Looking for a good mic...on a budget!

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Vunyos

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Hey everyone, I am new to these forums and what not. For the past year I have been recording guitar and vocals for songs I make on like facebook and myspace. Lately I have been taking music making more seriously and am about to get a new mic.

The only thing I have used so far is the USB microphone that came with rock Band. I have to say that I have had good results so far with it to my surprise. then again I'm sure adding a few effects in the editing stages helps out too.

I am looking at an MXL 990 or 992. Those pretty much fit the budget I am going for.(I have read mix reviews on these)

Pretty much my main question is am I going to notice a difference in sound quality or am I about to throw away $100?
 
I take it that you're looking at the USB versions? Or do you have an interface that lets you choose other mics?
 
I have a couple of 992s, and have been pretty happy with them. So far used them on vocals, acoustic guitar, banjo, mandolin, guitar cabs and drums. They did sound a little brittle on the banjo, but otherwise the results have been acceptable. There are much better mics out there, but for the money, they're tough to beat.
 
No, I only use the USB Rock Band mic cause it's the only one I have. I just got a Behringer EURORACK UB802 Mixer from a friend so I am good to go on that. I already decided to order it cause it was only $99 on musicians friend and it came with a free gift(MXL 603S Pencil Instrument Microphone). I figured it was a decent deal with free shipping. I will let you guys know if I like it or not :). I hope so....
 
Well in terms of mics, $100 could be an SM57 and SM58 used. Part of the value of a mic, is what you can sell it for if you don't like it. Or if you shift directions and no longer have a "need" for it.

MXL 992 seems to be alright for the price according to specs and reviews. Hopefully you have a good room, as that type of mic will let you know if you don't. And hopefully you factored in the other accessories if you don't already have them. cable + stand + pop filter + ???
 
Yeah I did, I ordered a stand and a pop filter. Figured I would rather not put a sock over this one. My room is sort of loud due to my computer fans. I plan on possibly putting it in my closet I am clearing out. That has enough space to where I could probably cut down on noise in there and move around. As for playing guitar I think I can make it work around the noise. Trail and error I guess. Like I said, for the price I think(think) I got a good deal.
 
.why not go for a MXL 67g $88. shipped if your in the US. It's a great mic!



:cool:
 
Vunyos said:
Hey everyone, I am new to these forums and what not. For the past year I have been recording guitar and vocals for songs I make on like facebook and myspace. Lately I have been taking music making more seriously and am about to get a new mic. The only thing I have used so far is the USB microphone that came with rock Band. I have to say that I have had good results so far with it to my surprise. then again I'm sure adding a few effects in the editing stages helps out too. I am looking at an MXL 990 or 992. Those pretty much fit the budget I am going for.(I have read mix reviews on these) Pretty much my main question is am I going to notice a difference in sound quality or am I about to throw away $100?
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If you buy any XLR microphone, you will need an interface unit to connect the mic to that will change the analog signal to a digital signal to then connect to your computer.
Examples:
http://www.presonus.com/products/Detail.aspx?ProductId=4
http://www.mackie.com/products/onyx820i/
http://www.alesis.com/multimix8firewire

Going with a Shure SM57 ($89) as mentioned above might be a good way to start!
It is a mic that you'll always want to keep around even when you have the budget to move into a wdecent large diaphragm condensor.

The SM57 is one of the primary studio/live mics used in studios all over the world for recording guitar amps, drums, and more. (I place an SM57 in front of one guitar amp speaker and then place a ribbon mic in front of the other speaker when recording then blend them together.)
 
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