MAJOR noob questions, prepare yourself....

[happydinosaur]

So I'm really looking into getting the Rode NT1A as my first recording mic. I sing soft opera (if you've ever seen the 2004 movie Phantom of the Opera and know what Christine sounds like, then you'll know what I mean) BUT I know next to nothing about all this recording/mic stuff (even with all the research I've done). So here are my questions:

1) Is this a good mic for recording "opera" and can it handle all the extremely high notes I'll be singing?

2) ....How do I record with this thing? I've heard of an MBox but I know nothing about the thing. I've done some research but nothing is really all that clear to me (I know they're expensive too, ugh). So could you explain to me what this thing is for and if I'll need it after buying the NT1A, shock mount and pop filter? I MUST have recording with this mic, if I don't, then there's really no point in my buying the mic...

3) What else should I buy to improve the sound of a soprano opera singer? Any tips?

EDIT::: Oh, and this is strictly just for recording myself so I can hear myself and figure out what I need to change and improve and such. Just to help me improve my voice and so I can send songs to my friends and such
OH and I need to be able to transfer my recordings to my laptop/PC.... How would I do this?

 

[Armistice]

Hi happy...

I think you probably should prepare yourself. You should ferret out the various "I'm a complete newb" posts in this forum and read up. You need to get your head around some of the basics and they've been spelt out many times in many threads... including the "don't post until you read this" one at the top. Hunt down the tweakzguide link and get reading.

As for the mic - it's one part of the signal chain. You can't sing higher than it can capture, it's a question of how well. I've not used it but if you're a serious singer looking to get quality recordings, other mics may be preferred - depends upon budget and what else you're using. As I have no exerience in that type of music, I won't comment further.

Enjoy the trip...

 

[moresound]

You may want to use a stand alone recorder like the Zoom R16 instead of going through all of the learning curve with a computer interface etc. etc.

Not that it make much of a difference but are you a male or female for certain microphone sound better depending on gender.

And welcome to the forum HD!

 

[happydinosaur]

You may want to use a stand alone recorder like the Zoom R16 instead of going through all of the learning curve with a computer interface etc. etc.

Not that it make much of a difference but are you a male or female for certain microphone sound better depending on gender.

And welcome to the forum HD!

It sounds like a good idea but unfortunately out of my price range right now. That's why I'm settling with the Rode, it's a good mic (from what I've heard) at an amazing price. Plus, I'm pretty good with computers which is why I feel like it wouldn't be too big of a deal, but then, I've never tried it before haha. But how would I record my songs and put them on my laptop in the first place?

Female/soprano

Thanks!

 

[moresound]

You just want to do vocals right? And nothing else just one track at a time?

 

[happydinosaur]

You just want to do vocals right? And nothing else just one track at a time?

Yes, just vocals, I don't play any instruments whatsoever. And one track at a time would probably be alright as long as I can save them (sorry if I'm asking obvious/ridiculous questions, I really don't know much!)

 

[moresound]

Then all you should need is the microphone and something like the Tascam US122 MK11 USB 2.0 audio interface.

Or any small 2 channel USB interface that couples to your computer via USB and has a Microphone preamplifier that offers phantom power to power the NT1a.

Then go on line and download the recording software Reaper.

From there you'll set it all up and go to town with it - if not there are many here who will help you through the growing pains , but believe me there isn't that much pain.

 

[Armistice]

But seriously... if this is ALL you want to do... there are some very cheap 4 channel digital standalones that might cost not much more than an interface...

Horses for courses. What's the amazing price on the NT1A and do you already have it?

 

[happydinosaur]

Then all you should need is the microphone and something like the Tascam US122 MK11 USB 2.0 audio interface.

Or any small 2 channel USB interface that couples to your computer via USB and has a Microphone preamplifier that offers phantom power to power the NT1a.

Then go on line and download the recording software Reaper.

From there you'll set it all up and go to town with it - if not there are many here who will help you through the growing pains , but believe me there isn't that much pain.

Thanks!!! This was exactly the kind of answer I was looking for I really appreciate it!

 

[happydinosaur]

But seriously... if this is ALL you want to do... there are some very cheap 4 channel digital standalones that might cost not much more than an interface...

Horses for courses. What's the amazing price on the NT1A and do you already have it?

No, I do not already own it. I'm asking about it because I'm considering buying it but I wasn't sure if it's right for my voice. My price range for a mic is around $300. I can't afford anything too expensive and fancy, but I don't want anything cheap that will sound cheap and fuzzy. I want my recordings to sound nice and professional without the crazy costs. Maybe someday I'll be able to afford the nicer ones but right now I don't need that much

 

[Armistice]

Fair enough... try to audition before you buy if you can. My favourite vocal mic is a Rode NT2, which somehow manages to make me sound acceptable, even though I have "better" mics at hand... you just never know what will work for you.

Good luck!

 

[moresound]

Thanks!!! This was exactly the kind of answer I was looking for I really appreciate it!

No Problem HD. By the way, Reaper is a free unlimited trial and if you decide that you like it it will cost you $40.

 

[happydinosaur]

No Problem HD. By the way, Reaper is a free unlimited trial and if you decide that you like it it will cost you $40.

Okay, sounds good thanks!

 

[moresound]

And now when you finally get some recordings done ... you'll have to post some in the MP3 clinic here at Home Recording.

 

[biggs1249]

I would suggest staying away from the computer/interface route. If you don't have a huge interest in recording other than just improving musically it will end up a big waste of time and money and will likely cause a lot of headaches and frustration. That said you could get something like this which is an entirely self-contained package including a reasonable sounding mic that you can take anywhere (rehearsals, trips, gigs, etc.) all for price of just the mic. you could even record a group if you wanted to and hear it well enough to critique.

I think you'll find with some research/trial and error, that to record your self effectively with a computer and interface will end up requiring a lot more equipment at a lot more money than you think.

 

[bruiser1964]

I would agree with the portable solution and suggest the Tascam DR07 or DR08. no hassle recording take anywhere so if you find a better sounding room you can use it there. You can always import the file into Reaper to edit / process with eq or reverb / and post online but without the interface issues.
Good luck

 

[lastdays]

I seriously doubt the portable recorder will yield the level of quality she is looking for, I am sure it makes nice recordings, but there is a reason why you dont see people mounting those things to mic stands all over the place (which is not to say that this has not been done...)

 

[moresound]

I've got a Zoom H4n and it does a spectacular job of recording, yielding of very high quality tracks.

 

[buzzard bass]

For your consideration, Amazon owes me an endorsement I swear:
Amazon.com: Zoom H2 Handy Portable Stereo Recorder: Musical Instruments

 

[happydinosaur]

Thanks for all the suggestions! I think I've got things figured out though. Here is what I'm thinking:
RODE NT1-A w/ pop filter, shock mount (package)
Tascam US-100
Nady SMPS-1X Phantom Power Supply (b/c the US-100 does not supply phantom power)
Tripod (to makes recording easier)

Any thoughts? Have any of you owned any of these items before and have any advice?