I'm in the process of putting together my first low budget studio and since my voice is my best instrument, I'm looking for a mic.

First, if you have any reccomendation for a decent studio mic in the $200 price range, hit me up.

But more importantly, are used mics an ok option, or is it better to just find a new one? I don't know what kind of wear and tear mics can go through, how long they can last, etc. And if I do shop for a used one, what should I look out for?

cheers,
alphonse

Shure SM57s are good all-around mics, especially for instruments but they are used for vocals too. Under $100 new! With a nice preamp you can get a decent vocal sound out of it. SM58s are designed more for vocals than 57s, but if you are going to record other things as well, I would look at the 57. Almost every studio out there has at least a few of these floating around. I also recommend checking out Beyer 260s and Crown CM700s for vocals; both should be in your price range. These are older mics, others here on the board will probably have better suggestions for newer ones or better ones. They're just some of the cheaper mics that I've had good luck with.

I've never had a bad experience with a used mic, some of which have been beaten up pretty good too. If possible, see if you can try it out. Or if you're going the ebay route, I always try to shop from people who have very good feedback ratings and who give an in-depth description of the mic.

- Avoid beaten mics, they must show at least the good care they were having before. A mic with bumps may work perfect as having some troubles brewing or already in duty. Stay clear of them.
- You should try them before you buy
- On condenser mics, look if the seller has an anti pop, if not, stay clear, he spitted in it.
- On ribbon mics, be very very wary. it's very easy to destroy them. the pop thing is right to check too. Now you won't find many ribbons in this price range.

In the $200 price tag you can already find the low end condensers, there are good things there. And new!