Advice for super-cheap recording setup

  • Thread starter Thread starter Joe Trickey
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Joe Trickey

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Ok, I'm really new to this.
I've bought a BM-800 microphone, (cheap but good, I hear), for recording vocals. I know I need an audio interface, and I'm wondering if a "guitar interface" would be good enough, as they're really cheap. Specifically, I mean this one: New Uteck Guitar Cube ASIO USB audio Interface(DI) Guitar Rig JAMVOX AmpITube | eBay

Anybody let me know if this is a good or bad idea. I don't mind that it won't be perfect, as long as it's decent
 
The quick answer is 'no'. Looks like there are many "BM-800" mics out there, including what is probalby a good one from Audio Technica (could be an old model) and a Chinese knockoff that comes in lots of pretty colors. :facepalm:

These all appear to be condensor/capacitor microphones, which require phantom power (48v) and a decent mic preamp. Those cheap guitar interfaces will provide neither of those.

Do you have a chosen DAW (software) yet? Any other equipment? read the stickies at the top of this forum for lots of info on computer recording.
 
Well this is the one I found: BM-800 Vocal Dynamic Performance Cardioid Studio Condenser Microphone Bundle MIC | eBay

It's probably not too good, I'm happy to admit, but I saw a couple of video reviews and they seemed happy enough with it.
I already have Logic Pro X, which I've been using happily for a while, I just felt having a better, at least vaguely good microphone would be handy for vocals. So I gather I should be looking for something more like these?:
PreSonus AudioBox USB 2x2 USB Audio Recording Interface with Studio One Software | eBay
or the rather expensive for "cheap" FocusRite Scarlett 2i2
 
Nothing much wrong with either the AudioBox or the 2i2 but do consider the Steinberg UR22 and the little M-Audio fast track that Bobbsy says is very good for the money.

Yes, that mic number seems to come in various guises! I dare say it will do until you get more "educated" ears.

Dave.
 
I use an Audiobox, and they work great. I moved to a PCI interface for better performance, then back to a USB for more inputs. Audiobox is has a nice setup and works well.

I am sure the others work as well, I wouldn't push more one way or another, not sure why others would either. :confused:
 
Definitely stay away from the cheap mike. They are not what they seem and contain a 1.5v battery for power. Save up and get a shure sm58 and you'll be much happier.
Audiobox is very good and the usb version comes with a good mike. headphones and studio one which will fulfil all your needs.
I tried the cheap road setting up a small recording studio and I feel I've achieved it but I spent more than I originally intended. The advice on this forum was very good. (they even answer silly questions).
baz
 
Joe Trickey said:
Ok, I'm really new to this.
I've bought a BM-800 microphone, (cheap but good, I hear), for recording vocals. I know I need an audio interface, and I'm wondering if a "guitar interface" would be good enough,

[snip]

Anybody let me know if this is a good or bad idea. I don't mind that it won't be perfect, as long as it's decent
Click to expand...

Hey Joe, (pun not intended)

what is 'good enough' for you?
And what does 'decent' meant to you?
If you want to impress chicks that believe to be singers, just get the pink mic from ebay.
If you want to make good recordings, you might want to buy gear that has a reputation to be tested and true.
When go go deeper into recording you will develop an ear and taste on the way,
so you will sell and buy stuff,
so don't sweat it too much.

The long and short of it:
Buy stuff that has a good rep, buy it used, so you can cut your losses if you want to sell it later,
and have fun with it!
 
The audio interfaces that have already been suggested should be enough to take you pretty far, along with Logic Pro X which is a more than capable DAW. Along with the condenser microphone that you already have, you've pretty much got the bulk of what you need right there. I don't know what your monitor situation is, but if you don't have them and you're on a budget, look for a decent pair of studio headphones.

I agree with most of the comments here about audio interfaces, you probably should get one, for the sake of your microphone AND guitar recordings. It'll help you get cleaner stuff to work with in Logic. If you really are new to this though, I think the key for you at the moment might just be not to overthink any of this. Grab an audio interface and start to experiment and play around. I have a feeling you'll quickly start to find out what sounds good and what doesn't. Experimentation is everything.
 
I'd have a really hard time singing into a B.M. let alone putting it in my shock mount :eek:
 
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