First mic

[Th3Loni0us]

I really have no clue what type of mic to look for, I have been doing research for some time.

My interface is an Apogee Duet if that is of any importance.
I'm looking to simply record vocals, and random effects (jingling keys, claps, maybe even a snare for layering)
It would be nice to have a mic that can do a mixture of everything decently but I'm not sure if thats possible.

I was looking at a MXL990 stereo mic, but not exactly sure whats the difference b/t a stereo condensor and I suppose a "regular" condensor mic (one was $50, other was $160)

Thanks for any help!

 

[moresound]

And what will be all of this recording going to be used for?
Sounds like theater sound ques? Maybe not.
But if so there are thousands of prerecorded effects on line. But if your a go getter and going to record, try taking a look at the MXL V67g to record vocals (it's great for vocals with a price of about $89.) and you could get away claps and other percussive tracks as well.

 

[Shadow_7]

Lots of sound sampler CDs out there, far cheaper than most mics.

Otherwise SM57 - instrument / SM58 - vocal are good first mics. Being dynamic mics you need a decent back end to get enough clean gain. So not for everyone.

If you need something a bit higher end to do scientific research. i.e. Analyze the material that the keys are made of by it's acoustic signature. Or just need to record a pin drop from several feet away. Then dynamic mics won't quite do.

I'm not quite sure what you mean by stereo condenser. There's a few mics with dual diaphrams. This generally means that you can select different polar patterns. And select the directionality of the mic, to include OMNI (all directions). Where a single diaphram would limit you to cardioid (one direction / front side only). There's also stereo mics, which basically output TWO signals, normally a Left and Right channel, but can be Middle and Side to be matrixed into left and right. Lots of options.

 

[Th3Loni0us]

And what will be all of this recording going to be used for?
Sounds like theater sound ques? Maybe not.
But if so there are thousands of prerecorded effects on line. But if your a go getter and going to record, try taking a look at the MXL V67g to record vocals (it's great for vocals with a price of about $89.) and you could get away claps and other percussive tracks as well.

My music style is sample based so I do use a lot of effects, but a friend of my layers his snares/claps he records himself and I love the results.

That mic was suggested to at guitar center as well. Will I need a shock mount?

(whats the purpose of a shock mount if you dont mind me asking as well)

Lots of sound sampler CDs out there, far cheaper than most mics.

Otherwise SM57 - instrument / SM58 - vocal are good first mics. Being dynamic mics you need a decent back end to get enough clean gain. So not for everyone.

If you need something a bit higher end to do scientific research. i.e. Analyze the material that the keys are made of by it's acoustic signature. Or just need to record a pin drop from several feet away. Then dynamic mics won't quite do.

I'm not quite sure what you mean by stereo condenser. There's a few mics with dual diaphrams. This generally means that you can select different polar patterns. And select the directionality of the mic, to include OMNI (all directions). Where a single diaphram would limit you to cardioid (one direction / front side only). There's also stereo mics, which basically output TWO signals, normally a Left and Right channel, but can be Middle and Side to be matrixed into left and right. Lots of options.

Because my machines are what I use to sequence, my DAW is only for mastering and so I can take everything in layers to the engineer.
Normally, I have to take effects and mess with them ( i have various machines for this) to get the sound I want and I wasn't exactly sure if a "stereo" microphone would take the L/R dynamics in the original recording saving me a some time, but I still have no problem using my machines to get the sound I want.

 

[moresound]

My music style is sample based so I do use a lot of effects, but a friend of my layers his snares/claps he records himself and I love the results.

That mic was suggested to at guitar center as well. Will I need a shock mount?

(whats the purpose of a shock mount if you dont mind me asking as well)

For the money you can't go wrong with the V67g and a sock mount isn't a bad idea. The cheapest I found was $19.50 for a large diaphragm one ~ from radio shack online.They just help with stand noise etc. you will also need a pop filter.

 

[Th3Loni0us]

For the money you can't go wrong with the V67g and a sock mount isn't a bad idea. The cheapest I found was $19.50 for a large diaphragm one ~ from radio shack online.They just help with stand noise etc. you will also need a pop filter.

Thanks for the help!
And where is the line b/t the fabric vs wire pop filter?
Ive read that wire has longer life and only re-directs the air, is that going to be enough or does it really matter (for recording other various sources not just vocal)

 

[Richard Monroe]

Lots of sound sampler CDs out there, far cheaper than most mics.

Otherwise SM57 - instrument / SM58 - vocal are good first mics. Being dynamic mics you need a decent back end to get enough clean gain. So not for everyone.

If you need something a bit higher end to do scientific research. i.e. Analyze the material that the keys are made of by it's acoustic signature. Or just need to record a pin drop from several feet away. Then dynamic mics won't quite do.

I'm not quite sure what you mean by stereo condenser. There's a few mics with dual diaphrams. This generally means that you can select different polar patterns. And select the directionality of the mic, to include OMNI (all directions). Where a single diaphram would limit you to cardioid (one direction / front side only). There's also stereo mics, which basically output TWO signals, normally a Left and Right channel, but can be Middle and Side to be matrixed into left and right. Lots of options.

Yo Shadow! The MXL 990 stereo mic he's referring to is a true stereo mic, not a dual diaphragm mic. That means it has 2 *capsules*, and 2 transformers, not just 2 diaphragms. It doesn't have selectable polar patterns. It has *one*- 90 degree coincedent (X-Y), and uses a a 5 pin to dual XLR cable. I would advise the original poster not to buy this mic, mainly because he doesn't intend to do the stuff the mic is made for, namely- remote stereo recording and as a one point stereo drum overhead. My advice would be the same as Moresound's- MXL V67G. Everything you want to do can be done just as well and more simply with a single cardioid mic. Vocals, keys and hand claps are single point sources. A stereo mic would be more useful for recording a choir or a piano, something big, that produces different sounds from different points in space. Also, if that weird cable breaks, you'd better have another one, because it is way nonstandard.

Will you need a shockmount? Not if you are careful. In other words, don't smack the mic stand, the table. the floor it's on. Don't tap your feet, etc. Shock mounts are intended to isolate the mic from sounds transmitted to it *through* the mic stand itself, usually the undesirable low frequency "rumble". Kick drums and foot tappers are among the chief offenders.

Also be advised that keys are a real bitch. It is one of the standard sounds that is used to *evaluate* mics, because they tend to bring out the brittle high end qualities of most cheap mics.

Best of luck- Richie

 

[buzzard bass]

GLS ES 57 and 58? You could get both for your budget.