Help with Condensor Mics.

[America]

I was wondering if you guys can help me with this... Condenser Mic thing. This is my first time ever buying a mic just for the warning.

From what I have read Condenser Mics are for mainly vocal use (which is what I want), and to power it you need an amp with +48v Phantom Power. What I am confused is when I was looking up amps I come across forums that refers to preamps and interfaces, are they the same thing? Anyways, I went ahead and searched up what I think I'll be getting with a budget of $400.



The Condenser Mic I chose is the Audio-Technica AT2035 and the amp is the M-Audio Fast Track MKII USB Audio Interface, their all from Musician's Friend so they come with extra goodies.


I would like you guys to suggest what I should buy and stuff, I would greatly appreciate it.

 

[TimOBrien]

A pre-amp converts the low mic-level voltage to line-level voltage.
Some interfaces come with pre-amps, some dont.... watch what you get.

You've made a good starter choice.

Just remember that a condenser mic is VERY sensitive and will pick up a LOT of background noise.
You'll hear stuff down the block if you dont have a good room or turn it up too high.
Dynamics can sometimes be better for vocals and instruments (a lot of rap/rnb is done with Shure SM-7b's or RE EV-20s) and wont pick up the truck moving down the street. Just depends on what you want.

 

[moresound]

You may want to take a look at the Tascam US122 MK11 usb 2.0 audio interface and possibly the MXL V67g microphone as an alternative choice.

 

[ido1957]

Your pick is fine - buy it and move forward. We expect an MP3 in the clinic by next week. lol,,,

 

[musixgood]

I got the AT2035 as well but with the Fast Track Pro. I figured I might as well for the extra $60 or so... :s

And yeah you really won't need an external preamp with that, unless you're unsatisfied with the gain on the Fast Track mkII, which seems to be the complaint of people (including myself) for the Fast Track series. Other than that, you're pretty much set!

 

[Jim Lad]

The Fast Track Pro is a better choice.
M-Audio preamps aren't really a problem unless you're using dynamic mics, particularly passive ribbons.
Not enough oomph!
But they'll be great with what you bought.
Welcome to a whole new life!

 

[moresound]

Your pick is fine - buy it and move forward. We expect an MP3 in the clinic by next week. lol,,,

Yeah true the AT does have a pad and roll off but I would still shop around for the better of the choices when it comes to an interface with pres.

 

[America]

You may want to take a look at the Tascam US122 MK11 usb 2.0 audio interface and possibly the MXL V67g microphone as an alternative choice.

Okay, I'll take a look at that mic. But I still like the At sexy look. xD

Your pick is fine - buy it and move forward. We expect an MP3 in the clinic by next week. lol,,,

xD I can't wait to lay my Vocals down, I'mma treat it like a lady. ;D

I got the AT2035 as well but with the Fast Track Pro. I figured I might as well for the extra $60 or so... :s

Ooo I'll take a look at that too. xD

The Fast Track Pro is a better choice.
M-Audio preamps aren't really a problem unless you're using dynamic mics, particularly passive ribbons.
Not enough oomph!
But they'll be great with what you bought.
Welcome to a whole new life!

Thanks, it might not be able to handle this oomph. ;D

Yeah true the AT does have a pad and roll off but I would still shop around for the better of the choices when it comes to an interface with pres.

Okay, will do.


Anyone have anymore suggestion feel free and let me know. Want the best Bang for my bucks, you know. xD

 

[moresound]

Well I guess that it would all depend on how much your will to spend pass your $400.
Keep in mind that there maybe other pieces of equipment that you need to accomplish your mission.

 

[snow lizard]

From what I have read Condenser Mics are for mainly vocal use...

This is a bit of a myth.

Most condensers do need 48v phantom power from a mic preamp. Most mic preamps provide this.

ALL microphones essentially do the same thing. They convert sound waves into electricity. How they do this and what they sound like as a result can change from one mic to the next, but there are no hard and fast rules saying you NEED one type or the other for any given task. Anyone telling you different is full of it. There are mics that sound good and "the other kind" of all types, shapes and sizes. Having said that, there are some mics that are more fragile than others so you do need to pay attention to how much air you're forcing into the mic. Generally speaking, never blow into a mic and be careful what you put in a kick drum.

If you want to dig a bit deeper there are some really good sticky threads in the mic forum.

If you want to learn the craft of recording, don't sweat the choices too much initially. Get some tools, record a bunch of stuff, learn all you can and have fun.

 

[cooljoebay]

I started with an AKG Perception 200 and stuck with it. I love the sound and a little post really makes it even better. There are way too many "cheap" products that just might give you pro quality results when they are in the right hands.

 

[c7sus]

If the condensor turns out to be too sensitive for your recording environment you might look at some of the better dynamics, like the Sennheiser MD-421, the Electro-Voice RE-20, or a Shure SM-7B, or something similar.

 

[musixgood]

Accessories

Keep in mind that there maybe other pieces of equipment that you need to accomplish your mission.

Mhmm... I'll just break down the simple extra costs for you

Musician's Gear Mic Stand - to hold the mic doh [$10 @ MusiciansFriend.com]
Musician's Gear Double Pop Filter - this should sum it up: YouTube - AT2020 Mic Test with Windscreen / Pop Filter [$15 @ MusiciansFriend.com]
Mic XLR Cable - [anywhere from $10 to $25 for starters, depending on length & brand. Note: I would STRONGLY urge not to buy the Monster S-100s... not that they're bad quality or anything. I tried plugging it in my AT2035 and it was a PAIN to plug in and out, perhaps for any mic in general. The ends are made fatter than usual and if you're easily frustrated, this could potentially damage the mic jack on your microphone. I returned my 10' monster and am getting a 15' Live Wire instead for the same cost.

Subtotal: $40

Optional: If you're planning to record any instruments or MIDI, look into 1/4 inch and MIDI cables.

 

[moresound]

Headphones, Monitors?

 

[musixgood]

monitors??

yessir... well actually good monitors will probably shoot him out of the budget

you could always resort to these bad boys
Amazon.com: Emerson Funkeys FK610 Sculpted Computer Speakers (Green/Red): Electronics
matches with Fast Track, yess?

but on a more serious note, if you have good pair of sennheiser or AT headphones that'll be just fine esp. with a budget constraint. anywhere from $20-$50.

-Edit-
Hmm wait a min... if you bought the at2035 off musician's friend then he should've gotten the very nice at headphones that go along with it... very nice!!

 

[America]

Mhmm... I'll just break down the simple extra costs for you

Musician's Gear Mic Stand - to hold the mic doh [$10 @ MusiciansFriend.com]
Musician's Gear Double Pop Filter - this should sum it up: YouTube - AT2020 Mic Test with Windscreen / Pop Filter [$15 @ MusiciansFriend.com]
Mic XLR Cable - [anywhere from $10 to $25 for starters, depending on length & brand. Note: I would STRONGLY urge not to buy the Monster S-100s... not that they're bad quality or anything. I tried plugging it in my AT2035 and it was a PAIN to plug in and out, perhaps for any mic in general. The ends are made fatter than usual and if you're easily frustrated, this could potentially damage the mic jack on your microphone. I returned my 10' monster and am getting a 15' Live Wire instead for the same cost.

Subtotal: $40

Optional: If you're planning to record any instruments or MIDI, look into 1/4 inch and MIDI cables.

I was just planning on getting the Gear One Garage Band Recording Accessories Pack that pretty much has everything you have listed and around the same price. But I'm not sure it's good quality though. I would post the url, but I have to at least post 5 times for it to let me. x.x

Later on I'm planning to shed some cash for the Audio-Technica ATH-M50S Monitor Headphones.

And when you are talking about Monitor what are you actually talking about, like computer monitor? I'm new so I don't know all these terms. xD

 

[moresound]

Lets get that post up!

Studio monitors. like the Yamaha HS50m

 

[America]

Oh, I see what a monitor is now. I'll probably get one later it 's not like really necessary to me when I'm just starting out.

 

[moresound]

A little more banter and you'll have enough post to do more things than just type.

You'll need two monitors to have a stereo field.
What you got for cans?

 

[America]

Lol, what does a stereo field help you do?

And what's a can... I'm confuzzled.