First Microphones?

[phsource]

Hello, everyone.

I recently just started thinking of starting a small home studio for my band. Problem is, I don't have any microphones for anything. I've read up Harvey's thread and the FAQ, as long as a few other sites, and I think I have a pretty basic knowledge.

The problem is, I have nothing to refine that knowledge with. I haven't got any microphones. Now, I'm planning probably to start with vocals and guitars, but I have an okay budget. I don't want to spend too much because I'm just getting started.

Since you're all very experienced in recording, can you recommend some beginner microphones that work relatively well for a low price?

Thanks a ton.

 

[weezerman2002]

will you be doing electric guitars, or acoustic? What kind of music do you plan to record? I would tend to steer you towards a used mic to get something better, and wont loose much if any value if things go a rye, and you decide to sell.

 

[weezerman2002]

Did I mention that I have an AKG SolidTube for sale? Drop me a line weezerman2002@aol.com I will give you the details of a sweet mic for vocals.

 

[phsource]

Mostly electric, with an amp. Yeah, I'm probably getting an used one on Craiglist or locally somehow. Any suggestions? I'll probably get 2 or 3 different ones of different types just to get started too.

I understand that for an electric, I'd like pretty much anything with a even response (and probably more than one). For vocals, probably just a large-diaphragm (though I'm not sure if I should use a condenser or dynamic) should do fine.

Any suggestions?

 

[phsource]

By the way, other than the microphones, what other tools would I need for very basic home recording?

 

[thajeremy]

You will need some sort of mic pre as well...If you have a mixer, you could use the pres in it but in the future you will probably want to upgrade to a stand alone pre. If I had to choose one mic that was fairly inexpensive and a workhorse, i'd go with an sm57...its one mic that you will find in most studios...home or pro...it will get to job done on pretty much any source.....there are always exceptions....but I think you would be pleased with it. Then on to your preferred media...are you going into your computer, adat, multitracker, tape-deck, VCR, answering machine?????

 

[phsource]

Computer. I'm prepared to use Cubase or Pro Tools (maybe, but costs more than other choices). I've had experience with Cubase already, and that's why it's in the list...

I'll probably get a Shure SM57 to start, but others might also be useful.

Thanks for all the suggestions.
Please correct me if I make any mistakes regarding the gear. Thanks.

 

[thajeremy]

well...if you are already familliar with the software and you have the inputs to your computer all figured out....Id recommend the 57, an LDC like a Studio Projects B1 or an AT3035, and a DMP3. All of these could be had for around $350 brand new.

 

[travelin travis]

i'd probably get a 57 and a small/large condenser pack to start. check out reaper for the software side.

for each mic you'll need a cable, stand, and preamp. you'll need a soundcard input for each mic that you want to use simultaneously. you get two inputs with a basic pc soundcard. you'll need a pop filter for vocals.

 

[phsource]

Okay, so I guess currently we're set on the SM57... a good choice, I've read about it many, many times in my days of research.

By the way, what software does everyone here use for recording/producing? Just seeing what would be a good choice. I realize the importance of a preamp and pop filter.

I haven't really heard much about what's a good preamp. What would be a good preamp?

Regarding the sound cards, they only accept small TRS connectors right? Typically microphones use XLR connectors. Would I need a converter in that case? Or are there specialized sound cards or something?

Thanks everyone! This community has been more helpful than hours of searching.

 

[travelin travis]

you can use adapters to connect the mic preamps to the pc soundcard. if it's in your budget you'll be better off getting a decent soundcard. if you have a mixer it probably already has some mic preamps that you could use. the dmp3 is a good bang for buck preamp to start with. i'm using reaper (www.cockos.com) as my recording app. highly recommended.

you should introduce yourself to everything by picking up a book geared toward beginners and/or do some reading here: http://www.tweakheadz.com/guide.htm. also go to the newbies forum and you'll probably get more help on getting started: https://homerecording.com/bbs/forumdisplay.php?f=3

 

[surfmaster]

es-57 @ www.speakerrepair.com

 

[Ironklad Audio]

are you going to record drums?

 

[kidvybes]

es-57 @ www.speakerrepair.com

...excellent call...both the 57 and 58 mics are exceptional values...save yourself some dough and go with one (or a few) of these in place of the Shures...you'd be hard pressed to hear a difference...

 

[phsource]

Hmm... I noticed I was getting a little off-topic, this is after all, the microphone forum...

Anyways, I do see that the ES-57 is cheaper. What's the difference? Is it basically just a mechanical clone of the Shure SM-57?

After hearing about the Shure, I've seen that people keep a lot of these for a long time. If I were to want to keep them for a long time, even say, after I get some experience (if I do...), what would you recommend?

 

[surfmaster]

Hmm... I noticed I was getting a little off-topic, this is after all, the microphone forum...

Anyways, I do see that the ES-57 is cheaper. What's the difference? Is it basically just a mechanical clone of the Shure SM-57?

After hearing about the Shure, I've seen that people keep a lot of these for a long time. If I were to want to keep them for a long time, even say, after I get some experience (if I do...), what would you recommend?

its not EXACTLY the same as an sm-57. it sounds different. but good different. it is more tuned to the upper lows while the sm-57 has a more lower-mid based response. i have them and recommend them. I have a test i did with the es-57's on my guitar amp with different settings and guitars.

enjoy

 

[weezerman2002]

Did I mention I have an AKG SolidTube for sale.........This is a great mic for Vox, you will be hard pressed to find a mic this good for what Im willing to part with it for.

 

[dgatwood]

Did I mention I have an AKG SolidTube for sale.........This is a great mic for Vox, you will be hard pressed to find a mic this good for what Im willing to part with it for.

A little too pushy for the mic forum, dude. Don't make me give negative rep.

 

[kid klash]

I'd also suggest a Shure SM-57 dynamic mic ($90-$100 new), a Studio Projects B1 large diaphragm condenser mic (around $120 new), and an M-Audio DMP3 two channel mic preamp (around $160 new). Each piece mentioned is a winner in it's own right, and starting out with decent, name-brand components will not only give you the confidence to do your best, but will give you a good baseline to measure other mics and preamps that you decide to add to your collection later on. Don't forget to pick up a couple of good XLR-XLR mic cables (around $20 each), and a couple of good 1/4" to xxx (xxx being the connector that you'll need to connect the mic preamp to your sound csrd) cables. A pop filter for your condenser mic will run you around $40, and a mic stand with boom will run you between $20-$50, depending on the brand and quality.

Have fun!

 

[surfmaster]

I'd also suggest a Shure SM-57 dynamic mic ($90-$100 new), a Studio Projects B1 large diaphragm condenser mic (around $120 new), and an M-Audio DMP3 two channel mic preamp (around $160 new). Each piece mentioned is a winner in it's own right, and starting out with decent, name-brand components will not only give you the confidence to do your best, but will give you a good baseline to measure other mics and preamps that you decide to add to your collection later on. Don't forget to pick up a couple of good XLR-XLR mic cables (around $20 each), and a couple of good 1/4" to xxx (xxx being the connector that you'll need to connect the mic preamp to your sound csrd) cables. A pop filter for your condenser mic will run you around $40, and a mic stand with boom will run you between $20-$50, depending on the brand and quality.

Have fun!

good call on the b1, its a very good mic for the price. and it works on many sources.