Help With Microphones/Home Recording

[Snails]

Hi there guys,

I'm planning on buying equipment to do some home recording with my computer. After a lot of reading, I've found out a couple of things and would like some advice.

I don't have a huge budget, but I''m also looking to get some good recordings, and don't want to have to spend a lot of money later on if I'm unsatisfied with the results. What do you guys think of using a Shure SM57 to record both electric guitars and vocals? I've heard that a condenser mic such as an MXL 990 is more suitable for vocals, but is there really a noticeable difference between the two? On top of this, I'm also looking at buying a small but good audio interface and have come across the M-Audio range. What are your opinions on the Firewire Solo? Is there a USB equivalent of this interface, and if so, what is the difference between Firewire and USB in terms of recording quality?

If I were to go with the Shure SM57 and the Firewire solo, would I need to purchase a pre-amp, or would the interface's built-in pre-amp be good enough?

Please let me know what you think!

Thanks.

 

[quickmill]

The important thing is to make the best decision you can for your current circumstances and then not spend your time obsessing about what you could have bought. You can go pretty far with a 57 and a cheap interface. I'm not familiar with that particular interface but if you're just starting, the built in pre's will be good enough. If not you can pick up a used ms1b for under 100 dollars.

The difference between firewire and usb isn't about sound quality but stability. When you start stacking tracks on usb it tends to lose it's mind. You'll be better off with firewire if you will stack more than 4 or 5 tracks, otherwise usb is fine.

If you'll do acoustic guitar you'll probably want a condenser mic. Read the 300,000 posts about various models and you'll notice certain models mentioned again and again. All of these will be good enough for a beginner on a budget. Just spend your time making music and developing skills instead of obsessing about gear. Just pick your stuff and don't look back. Then only buy more as you know what is lacking in what you already have.

Good luck in the endless money pit of home recording.

 

[Chili]

Hi there guys,
What do you guys think of using a Shure SM57 to record both electric guitars and vocals? I've heard that a condenser mic such as an MXL 990 is more suitable for vocals, but is there really a noticeable difference between the two?

There is a noticeable difference in sound between the two. A 57 can work well for vocals, depending on singer type. I'm not familiar with the MXL 990, but condensor mics in general bring out more details in the vocals, and the room it's recorded in. This can be both good and bad. The 57 works great for mic'ing a guitar amp. Lots of discussions about that on this site.

If I were to go with the Shure SM57 and the Firewire solo, would I need to purchase a pre-amp, or would the interface's built-in pre-amp be good enough?

Please let me know what you think!

Thanks.

To get you going, the 57 and the firewire solo should be fine. The quality will come from the room you're recording in and what you do with the tracks after you get them in your computer.

For USB considerations, check this out:

http://www.sweetwater.com/c695--USB_Audio_Interfaces/low2high

peace.