New to home recording

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nrs10afcn

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I am looking to record rap vocals from my room, while I have recorded in studios before, I'd like to be able to dabble at my leisure. As a college student, I am on a pretty tight budget. I was originally looking at USB mics but after reading around they seem like more problems than they are worth. On the other hand, if I don't plan on recording any instruments, would a full interface still be necessary?

What about a small Phantom Power provider such as the Behringer PS400 and a condenser mic.


Also, what is the difference between using a USB preamp vs a normal preamp with a USB-XLR cable running from the output?
 
Don't know what you mean by a 'USB-XLR cable", but if you mean a cable-adapter that converts from audio (XLR) to digital, the are typically not worth the few dollars they cost. A quality audio interface will give a quality a-to-d conversion
 
nrs10afcn said:
There are cords that are female XLR-USB.

What would an interface like a USB M-Audio do that simply something like a Blue Microphones Icicle can't?
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How much sound quality do you think you can get for $30?
 
Wouldn't the sound quality simply rely on the mic? Or does the icicle do that poor of a job of transferring it to the computer?
 
nrs10afcn said:
Wouldn't the sound quality simply rely on the mic? Or does the icicle do that poor of a job of transferring it to the computer?
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The entire signal chain defines the quality. Any problem in the chain will automatically drop everything to the best level of the weakest link.
So if you have a $100 mic plugged into a $30 USB adapter it is probably not going to sound very good. The pre-amps in an interface will be much better than using an icicle. It all depends on what you are doing with the recordings - if it doesn't have to be great (like your not planning on using it for a commercial release or a demo) then buy something cheap -
 
looks like I'm in the market for a used interface then.


Any passable mic preamps under 100?
 
One of my buddies kids just put himself through his first year of college selling pot.

Just sayin.
 
I was able to get a used M-Audio Fast Track II for $35 US. Simple to use and works great.
 
Nothing wrong with used gear - just make sure you inspect it well - ebay protects you but if your getting it from CL you need to thoroughly check it out before you turn over the cash and leave!

I have bought a lot of used gear and have overall had great results - but I have also had to send back two mixers (from two different sellers) because they had blown circuits! Also had to send back some bad monitors! Pain in the ass that was. But lots of good deals out there.
 
Agreed.

That's why I prefer Craigslist for some things. You get to see it first. There are some great deals to be had though and overall, I've had pretty good luck buying used.
 
I got a Epi Les Paul Standard for $250 on CL and just two weeks ago I got a Kustom 80watt PA system with all the cables, 2 mic stands and an AKG mic for $250! So yeah - there are great deals if you keep an eye on it.

I just missed a 120 watt Crate 1/2 stack for $200 :mad::mad:
 
I've been looking through both Craigslist and Ebay, added like 10 things to my watchlist and sent an email to a guy selling a Tascam for $50.


Where'd you score that FastTrack II from Bassman?
 
chengliu said:
A place where you can share hotfile fileserve links to applications and download latest free full version files.
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Wow thanks for the insight....



What are everyone's thoughts on the M-Audio Duo Interface and the Tascam US-122L?
 
nrs10afcn said:
I've been looking through both Craigslist and Ebay, added like 10 things to my watchlist and sent an email to a guy selling a Tascam for $50.


Where'd you score that FastTrack II from Bassman?
Click to expand...

Craigslist......

And btw, don't know where you're from but, if there's a Daddy's Junky Music near you, check them out. They are a good source for used gear. They deal in alot of it and I've ALWAYS had good luck with the one near me. They have a good return policy and a fairly good "trade up" program that applies to used gear as well. They currently have several interfaces (and monitors) available. Check it out........

http://www.daddys.com/listing.php?s=Used-Recording&categoryId=507
 
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