The Audix i5 Dynamic Microphone

* MSRP : $179

So you are looking for your first recording microphone or perhaps you want a better one? This dynamic microphone is great choice for both vocal and instruments. While most of the time, recording engineer would use a large-diaphragm mic to record vocals, this one can do a real decent job.

Overview

You will find the Audix i5 in about the same price range as the Shure SM57, which is an industry standard. This makes high expections for Audix as it has to sell it's i5 against such a highly successful competitor.

The i5 mic is built into a cast zinc alloy case with a balanced XLR output. It comes with a plastic swivel stand-mount and the entire mic is finished in satin black. 

The i5 has the right shape to record in awkward places especially if you use right-angled XLR connectors. It is slightly shorter than the average dynamic microphone making easier to position around drums. Though I would not recommend it for a kick drum, you can still use it if required and you'll get reasonable results.

Just as for recording an acoustic guitar, I wouldn't recommend a dynamic microphone, but the Audix i5 can get a decent stab at the job if you have a sensitive, quiet mic preamp.

Onstage, the Audix i5 is a very competent vocal mic while studio singers who prefer dynamic models may choose to use it that way in the studio. In fact, as a studio mic, the i5 will fill in for just about any dynamic mic application you think of, although a kick drum would be more suited for this particular task.

Shure has met his match.

Audix I-5 Instrument Microphone The Audix I-5 Instrument Microphone is a cardioid pattern dynamic mic with a smooth, uniform frequency response of 50Hz-16kHz and SPL handling of 140dB, making it versatile enough to handle a wide variety of applications and genres. Durable cast zinc alloy body and dent-resistant grille. Audix includes a heavy-duty mic clip and carrying pouch with the I-5 instrument microphone. Only $99 at GuitarCenter.com