Mic and preamp for female vocals for $350?

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KrypticMind

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Hey, so I've been lurking around here for a bit, trying to look for a mic that fits the topic conditions for the girlfriend. I made a topic in another forum and realized it was in the wrong forum, but the mods haven't moved the topic over to this forum. I decided to just make a new topic here. A few mics that I've seen that compliment female vocals are some Audio-Technicas and the KSM32. I'm having a bit of trouble finding a proper preamp though. If I could get some suggestions, that would be great! Keep in mind we're probably going used to keep prices lower. :)
 
How low? What budget?

AT4033a + DMP3 - $300 to $500

Although it depends on the girl too. If she sings the Tenor II part, an AT4033a might not be the mic for her.
 
Budget is $350.

She sings some American pop like Kelly Clarkson's Breakaway to Japanese pop/rock like YUI.
 
Studio only?

Stage only?

Studio and Stage?

I have an AT 3035 now that's kind of growing on me. I wouldn't use it outdoors or on stage though. Not that it couldn't be used in that capacity, but it seems like it'd be too sensitive to the environment, leaving the intended source mostly ignored. But it's got that cutting quality, that'd work well on a solo track in a studio. If you need something that stands out in a mix. With the obvious need for a pop filter if used on vocals. Cost me about $120 used.
 
I also have the AT 3035 and a Behringer ULTRAGAIN PRO MIC2200 pre-amp.
I love them both and both are decently priced.
 
I'd probably forget about a standalone preamp and get a decent audio interface that has good built-in pres. The difference between stand-alone pres and the pres built into most good audio interfaces these days is generally pretty minimal, but the difference in sound quality between a good audio interface and a cheap sound card is often substantial.
 
dgatwood said:
I'd probably forget about a standalone preamp and get a decent audio interface that has good built-in pres. The difference between stand-alone pres and the pres built into most good audio interfaces these days is generally pretty minimal, but the difference in sound quality between a good audio interface and a cheap sound card is often substantial.
Click to expand...

What would you recommend then? It's from a laptop, by the way.
 
I assumed you had an interface. If you don't, then I would also recommend you skip the pre and just get a mic and interface, like this:

Studio Projects B1 ($120) + Emu 0404 USB ($200) (new prices)

I think Kris Delmhorst is singing the B1 in this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CUV3uzIiMGE
 
Haha, well... Looks like she upped her budget and is looking at the KSM32 to keep her satisfied for a really long time. Sorry for the inexperienced question, but what would be a cheap, but workable component inbetween the KSM32 and her laptop? Thanks a lot, guys! :)
 
You would need a a/d converter with a micpre ...how much do you have to spend now?



:cool:
 
The Focusrite Saffire 6 USB and TC Konnekt 6 would be top of my budget list.

The Saffire 6 goes for around $159 and the Konnekt 6 around $129.

The conversion and pres in these two interfaces are excellent.

I have a Saffire Pro24DSP and love it! I've used the Alesis IO2, EMU 0404USB, M-Audio Delta 1010, Echo Layla 3G and the Saffire is by far the best of these!
 
Looks like the max budget for the link between the laptop and KSM32 is $150.

The Focusrite Saffire 6 USB and TC Konnekt 6 would be top of my budget list.

The Saffire 6 goes for around $159 and the Konnekt 6 around $129.

The conversion and pres in these two interfaces are excellent.

I have a Saffire Pro24DSP and love it! I've used the Alesis IO2, EMU 0404USB, M-Audio Delta 1010, Echo Layla 3G and the Saffire is by far the best of these!
Click to expand...

I'm not too sure of what the Saffire and Konnekt do. Is both required or will one suffice as that link between the laptop and the mic? Thanks!
 
Hi yes. You only need one interface and either the Saffire 6 or TC Konnekt 6 would be an excellent choice!
 
The TC Konnekt series is a train wreck of driver compatibility problems (as are all the other DICE II-based FireWire interfaces, including the Saffire Pro24DSP). If you buy it, buy it from a company with a good return policy.

If you're looking for FireWire, I'd tend to steer you towards the Edirol FA-66.
 
I guess one should ask, does the laptop even have firewire?

I use an M-Audio Mobile Pre, but it's limited, only 2 channels and only 16 bit. Plus 48kHz max sampling rate. I wouldn't use it for a commercial CD, but it's plenty fine for messing around and making a demo. Or in a crunch.

Zoom H4n might be an option, although past your budget. Lots of other higher end components. But if you only have one mic, you really only need one preamp and one A/D converter. Maybe 2 D/A converters (stereo out) to have something to sing along with. But still most interfaces meet those specs. i'd look for 24/96 capabilities at a minimum. Gives you some dither and EQ options to play with the result a bit.
 
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