home recording with mics

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scorer758

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I have recorded some things with mics and I wanted a better quality one. I'm looking to get a shure mic around 300. What I was wondering is what is the point of a Mic pre amp? I've noticed that in my recordings my vocals seemed really weak. I don't know if that its because my cheap Mic or not. I'm not sure what to do. I'm just trying to get a clear strong vocal sound and want to know how to achieve it.
 
What kind of mic are you currently using? What interface (if any)?
 
im using a samson q4cl that i bought for around $30 and im plugging into my M-audio fast track pro that plugs into my usb port
 
scorer758 said:
What I was wondering is what is the point of a Mic pre amp? I've noticed that in my recordings my vocals seemed really weak. I don't know if that its because my cheap Mic or not. I'm not sure what to do. I'm just trying to get a clear strong vocal sound and want to know how to achieve it.
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A mic preamp does a couple of things. Most importantly, it amplifies the signal from the mic up to a level that a recording device wants to see. Most all mics require one. The other thing it does is supply phantom power (48 VDC) for condensor microphones. Dynamic mics don't use phantom power. I'm not familier with your gear so I can't comment on it.
 
Your Fast Track Pro already has two preamps that are perfectly fine for studio condensers.
I'd recommend that you go ahead with upgrading your mic.
The price range you are looking at suggests that you will now be able to buy a mic that you will want to keep for a very long time. (even after you upgrade)
The good mics start at $250 (regular, online price) and can often be found on sale.
So go to Musician's Friend, B&H Photo and Z-Sounds and look at mics $200 and up.
Read the reviews and take it from there.
Also, preamps are very expensive so don't be spending your hard earned cash on one until you have a mic that deserves it.
My humble opinion, of course.
 
Yea. Thats what I thought. and the condenser mics i was planning to get requires the phantom power (48V) which is conveniently on the back switch. And are should i make sure my new mic has phantom power? Im not really familiar what it is/does besides that it seems like it would have a stronger signal which is definitely what im looking for.
 
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