which microphone should i buy?

[krsna_chandra]

i own an MZ-N10 sony minidisc recorder. the music i record is loud with indian drums and cymbals (high-pitched, i might like to tone down their sound somehow during or after recording (sidenote)) the singer usually has a microphone, but not always. i also record classes given at my temple where there is noise outside the room that i don't want recorded. sometimes the music or classes are outside, and wind makes static on my recording.

can someone help me choose which microphone to buy? (on a low budget.) can someone help me decide which settings i should have my recorder on? can someone tell me how to deal with my wind problem?

thank you very much in advance.

[A440]

Look at www.soundprofessionals.com or www.microphonemadness.com and see what your budget can handle. If possible get a pair with windscreens and also see if you can shelter them somewhere when you record. Even basic binaurals will give you decent sound.

Cardioids are more directional, and will cut down on noise behind them, but they will increase your wind problem. Binaurals rather than cardioids will cut down on wind noise. You'll have to decide which problem is more pressing.

You'll have to experiment with settings, they're different on every recorder. Try recording first with Auto level control and see if you're satisfied with that.

You can easily tone down highs (your cymbals) after you record with your treble tone control.

[krsna_chandra]

thank you so much for your help. i'll post again when i have tried the mic that i end up buying.