Planning to buy a new AKG Perception 120 USB

[ritb]

Guys,
I have read great reviews about this microphone AKG Perception 120 USB. Earlier I was planning AKG D 88 S which is now obsolete. My query is, do i need an audio interface for this mic? Suggest me some cheaper for less than $100.
What do u think about the mic? I record in an open room with a very low range mic which does not capture the outside noise. Although this mic is cardioid, will it still capture outer sounds from the back side? Thanks in advance.

 

[moresound]

An USB microphone will not require an audio interface.

 

[kip4]

Whats the plan Stan.
What are you recording? more info please so we can help you some.
To be fair you aint gonna get much more than a low budget usb job for that kinda budget though.
Try reading the sticky "Sould i get a usb mic" by Bobbsy i think it's at the top of this mic section. You may find some helpful info there.

 

[ritb]

An USB microphone will not require an audio interface.

Thanks for that. Then only the mic would be suffice.

Whats the plan Stan.
What are you recording? more info please so we can help you some.
To be fair you aint gonna get much more than a low budget usb job for that kinda budget though.
Try reading the sticky "Sould i get a usb mic" by Bobbsy i think it's at the top of this mic section. You may find some helpful info there.

I read that thanks for recommendation. He is actually against the USB mic. Very informative article though. But as I am just starting and I have to record only vocals for broadcasting so may be it will be enough.

Guys, any idea if there is a difference in output between akg 120 & akg 120 USB? I think for AKG 120, audio interface is must because it needs a phantom power. Is there any other way to provide that power to the mic?

 

[Steenamaroo]

Guys, any idea if there is a difference in output between akg 120 & akg 120 USB? I think for AKG 120, audio interface is must because it needs a phantom power. Is there any other way to provide that power to the mic?

Hey.
You can't really compare because the UBS mic is a microphone, power supply, a/d converter and data converter all in one.
The XLR mic is just the microphone. As you say, an interface is a must because it will provide all those other things.

There probably isn't a huge amount in it, but how the XLR mic sounds will depend on the rest of the chain.

 

[mjbphotos]

If all you are doing is podcasting (you said broadcasting), then the AKG USB should be fine for you. If you plan on doing music (live music in studio) you will quickly find the limitations of USB mics.

 

[moresound]

I always recommend the Blue YETI for a USB microphone for it has a built in headphone jack for monitoring.

Not many offer that option.

 

[TimOBrien]

Do yourself a big favor and stay away from usb mics.

Get a regular usb interface and regular xlr mics.

 

[ritb]

I always recommend the Blue YETI for a USB microphone for it has a built in headphone jack for monitoring.

Not many offer that option.

I have seen many review and it sounds great. Although many people are not satisfied with it. Looks like its not a reliable product. It can die any time. What you think?
Is there any place where I can buy it cheap? I didn't find any place cheaper than $109. A reviewer claimed to buy at $89.99 from amazon But i din't find it. Can you suggest?

 

[ritb]

Do yourself a big favor and stay away from usb mics.

Get a regular usb interface and regular xlr mics.

Thanks for the advice. I shall try to, but the budget requirement is higher.

If all you are doing is podcasting (you said broadcasting), then the AKG USB should be fine for you. If you plan on doing music (live music in studio) you will quickly find the limitations of USB mics.

That I understand, thanks.

Hey.
You can't really compare because the UBS mic is a microphone, power supply, a/d converter and data converter all in one.
The XLR mic is just the microphone. As you say, an interface is a must because it will provide all those other things.

There probably isn't a huge amount in it, but how the XLR mic sounds will depend on the rest of the chain.

Thanks for making it more clearer.

 

[TimOBrien]

Thanks for the advice. I shall try to, but the budget requirement is higher.

Barely.

And when you find you have problems or want to change or add mics, you are tossing away not only your mic but your interface.
In fact you will end up spending MORE by going with a one-use unitasker usb mic.

Using a usb unitasker leads you down a one-way blind alley. Rethink before you whip out that credit card...

 

[ritb]

Barely.

And when you find you have problems or want to change or add mics, you are tossing away not only your mic but your interface.
In fact you will end up spending MORE by going with a one-use unitasker usb mic.

Using a usb unitasker leads you down a one-way blind alley. Rethink before you whip out that credit card...

What do u think about AKG 120 + M-Audio Fast Track MK II?

 

[ritb]

While watching youtube, I came across this combination
Behringer UCA222
Mackie 402-VLZ3
MXL 770/990

Do you think this combination is ideal/good? What do you suggest within $200-250?

 

[mjbphotos]

Have you read the sticky threads at the top of all the forum sections here? Why do you want a mixer (the Mackie)? The UCA222 is an expensive USB device that will give you marginal A-to-D conversion, at best.
Shop used (like Ebay, etc) to get the most money for your limited funds. The M Audio Fast Track Pro is the interface to get from them. With the lmiit you have on spending right now you might do better to get a workhorse mic like a Shure SM57 rather than an inexpensive condensor mic. Also consider the GLS ES57 (instrument) and GLS ES58 vocal mics - these are dynamics, but at $30 each, they offer a great alternative to the $100 Shures.

 

[Steenamaroo]

All the advice here is bang on.

You'd either want USB mic to computer,
or Standard mic to interface to computer.

I wouldn't put a mixer in the chain unless I was setting up a high end studio with a nice mixer.
Even then, I'm not sure that I'd want to.

It's a cliche, but 'keep it simple' definitely applies here.

I'd actually agree with the 57 (or58) thing.
I've said a number of times I'd be happy with a 57/58 and a good interface for most things, but especially for voice work.

 

[moresound]

I have seen many review and it sounds great. Although many people are not satisfied with it. Looks like its not a reliable product. It can die any time. What you think?
Is there any place where I can buy it cheap? I didn't find any place cheaper than $109. A reviewer claimed to buy at $89.99 from amazon But i din't find it. Can you suggest?

Looks as though you may go with the Microphone, interface to computer.

But if you are still thinkng of an USB microphone you can always find half price deals with a USED Yeti on criag's list ebay ........

 

[ritb]

Have you read the sticky threads at the top of all the forum sections here? Why do you want a mixer (the Mackie)? The UCA222 is an expensive USB device that will give you marginal A-to-D conversion, at best.
Shop used (like Ebay, etc) to get the most money for your limited funds. The M Audio Fast Track Pro is the interface to get from them. With the lmiit you have on spending right now you might do better to get a workhorse mic like a Shure SM57 rather than an inexpensive condensor mic. Also consider the GLS ES57 (instrument) and GLS ES58 vocal mics - these are dynamics, but at $30 each, they offer a great alternative to the $100 Shures.

Actually one of the reviews at youtube was using this setup. Thats why I post it here. I shall keep an eye on ebay for fast track pro and shure mics. Thanks!

All the advice here is bang on.

You'd either want USB mic to computer,
or Standard mic to interface to computer.

I wouldn't put a mixer in the chain unless I was setting up a high end studio with a nice mixer.
Even then, I'm not sure that I'd want to.

It's a cliche, but 'keep it simple' definitely applies here.

I'd actually agree with the 57 (or58) thing.
I've said a number of times I'd be happy with a 57/58 and a good interface for most things, but especially for voice work.

Thanks! I have seen a few reviews of SM57/58 and they are very good mics.

Looks as though you may go with the Microphone, interface to computer.

But if you are still thinkng of an USB microphone you can always find half price deals with a USED Yeti on criag's list ebay ........

I was keeping eye on yeti. But I am afraid of buying it used because a lot of yeti had problem of low gain. I shall keep an eye thanks.