Mic and preamp....

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Tyler22

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Ok so I have been recording for a few years now and finally have enough money to upgrade my vocal setup.

Right now I am using a MXL 990 Plugged into a DigiTech Vx400 Vocal-Modeling Floor Processor (http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/g=guitar/search/detail/base_pid/150845/)

From there I run the pedal to my computer and into Cubase SX 3.0

Right now the vocals sound like they are so separate from the mix. It's hard to explain, it's like you can tell that the vocals and the instruments are recorded separately.

So I have been reading on a good mic to record both vocals and acoustic guitar, but mainly I need it for vocals.

The R0DE NT1-A Anniversary Model Microphone (http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/g=home/search/detail/base_pid/271593/). Seems to be the best choice for what I need it for.

Also I want to get a preamp even though I have no idea what they do.

Someone from this site recommended the M-Audio DMP3 2-Channel Mic Pre/Direct Box (http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/g=live/search/detail/base_pid/241101/) I just wanted to know if that was worth the money.

So basically I need to know what the hell a pre-amp does, or if that will help me make the vocals "blend" with the instruments better?

And if that mic is a good vocal mic.

Thanks a lot in advance.
 
you seem to have about one the cheapest mics you can buy and want to upgrade to another cheap mic and continue using cheap gear yet you possess cubase sx 3.0 which is around $600? I'd spend at least as much on a mic and preamp as you did on your sequencer. Why didn't you buy an inexpensive sequencer and use the money to buy a better mic? An inexpensive sequencer would suit your situation just fine. That is if you did buy Cubase? (wink, wink)

love always,
sweetnubs
 
u've been recording a few years..and don't know what a pre-amp is? :-/
 
awesome thanks alot for the help guys!! I wasn't sure anyone was going to reply, but I am glad you guys did you really helped me out. *cough*(assholes)*cough*
 
A mic preamp will amplify the "weak" signal coming from the mic so that it's "strong" enough to be recorded/converted/processed/whatever.

There's a function on this forum called "search". You'll find plenty of info regarding preamps if you look a little harder.


Greets

btw i've heard great things about the dmp3 ...
 
The DMP3 is a great pre for the price. Cleaner than any other cheap pre I've used.
 
That and a CAD M179 or an AT 4040,or 4033,or 4047 and you'll be rockin'
 
ive bin in your position before. the vocals dont mesh with the music, instead they just sit on top of it, right? First off, get a better mic. That MXL 990 is a piece of shit. Im trying to sell my MXL V63M for $65 shipped, including a shockmount and a windscreen. Its a great mic for vocals, good for beginners. Is it in perfect condition, only used a few times. If that doesnt tickle your fancy, get like an AT4040, AT4047, Shure KSM27, or a used Rode NTK or something. They are great mics, but slightly more expensive. Also, if your looking at pres, get a DMP3 if you want a clean sound, or an Electro-Harmonix 12ay7 if you want a colored pre. Next, I'd sell your DigiTech Vx400 and buy an Audiophile 2496 soundcard or a Delta 44. Then your good to go. Now, to make your vocals blend in a little more, double or triple your vocals, and add a little reverb on the main vocals.
 
I'm the asshole because I buy my sequencers?

love and kisses,
sweetnubs
 
sweetnubs said:
I'm the asshole because I buy my sequencers?

love and kisses,
sweetnubs
Click to expand...
Nah, you're the asshole because you called him on it. :eek:

It's a fair point though. ;)
 
you could also look into compression, that made a world of difference in my mixes once i learned how to properly use it
 
Nah...I tried the cracked version of cubase, but my computer locked up all the time. So I went on eBay and got a really good deal on it (about $420).

Also I have an M-Audio Delta-44

As for compression, that is the main reason I bought that dumb VX pedal is because it had compression and was supposed to be good for recording. But I still have no idea what it does, and when I use it I cannot even hear the difference in the track.

My Dad's cousin builds warehouses for Musicians friend so he can usually et us like 40% off. So my price limit on a mic is about $500 out of musician’s friend. I looked at the Rode NTK and it has great reviews. So if you guys think that is the best mic for the money then I'll pick that up.

What do you mean by a "more colored" sound?

I want to use the pre for guitar, acoustic, drums, and mainly vocals. Is it ok to use it on all of those or are there specific pres for certain instruments?


Also you guys aren't assholes. When I bought Cubase I didn't know anything about recording, and I thought that once I had that program I would be set. So now I am just upgrading equipment as I get the funds.

Any more help concerning mics, compression, or pre amps would be appreciated.
 
dude, i don't know how you even used the mxl 990 without a phantom power supply. anyways, i suggest the studio projects c1 and the rane ms1b, which is a very clean pre. in terms of gettign your vocals to fit into the mix, i don't think it's the 990's fault, experiment with compression and reverb.
 
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