Help with choosing a mic

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SexAnDrugS

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I am using a very cheap and crappy USB mic right now...

I have been saving some money to buy a new one and now is probably the best time ^^

The thing is, im not sure which is better/ worse....

** I need a microphone to record Vocals (raps, singing)**

I have been looking around and found this mic:

Samson C01

It is said to be the most selling microphone and it is not too expensive for me.

But i also found Samson C03 (records from a few directions) AND a USB connection version of the two.

I have a Laptop with a bad sound card and this is why I use PreSonus AudioBox USB
(PreSonus) that is supposed to be an alternative sound card.

My questions are:

1) which of the two mics better? C03 or C01 ? I am not in a band and record myself only... But just want to make sure.

2) Which is better for high quality? USB or regular (XRL i think)? because for as much as I know, if i connect a USB mic, it connects right into my computer's built in sound card, which literally SUCKS ASS.

But I am no expert, so what do you guys say?

3) Also, are these two even any good? Or I can find better ones for vocal recordings? (but not more expensive by much)


Thanks a lot in advance!!!
 
I don't know about those mics. I also use an audiobox interface and I use a 200 perception (akg) condenser mic. Works really well.
 
I have a Samson CO3 and for a first mic I think it works very well. I wouldn't go with the USB version. You can always get an XLR to USB adapter later if you find you need to hook it up directly to your computer but I'm assuming the Presonus is a usb or firewire interface and has xlr connectors on board.
I got the CO3 second hand for about $30 and was quite suprised at it's quality. The reason I went for the CO3 as opposed
to the CO1 was that the CO3 offers more flexibility. You'll most likely find that you use the cardioid pattern more often
than not but the omni and figure 8 patterns can come in handy also. Just a thought.

I also have an AKG Elle C which was designed for female vocalists. I'm a tenor and it works very well for my vocals but the primary
reason I bought it was that I felt that it might work well for my flute. As it turns out it works very well for that. Bought it second hand
for $80.
I also have the Apex SP1 package which consists of the Apex 435 medium diaphragm Condenser mic and 2 Apex 180 pencil mics.
All very clean sounding mics and very inexpensive. I picked them up second hand for $80 also.

So, you might want to check to see what's on the recycling block.

I'm running these mics through an ART PAC Tube Preamp and Compressor that I also just picked up for $75 second hand. This has a
warming effect on all the mics I've described above.

Anyway, good luck with your search.
 
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All microphones convert sound energy into electrical energy, but there are many different ways of doing the job, using electrostatics, electromagnetism, piezo-electric effects or even the change in resistance of carbon granules.When choosing a microphone, the first thing you will need to know is what characteristics you need. After that, you can worry about things like size, brand, cost, etc.
there are some tips:-
1. Decide which type of directional pattern best fits your needs.
2. Make sure the mic's frequency response is appropriate for the intended use.
3. The rule of thumb is: Low impedance is better than high impedance.
4. Remember that the diaphragm works by converting vibrations from sound waves into an electrical signal.
 
Ok, in the light of the information you gave me:

1) Do I need a compressor (like the ART PAC Tube preamp said to be used with such a mic) or I could just use Fruity Loop's built in Compressor? (Fruity Compressor)

2) I am a Baritone (between Tenor and Bass) and I need the microphone to record singing and rap (I do both.. yea =]) So how do I decide on a Mic to choose?? Isn't the one I said I found any good for me?
 
You don't need a compressor... but you didn't say whay DAW you are using. Most add effects and compression after recording
Your vocal range shouldn't matter with this mic - mic placement / technique is more important.
Unless bundled a pop filter and shock cradle would be useful
Do you have a mic stand?
Is a mic cable (xlr - xlr) included?
 
By Shock Cradle you mean this: http://www.soundbasemegastore.com/skuPics/7030_l.jpg ?

and yes I do have a mic stand and I use FL studio 9.1

1) * Do I need a compressor (like the ART PAC Tube preamp said to be used with such a mic) OR A PREAMP?? or I could just use Fruity Loop's built in Compressor? (Fruity Compressor)


2) I am a Baritone (between Tenor and Bass) and I need the microphone to record singing and rap (I do both.. yea =]) So how do I decide on a Mic to choose?? Isn't the one I said I found any good for me?
 
SexAnDrugS said:
By Shock Cradle you mean this:

and yes I do have a mic stand and I use FL studio 9.1

1) * Do I need a compressor (like the ART PAC Tube preamp said to be used with such a mic) OR A PREAMP?? or I could just use Fruity Loop's built in Compressor? (Fruity Compressor)


2) I am a Baritone (between Tenor and Bass) and I need the microphone to record singing and rap (I do both.. yea =]) So how do I decide on a Mic to choose?? Isn't the one I said I found any good for me?
Click to expand...


The shock mount available for the CO1 and CO3 is the Samson SP01 which can also be used with other similarly designed mics. Shock Mounts help reduce vibrations coming to the mic through the stand.

You don't need a preamp or compressor. You can get a good recording without them. It's a question of flexibility
in your options. I use the preamp part of the ART PAC Tube preamp/compressor to warm the sound of the mic. I use the compressor part (which can be disabled) to help prevent clipping as digital recording is very unforgiving in this
regard as opposed to analog recording which was somewhat more forgiving and would often get good results by
intentionally recording a little hot.

Either the CO1 or CO3 make a good first mic IMHO. As I said earlier my preference was for the CO3.

I think to me it's about having plenty of options available to address different circumstances as they
come up and experimenting to find what works best for you.

In an infinite universe there is always a plus factor so, I'm always looking to expand.
Currently I'm looking at purchasing a Tube Mic such as the MXL V69XM. Then later I may
do the modifications to the capsule and tube to turn this $400 mic into a premium mic.

The pessimist sees the glass half empty, the optimist sees the glass half full, the realist drinks
whats there and gets a refill. So, just go ahead and follow your instincts and you'll do fine.
 
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Yo SexAndrugS! Welcome to the board. First, your USB mic *doesn't* go to your crappy soundcard. USB mics have a built-in analog to digital convertor, and it is sending a digital signal straight to Fruity Loops. The problem there is the crappy mic and the crappy A-D convertor in the mic, not the soundcard, which it bypasses.

Secondly- the Samson is a wicked cheap condenser mic, and it is about as good as ony other wicked cheap condenser mic. It's like asking if Bazooka or Double Bubble is the better bubble gum. At that price, there isn't that much difference.

Third- the CO1 and CO3 are basically the same mic, but the CO3 is a multipattern mic. I doubt the multiple patterns will be that useful for vocals, but it may be better for recording *something*. It may be a useful learning tool to help you learn what the different polar patterns do. Make sure you don't wind up with a CO3U, which is the USB version. Your Presonus is a much better preamp and A-D convertor than any USB mic within your budget.

Fourth- No you don't need a compressor. The compressor in FL is as good or better than any hardware compressor you could buy on your budget.

There are some cheap condensers I prefer to the Samson, such as:

Marshall Electronics MXL V67G | 8thstreet.com | Call 1-800-878-8882 | Free Shipping on most orders!

and

Akg Perception 120 | 8thstreet.com | Call 1-800-878-8882 | Free Shipping on most orders!

But- there's no reason why the CO1 wouldn't be a big improvement on what you already have.

Lastly, you may want to look around for a good used dynamic mic. Think of it as a different color of crayon. I like this one a lot:

AKG D770 Dynamic Vocal Microphone | eBay

It's discontinued, but that is good, because you can find them cheap on ebay, including brand new.
Good luck-Richie
 
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