AT2035 Mic Home Setup

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bellavida16

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Hello all!

Need advice on the best phantom power interface for my AT2035. Budget is $150, but want to get the best value I can. Has anyone used the CEntrance MicPort Pro or the new M-Audio Fast Track USB (Includes Pro Tools Essential Software, Virtual Instruments, FX & Loops)? Is it better to go with a USB or non USB interface?

I also need a sturdy mic stand but am not sure if I need a boom arm.

Thank you for reading and I appreciate any feedback :)
 
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Which AT2035? The USB one? The XLR one? I'll assume XLR since you need phantom power. If you get an interface, it should have the power needed. If you're going into whatever cheapest option you have available, you'll need something for it. But dollar for dollar, you'd be better off getting an interface that supplies it IMO.

Mic stand? I have your standard radio shack tripod based one (OSP). Bought circa 2008, still going strong. $20-ish. I had to tighten the legs once, but otherwise works.

You'll probably want a boom arm too, if you want to put the mic stand to the side of you or something. It also gives you about an extra 3' of reach (in any direction). Proline MS-203 is my boom arm at the moment. ($20-ish GC, depending on sale of the week, could be $40-ish at times). I've had one break, but the parts that didn't break are of use for other purposes. And I was in the habit of hanging my 10lbs+ field recorder and stuff off the clutch at the time. But it didn't break until the worst possible moment, without that stresser which was odd and unexpected at the time. Just raising up my stereo pair, and bink, the sky's falling... Trashed a stereo bar and didn't have a boom arm for a week or so, otherwise no harm, no foul.
 
Hi Shadow, thanks for your response!

I have the XLR (didn't know there was a USB version). For phantom power, just want the best interface available for $150 or less.

Is it better to go with a desk or upright mic stand? Still not sure if I really need a boom arm.

Thanks for your suggestions and appreciate any feedback on other options :)
 
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After more research, I'm starting to question my mic choice. I purchased the AT2035 for around $115 but have read that it has a muddy sound when used for vocals. I am going to be using the mic purely for recording female vocals. Would I be better off returning and purchasing an MXL v67, Studio B1, or another mic? My budget is $150. Thanks for any advice!
 
bellavida16 said:
After more research, I'm starting to question my mic choice. I purchased the AT2035 for around $115 but have read that it has a muddy sound when used for vocals. I am going to be using the mic purely for recording female vocals. Would I be better off returning and purchasing an MXL v67, Studio B1, or another mic? My budget is $150. Thanks for any advice!
Click to expand...

WOW bigger size letters sure got my attention! :D
Go for the MXL V67g in that price range. You'll be very happy that you did. ;)
 
Thanks for the quick response- glad the bigger letters worked :) The MXL V67g is the one I am leaning towards; now I just have to go through the small hassle of returning the AT mic :/ Any suggestions on a quality interface and a shockmount (the AT came with a custom shockmount and the reviews state that the one MXL included is not that great?
 
Shock mount from Radio Shack for a LDC is only $19.00 and fits the MXL great!
 
I actually decided on the MXL 57 shockmount- but thank you for the suggestion moresound :) Also decided to go with the CEntrance MicPort Pro for my interface.

Still looking into mic stands and deciding between a desktop or upright model and whether or not I need a boom. Read that K&M is very good but my budget for both stand and boom is $35.
 
Yeah a really nice boom is gonna cost ya.
Just be careful of the cheap "on stage" stands With booms ..... they have a high center of gravity and will tip over in a heart beat! :eek:
 
If all you need is a desktop mic stand you might be able to get away with a gooseneck. But pretty much any extension like that plus shockmount plus mic plus cable plus whatever is going to make it top heavy. With a tripod base, you can put a leg directly under the weight imbalance, but on uneven ground they can spin on you and fall over anyway. Just be prepared to counter weight the stand if you need a reach that goes off center. And/or you're on uneven ground. Whatever helps you feel safe that your investment is safe. I've got a radio shack mic stand (on stage / OSP), and a proline boom arm (MS-203). Works for me, most of the time. If I'm going to have an accident, it's generally when I'm loading / unloading the car.
 
Thanks for all the suggestions everyone! I just ordered this mic stand today:

http://www.music123.com/Accessories/Stands-Racks/Microphone-Stands-Booms/Microphone-Booms/MS-220-Tripod-Mic-Stand-with-Fixed-Boom-Black.site7sku451051000001000.sku

Not the best choice I know, but it got pretty good reviews and for 9.99 w/ free shipping, what more could you ask for? Guess I will have to wait and see how long it lasts ;)

Got my MicPort Pro today- super excited to test it out! I still have the AT 2035 mic, figure I should at least give it a run before getting the V67G.

Thank you so much for all the advice and suggestions! Everyone seems so nice here- glad I joined :)
 
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