dynamic use with Cakewalk for vocals

[stephen_walker]

Can anyone recommend a reasonably priced condenser mike for vocals that can be used on a PC for Cakewalk?

I know there is something called phantom power and battery power and I am wondering if the condenser mike can be plugged into a sondcard (Turtle Beach).


I have been using an SM57 but do not like the sound I am getting.

 

[Randy Yell]

I think an outboard pre-amp might be the place to start.Check out the M-Audio Audio Buddy (about $80),it is a two channel mic pre/direct box with phantom power.If you are not satisfied with the 57 through the Audio Buddy,check out the Studio Projects B1 (about $80) LD Condenser mic.

 

[mgraffeo]

For a condensor mic, you're going to need something to provide Phantom Power, like the Audio Buddy, or a mixer which can do it. Most standard soundcards won't.

There are a few condensors which operate off of a 9V battery. I have a Rode NT-3, and love it. I haven't used it's battery power feature, but it is available. I believe that the AKG C1000S also can operate off of a battery. I've only used that mic once, and don't have much feedback to offer.

Another option would be a different dynamic mic, which wouldn't require phantom power. Any of the Shure Beta series (Beta 58A if you're mostly doing vocals, Beta 57A if you're mostly doing instruments, but would like to do some vocals) are nice mics, and, to my ears, are a step up from the SM series as far as clarity and presence.

 

[Sklathill]

C1000 is one of those mics that people love to hate. I've actually heard some decent stuff on it, but it's hard to argue with the ugliness that it can create on highs. I certainly wouldn't use it on vocals.

I've got a Marshall MXL 1006 that is very serviceable, and has gotten decent reviews around. They make a battery powered version of it, I do believe...