Have SM58 with Tapco 6306...want to improve quality of the voice being recorded pleas

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shaolin95

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I have a TAPCO 6306 mixer where I connect my shure SM58 and then goes into the line input of my sound card (Azuntech Prelude card x-fi based).
So I am wondering what can I do to improve the quality of the voice recorded into Sonar 8.5

Currently I am considering getting a usb converter for the SM58 like the 2XU (?) from Shure. Or maybe a mixer with USB conversion if getting 24bits is important since the 2XU I think does 16bits only.

Another possibility is getting a usb condenser mic maybe like one of those AT2020 or maybe even a Shure PG42 if the quality is not going to be worst than my beloved shure. It seems USB mics are not highly regarded her.


What do you think will be a good improvement in recording quality?

This is for VOCALS only.

Also how about one of those portable mini booths for voice?
Thanks for any help.


Budget..as close to 200 or if less even better.
I try to but from Sweetwater as they have the 3 payment options which is always nice for me.
 
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In case anyone wants to comment the guy from zzounds recommended Rode NT1-A and a Focusrite Saffire 6 USB Audio Interface.
So I can only afford one first so I am trying decided which one improves my system more right away.
 
I would go for the audio interface; there are lots of brands like saffire 6 USB, the M-Audio fast track or the Tascam 122 MKII. That way you keep the SM58 which is a fantastic microphone.
 
You say your recording voice only. What do you mean when you say voice only? Singing,voice over, youtube pod cast?
For this will highly predict what your course of action shall be.
 
Singing mainly for myself and to share with friends but I want to improve the quality still. :-)
 
Then a USB microphone is with out a doubt out.
If I were you I would get an interface first while still using your 58 then when you can afford it go to the next step and purchase the microphone of your dreams.
In the mean time you should be auditioning as many microphones as possible to find the best match between your voice and microphone. This can be done at stores like Guitar center etc. ......
 
Do you think the Scarlett 8i6 is worth the extra $50 over the Sapphire? It seems to have 24/96 if that is important.
So I just go to the store and start singing on some mics ? Not sure how to test a mic on a store lol At home I will record and play back for example. :-)
 
Not sure about the interface. But a microphone will let you know that it's the one via your ears and most of the inexperienced of new comers can even tell ..... it's a WOW moment.
 
I have been using the 58 for so long that I am afraid I am too used to it..but yeah, I would love a wow moment for sure.
I will try that :-)
 
shaolin95 said:
I have been using the 58 for so long that I am afraid I am too used to it..but yeah, I would love a wow moment for sure.
I will try that :-)
Click to expand...

It's kinda like falling in love with your soul mate ..... same thing with your soul microphone. For my voice the EV RE20 is the one for me ............................. so far!
 
If you want a "wow" moment, then you need to look at the whole system.

First off, the SM58 is NOT a "fantastic" microphone. It's a 45 year old design (it was first released in 1966) and the main virtue is that it's tough as old nails. However, sound-wise it has an upper mid presence peak that can make it a bit harsh while, at the same time, managing to be a bit "woofy" in the lower ranges. It gets used a lot live because of the aforementioned toughness and also because it is so ubiquitous that everyone knows what it sounds like and how to EQ it. It certainly wouldn't be my first choice for recording.

What would be the first choice? Well, it depends on what you think is wrong with the Shure...

Yes, you should also have a better sound interface. The Azuntech is based on the Creative Labs chipset so won't be great for any serious recording. However, the change is more likely to improve your headroom and noise floor than give you a "wow" moment in terms of how vocals actually sound.
 
jaygee said:
The Azuntech Prelude card you already own is a good quality 24 bit 96khz converter with line inputs.
Click to expand...

It's a gamer's card, based on the rubbish Creative Labs X-Fi chipset. As such it has a relatively high level of internal noise. I wouldn't recommend it for any serious recording jobs--it puts far more effort into 5.1/7.1 playback than the A to D side.
 
moresound said:
:laughings: Got a different microphone for every night of the week. ;)
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So it seems interface will remove the noise levels but still for wow factor, the new microphone will be the thing to get. Like the famous NT1 I guess.

I can hit very high notes, into man whistle voice even but my main thing is high notes in the MIX voice like one my favorite latin singers Cristian Castro or a Russell Hithcock (air Supply) and I feel that is when the SM58 bugs me...seems to handle those not as good often. I have recorded in a studio with a previous band I was and that microphone handle the highs a LOT better even without any EQ being done yet.
 
Bobbsy said:
It's a gamer's card, based on the rubbish Creative Labs X-Fi chipset. As such it has a relatively high level of internal noise. I wouldn't recommend it for any serious recording jobs--it puts far more effort into 5.1/7.1 playback than the A to D side.
Click to expand...

I wouldn't recommend it for any serious recording job either, but with a < $200 dollar budget to work with, it would be the last
thing in his recording chain I would replace.
 
Sorry it is $200 more or less for the interface and $200 or so for mic so right now I am thinking NT1A and Saffire 6 or so.
 
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