio recording interface, which would add at least $100 to the total price.

I highly recommend trying an Audio-Technica AT2035 in case the Samson does not compare well to the AT4050. The AT2035 is only $149. So that, plus an interface like the Focusrite Scarlett Solo ($110) totals $259.

Have the friend ask you to listen to them back in random order without telling you which is which (a blind study).  If you can’t tell the difference…or if you PREFER the Samson, you’ve got your first answer. But then test the Samson against the AT2035. That may be good enough, and will be much less expensive.