Musician Forum - Band Discussion Board - BandMix

Shure 57 or 58.
You can find them on line used. Built like a tank.
Musicians Friend generally is very competitively priced on new equipment and at times have good used equipment as well.
Distortion is often caused by not having enough head room.
There is a very interesting link on home recordings hidden in here somewhere.
When I wake up I'll try to find it for you.

Beg, borrow, and steal.

You cannot go wrong getting the very best equipment you can possibly afford. Even if you have to sacrifice.

Are you kidding?

Here: let me give you a quick tip.

WHATEVER your question might be....

TRY asking the question in a search engine like GOOGLE and then read a little before asking here. It will help you to save face in general.

Try it, anyone can do it.

Most any mic designed for doing live vocals will require adaptation to link to a PC.

The Cap'n is right though.

Do your research !!!

Harumi wrote:I've done some research on it, just not much since I'm unfamiliar with things like this and have spent worthless money in the past. However, if giving advice if you feel a little snippy about it then it's okay not to share it with me, thanks anyway.

Forgive us frustrated musicians Harumi. We are on here enough to prove that many of us aren't where we'd like to be musically or we wouldn't have time for this... Ya gotta take a lil sh*t on here to find your rose!

If I knew I'd tell ya, but I'm just an artist and leave the tech to those that know.

Good Luck and can't wait to hear what you record!!!


http://www.myspace.com/blunderingeye
http://c1.ezfolk.com/Hayden_King/
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=9 ... 840&ref=ts
http://twitter.com/HaydenKing

A majority of microphones will not record direct to your PC and whatever program you are using ( Audacity ? ). That's because they are analogue and a PC is digital. You would need to use a interface between the two. There are inexpensive products that will connect an analogue microphone to a computer, such as this cable from Nady. It has the "converter" built into the cable. I will say I have never used this product so make sure whatever you buy is returnable ( in case it doesn't work with Audacity ). Some interfaces will only work with certain sequencing ( recording ) programs, so make sure that whatever interface you're getting works with your recording software. Here's the link to the Nady cable:
http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/pr ... sku=582724

Of course, you can get an interface box that should have a better performance, like this one: http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/pr ... 03092#used

Typically, the more you spend, the better the quality. Of course, you'll still need a decent microphone. For vocals, most studios use and recommend a large diaphragm condenser microphone. These can be quite expensive but there are inexpensive models now, such as the MXL 3000. http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/pr ... 70703#used

As you can see, getting a decent mic to record with, along with the interface, can set you back a couple of hundred easily. There are other mics that don't need a separate interface besides the Snowball. Look here: http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/mi ... icrophones . And there are more that aren't listed at that link.

Unfortunately, no one can tell you what to buy. I'd recommend buying from somewhere that allows returns and has a helpful sales staff, since you're just getting into computer recording. Good Luck!

as far as interfaces are concerned, i have been using an alesis multimix usb 8 channel mixer...not super expensive, very versatile, good sound....

Harumi, I use a sure KSM27 for my home recording studio with a tube preamp to warm the sound a bit. These are in the 200-300 dollar range which is very cheap for home recording. Most good studio microphones are very expensive and can cost thousands of dollars. If you don't have much knowledge of these things you may want to seek out a recording studio that has all the gear and knowledge. Stick to the writing and singing that is hard enough. Believe me I've spent countless hours trying to use substandard equipment without rewarding results. The old saying - you get what you pay for applies here very much, nevertheless, you can put together a decent studio for a thousand to a few thousand dollars. There are a couple of nice complete recording boards that keep it simple and let you burn straight to cd.

Hope i've helped a bit.

Harumi wrote:Thanks everyone, I really appreciate the help. I can't afford any of this yet until I can manage to grab a second job, but when I do I really want to purchase some of these.

I know this post is a bit late. However, as far as lots of mics I have seen for price and clarity. The one I purchased (even before knowing about its usage) is one of the better ones. And that I can personally say, having used it.

In this example is the mics usage (voice). I still need to get a filter but still does well handling.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALmHAObo ... r_embedded

And for the price its a great buy. I actually purchased it initially when Amazon had a 50% sale on it. And have not ever needed another since. C01U USB Studio Condenser Mic.

http://www.google.com/products/catalog? ... CGgQ8wIwAw


Andddddd a really crappy but fun recording of iron man without lead vocals. So don't listen to the voice it sucks -heh-. Though you can tell how clear the mic is in recording without a competing vocal.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-YHn7f4Urs

Harumi wrote:Wow, so much good information and links. I really appreciate you posting this for me, thank you very much. I'll be sure to check it all out. ^__^

Hi,

I am not certain that the hum noise that can be heard on your first track is due to the microphone. It may be due to something else that is picking up interference or possibly an incompatability of equipement, or even a missrouting within your audio recording program. I would check that out before spending out on a new micrphone.

The Shure 57 & 58 cardoid microphones that someone sugested earlier are usually used for gigging because they are rugged and withstand the rough treatment on the road. Some people do use the 57 which is probably more suited to a female.

Condenser microphones are more delicate and need to be carefully looked after. They come in basic models or models with switchable omni, figure eight patterns etc. The switchable one's are more expensive.
It is advisable to use anti shock mounts and pop shields with these.

Reasonably priced makes are ADK, Studio projects CS1, Rode NT1A, Behringer, Cad Trion 8000 Multi pattern, MXL 3000, Oktava MK 319, SE Electronics Se 2000. And the list goes on.

You will need to check that you have the correct interface before you purchase.

Hope this helps.