Just starting out and I could use a lot of help with microphones

  • Thread starter Thread starter NoGuy
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NoGuy

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Good day everyone,
My budget is around 50-100 dollars and as title suggests I would like to buy a microphone. Main use of the microphone will be for podcast and for vocals, and I don't know much what to buy and if I should get any accessories with it. Could anyone help me please?
 
That is a very limited budget. Do you have an audio interface? (I'm guessing you don't - please read the sticky threads at the top of this section of the forum about computer recording.)
For that kind of money, you will have to settle for a USB mic, which will suffice for podcasting, but will limit you on vocal recording.
 
mjbphotos said:
That is a very limited budget. Do you have an audio interface? (I'm guessing you don't - please read the sticky threads at the top of this section of the forum about computer recording.)
For that kind of money, you will have to settle for a USB mic, which will suffice for podcasting, but will limit you on vocal recording.
Click to expand...

No interface whatsoever, and what USB mic would you recommend in that case?
 
Armistice said:
Is the ONLY intended use podcasting?
Click to expand...

I've gotta ask the same question as he is.

If it's ONLY for podcasting, grab a USB mic and you'll be fine. No one will really mind.

If you're doing vocals with this mic as well, I'd suggest saving up another $100 or $200 and buying an interface, as well as a microphone.
 
What we're trying to work out is if you're going to regret buying a USB mic.

USB mics are generally regarded, round here, as being OK for podcasting and NOTHING ELSE. Thus if you want to use the mic for any normal voice recording in the future, you may regret (if funds are tight) buying it as the sound quality for the other voice recordings will suffer.

On the other hand if you just want to get podcasting RIGHT NOW, and you accept the limitations of your new USB mic and start saving your pennies for something else and an interface in the future for voice recording, then go for it - it's only $50 - $100.

You see why we're aiming these particular questions at you?

I can't tell you which one, alas. Check the microphone forum.
 
I picked up an AT2035 from bhphotovideo.com for about $115. I know you'll still need an interface, but I'm very happy with it for what I paid. If you plan on doing any vocals, forget the USB.
 
In the end I went for TC electronic desktop konnekt 6 as interface and AKG Perception 120 as an microphone, but now I am facing an issue. No matter what I do the microphone is recorded only as an mono track, same goes for headphones when I put them in the interface, only one cup plays. Does anyone have idea what to do?
 
Your microphone is suppose to be mono; it will NEVER be stereo. To get the mic signal in both speakers/headphones, create a MONO track in your DAW when recording. For the record, just because you hear the signal in both speakers doesn't make it stereo. It's the same mono signal coming from two speakers, but still mono because it is the same signal.
 
Chili said:
Your microphone is suppose to be mono; it will NEVER be stereo. To get the mic signal in both speakers/headphones, create a MONO track in your DAW when recording. For the record, just because you hear the signal in both speakers doesn't make it stereo. It's the same mono signal coming from two speakers, but still mono because it is the same signal.
Click to expand...

Thank you, my problem is partially resolved, when recording in program of my choice (Audacity), I selected Mono track for my recording device and now its recording how it is supposed to. Now just to figure out how to enable stereo in my headphones while outside the program and everything will be perfect.

EDIT : After fiddling with mic settings directly in windows (and its channels) it now works perfectly, though the issue that when headphones are plugged into the interface that only one of the cup plays, is still an issue
 
Does itunes etc come out both headphones?
Perhaps you're using an adapter that won't carry stereo audio or something.
 
Steenamaroo said:
Does itunes etc come out both headphones?
Perhaps you're using an adapter that won't carry stereo audio or something.
Click to expand...

When my headphones are plugged into my PC, I get sound in both of the cups, when my headphones are plugged into the interface I get sound only in one cup. It should carry stereo audio, at least I think so.
 
The headphone port looks to be 1/4" and I don't imagine it is on your computer.
There's an adapter in use here, right?
 
No, as I said I have PC, already mentioned interface and 3.5 mm headphones with 6.3 mm reduction so it fits the interface.
 
NoGuy said:
with 6.3 mm reduction so it fits the interface.
Click to expand...

Ok, so, an adapter?
Have I misunderstood something here?


Are you using one of these
Audio_Adapter_6_3mm_mono_plug_to.webp

or one of these
278.webp
 
Oh, I apologize its my fault for misunderstanding the terms, yes I use that for my headphones and the one I currently use looks like the first one.
 
No problem.
That's the fault. The top picture is a mono size adapter. The gold one is stereo.

The sleeve (long metal section) is always ground. The tip and ring are left and right in the gold version.
As it stands, your right channel is being sent to ground as there is no separate ring on the adapter.
 
Oh, alright, in that case I will go to hardware store tomorrow for stereo adapter and see if it fixes the issue, thank you for patience and help. :)
 
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