Entery level vocal mic

[gomola]

Hi Guys,
I am looking for a microphone for recording vocals. I am using a PC with a creative x-fi xtreme gamer fatality pro sound card (Not the best card for the job I'm sure). I have a nasaly, deep, rough voice and will be trying to record none aggresive vocals (does that make sence?).
As I am sure you can tell I am new to all this and have only just learnt in the past few days, how to record my guitar through a PC and lay down some simple drum beats through sony acid pro.
Any help would be greatly appriciated.

 

[P. Glaser]

Welcome to the forum. There have been several threads on this lately so try a search. You might want to give us your budget so we'll know where to direct you. Here's a couple of threads you may want to read:

https://homerecording.com/bbs/showthread.php?t=275407

https://homerecording.com/bbs/showthread.php?t=271034

https://homerecording.com/bbs/showthread.php?t=273636

https://homerecording.com/bbs/showthread.php?t=275183

https://homerecording.com/bbs/showthread.php?t=270483

With your sound card you might be better off looking into a dynamic mic as opposed to a condenser mic (which would need a pre amp). Also look at high impedance (¼" plug) so a simple adapter would get you into your sound card.

A good read for anyone getting into recording would be Harvey's thread here:

https://homerecording.com/bbs/showthread.php?t=53878

HTH

Paul

 

[gomola]

Thanks for replying, I realise these newbie questions must get anoying.

I have looked at the threads you listed and it kinda left me more confused about what I should go for then when I started.

Do you think the Shure SM 57 would be a good starting point?

 

[P. Glaser]

Thanks for replying, I realise these newbie questions must get anoying.

I have looked at the threads you listed and it kinda left me more confused about what I should go for then when I started.

Do you think the Shure SM 57 would be a good starting point?

A 57 is always a good addition to any mic locker, however in your case you'd need a transformer as the 57 is low impedance. Unless you have a mixer of some sort, these would work:

http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/product/Audio-Technica-CP8201-In-Line-Transformer?sku=270570
http://accessories.musiciansfriend.com/product/Shure-A95UF-Impedance-Matching-Transformer?sku=422414

You'd still need an adapter to get the plug down to 1/8" mini (which is what most consumer sound cards use for input). Like this:

http://accessories.musiciansfriend....o-to-14-Female-Mono-Cable-Adapter-?sku=330087

You can find cheap adapters at Radio Shack that would get you going. The mic input on your card might be stereo, so check that out first.

HTH

Paul

 

[gomola]

Thank you, you are a star.

 

[P. Glaser]

Thank you, you are a star.

You're welcome. Here's some items from Radio Shack.com:

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062443

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062463

This should get you going. If you're serious about recording the best thing you can do at this juncture is read. Read everything you can get your hands on. There are lots of very helpful and talented folks on this and other boards. Most are willing to help you get started but they expect you to do your homework. Good luck and have a Merry Christmas!

Paul

 

[gomola]

I recieved the Shure SM57 and the Shure transformer today (super fast delivery).
I have set it all up through my soundcard and I'm not getting any sound.
Do I need to set the transformer up correctly or do I need a pre-amp aswell ?
As standard the transformer is set for input rating of 75 to 300 ohms, is this correct? The Shure web site says "Rated impedance is 150 ohms (310 ohms actual) for connection to microphone inputs rated low impedance."

 

[P. Glaser]

I recieved the Shure SM57 and the Shure transformer today (super fast delivery).
I have set it all up through my soundcard and I'm not getting any sound.
Do I need to set the transformer up correctly or do I need a pre-amp aswell ?
As standard the transformer is set for input rating of 75 to 300 ohms, is this correct? The Shure web site says "Rated impedance is 150 ohms (310 ohms actual) for connection to microphone inputs rated low impedance."

Yes, the 57 is a low impedance mic and no, you won't need a preamp if you're using the mic input. Are you sure you're going into the mic input and not the line in? Have you recorded into this input before? There is a setting in the Windows Audio Device to enable the mic and line inputs and set record levels. Check these as well.

If you're serious about recording you'll need to eventually get away from your on board sound card and move up to a more advanced audio interface.

HTH

Paul

 

[gomola]

Hi,
I did try it on both line-in and Mic which are both the same connection but just need changing in the soundcard software. I makes no sound on either.
I have run my guitar through the soundcard via the guitar amp at it records through the line-in ok.
I have looked in the windows aduio settings and everything seems to be correct there.
Due to the purchase of the mic and transformer, I'l have to wiat a few months before I can upgrade the soundcard and get some active monitors.

 

[hairylarry]

Check your software mixer.

gomola,

Check your software mixer to make sure the mic input isn't muted. You should also be able to check for levels in the mixer app. Check your other settings in the mixer as well.

Thanks,

Hairy Larry

 

[gomola]

OK, my bad (had the transformer the wrong way round)