Affordable Mics and Interfaces?

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ItsMikeontheMic

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Hey I'm relatively new to home recording. I've played around with mixing and mastering on Adobe Audition 3.0, but In truth I barely even know what I'm doing lol. I'm hoping you guys can really help me out on getting some great quality out of my songs.

But I'm looking to get some better equipment to make my music. I currently have a Samson C01U USB Mic and it's been giving me a bit of trouble recently. I heard that USB mics are NOT the way to go if I want to get some good recording.

I did a little research and if I'm not mistaken, I should get a mic that will connect to an Audio Interface. I'd like some help on figuring out exactly which Mic/Interface I should be using. And if I could, I'd like to spend less than $200 (Even less than $100 bucks if there's a good deal) on each of these.

Do you guys know some good Mics/Interfaces I should look at for recording Hip Hop vocals? I'm planning on connecting the interface to my ASUS laptop, which has Adobe Audition 3.0. I was looking at the MXL 2006 and I was wondering if that was any good.

Any help would be fantastic. Thanks!
 
As always, my recommendation is the Shure SM58 mic and the M-AUDIO Fast Track Pro Interface.
 
I did hear good things about the M-Audio Fast Track, but don't condenser mics tend to work better for home recording than dynamic mics?
 
ItsMikeontheMic said:
don't condenser mics tend to work better for home recording than dynamic mics?
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Not necessarily. There are different applications for different mics and they all have their part to play. In truth, you'll only know what does what when by trying out different mics in different scenarios. That way, you get to know what each can do.
 
Tascam us800. its costs almost the same as the fast track pro and is allot easier to use. The sound quality is about the same between the two and the tascam has 6 mic/line inputs vs. the fast track's 2 mic/line inputs.
 
Check out the Apogee one, it is the best interface in its price range and it has a high quality built-in mic for recording that can rival some of the cheaper condenser mics. Kill 2 birds with one stone now, and when and if you feel the need to upgrade you always have the option to go with a better condenser mic
 
Regarding microphones, I would definitely get an SM57 or an SM58. They are both the same mic, except the 58 has a wider pick-up field. Even today, the 58 is widely used as a vocal mic for live work and the 57 as a mic for snare and guitar cabs both live and in the studio. There are certainly better mics out there but the reason they are widely used: engineers know exactly what they are going to sound like and the sound is not bad by any standard. And for $100, well, you can't beat the price for the quality you are getting. Some may scream about how there are much better mics, but for the money you aren't going to do much better. You could use either to record decent guitars, vocals, pretty much anything. I would say it should be the first mic(s) in anyone's mic locker. I have over $10K invested in mics and at least one 57 gets used on practically any session I do.

Just be wary about buying either online; there are plenty of Chinese counterfeits out there. Pay the $100 for a new one and ensure you have the real deal. I still have and use the first 57 I bought new in 1989. I have a half-dozen of each.

Regarding an interface, it depends on your computer as well as a host of other factors. I've heard nothing but good things about the aforementioned Apogee, but at the same time have seen first-gen M-boxes go online for $50 which sound amazing. For low budget, I'm not sure it matters too much, just make sure it will be compatible with your computer.
 
sorry my bad, Apogee only works with a mac but if you have a mac then thats the one to get...
 
MG Eddie said:
Tascam us800. its costs almost the same as the fast track pro and is allot easier to use. The sound quality is about the same between the two and the tascam has 6 mic/line inputs vs. the fast track's 2 mic/line inputs.
Click to expand...

Wish I'd have known about that before I made my decision on my Fast Track Pro. No regrets, though, it's a great thing to have. Man... SIX? Ah, well.

Anyway, regarding mics, I'm in the same situation looking for a mic. I know the industry standard is the SM57 (and for good reason) but I'm thinking about the AKG 220 Perception mic. I got to mess with a 120 recently and it sounded great for vocals and trumpet. It's like $99 in-store, cheaper online. I'm looking at the 220 which I think I found for around $100 online.

I haven't been able to A/B the two mics, and won't get the chance... but I'll likely be ordering one of these soon FWIW.
 
how can you guys be recommending anything without knowing what he needs to accomplish?

what are you recording?
 
Thanks guys this really helped a lot. And no I don't have a mac, I've got a Asus laptop.
 
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