condenser mic question

[billygoatmersh]

I record on my computer. I record mostly accoustic instruments and vocals. I use a shure 58, if I were to get a relatively cheap condenser mic, about 100 dollars, would i notice a noticable improvement on the quality of the recording or not. Thank you.

 

[noisedude]

In a word - definitely.

How big a difference depends on the rest of your equipment. What ya got?

 

[scrubs]

I record on my computer. I record mostly accoustic instruments and vocals. I use a shure 58, if I were to get a relatively cheap condenser mic, about 100 dollars, would i notice a noticable improvement on the quality of the recording or not. Thank you.

Depending on the rest of your setup, a budget condeser mic would probably be a good addition if you are looking for a better sound. The 58 is a solid mic for live vocal applications, but it does not have the sonic detail that a condenser (even a $100 condenser) could provide. Condenser mics are particularly good for acoustic instruments, where the 58 is lacking. Condenser mics are very sensitive and will pick up much more sound from the room around you, so you might notice new sounds (refrigerator, a/c, your own breathing), that were not so obvious before.

If you do decide to get a condenser, you'll need a unit to supply phantom power and gain before going into your computer. A small mixer or preamp will do this.

As for what mic, use the search button at the top of the page and type in "budget condenser" or "condenser $100" and I'm sure you will find a wealth of suggestions. Some to consider would be the Studio Projects B1, the MXL V67G, or the Audio Technica AT2020.

Unfortunately, none of the mics I've purchased have made me a better musician.

 

[billygoatmersh]

I record on a Pentium 4 dell compouter with a M-Audio Audiophile 2496 sound card. I have a Peavey 8 compact mixer that I use as a pre amp for the Shure 58 mic. The instruments I use are a washburn electric vocals, a takamine accoustic, some blues harp harmonicas, a toy air ogran, and a yamaha piano. Would a 100 dollar condenser mic make a difference with these equipment if i used it instead of my shure 58.

 

[scrubs]

I record on a Pentium 4 dell compouter with a M-Audio Audiophile 2496 sound card. I have a Peavey 8 compact mixer that I use as a pre amp for the Shure 58 mic. The instruments I use are a washburn electric vocals, a takamine accoustic, some blues harp harmonicas, a toy air ogran, and a yamaha piano. Would a 100 dollar condenser mic make a difference with these equipment if i used it instead of my shure 58.

Without hearing what you sound like now, it is hard to know how much your sound can be improved solely by an equipment upgrade. However, as I said, condenser mics are much more sensitive and should reveal much more detail in your voice, acoustic guitar, and piano tracks. I would still keep the 58 for harmonica and guitar amp, but the condenser would probably be better for the rest.

The best way to find out is to get to a local music store (if at all possible) and try out a few condensers in comparison with your 58. I suspect you will hear a tremendous difference and immediately want to take one of those mics home.

 

[noisedude]

Has that mixer got phantom power? If so, go out and buy an SP B1. Let us know how you find it.

 

[billygoatmersh]

please excuse me for me ignorance, but what does SP stand for, i'm assuming that's who makes it.
PS yes the mixer has phantom power

 

[boingoman]

SP= Studio Projects

Studio Projects