mic/ preamp combo

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solit

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I am looking to buy either a Shure KSM 44(High end of my budget)
or a studio projects C1(lower end of my budget)

I am running a powerful PC with an Audiophile 2496 soundcard.

my questions are:


1.) How significant will the difference in quality of sound be between a KSM 44 and a Studio Projects C1?

2.) Will I need a preamp?

3.)How much would a decent one cost me?

4.) Can you recommend any particular models?

I'm just starting out with my first home studio, and I'm making some tough decisions. I don't want to overspend, but at the same time, don't want to buy equipment that I will want to replace in 6 months.

thanks for you wisdom!!!!!
 
see my post on ksm's which is a couple of posts down from this one.
 
solit said:
1.) How significant will the difference in quality of sound be between a KSM 44 and a Studio Projects C1?
Click to expand...


Not dramatic, but certainly noticeable. You're talking about two different pricepoints here, each one being very good for it's respective price.

2.) Will I need a preamp?
Click to expand...


Yes.

3.)How much would a decent one cost me?
Click to expand...


As little as 100 bucks, or as much as several thousand. Generally, I think you should spend between $200 to $600 if you want something decent to good.

4.) Can you recommend any particular models?
Click to expand...

On the low end, the M-audio DMP3. On the higher end, the Grace Design 101.
 
outline of usage

alfalfa-
thanks for your response.
I will be using my mic only to record vocals -both my own and those of female singers

thanks for your input, please let me know if this changes your thoughts
 
In that case, spring for the KSM44. It is exellent on vox! Great for females... Do a search on the web for reviews.
 
combo

so would you recommend the Shure KSM 44 with the M-AUDIO DMp3?

my absolute max for both mic and preamp is 800, I saw some KSM 44's on e-bay for around 500.

I know that getting quality sound requires a both a good mic an a pre-amp. will the DMP3 (or another $200 pre) do justice to the Shure KSM 44?
 
If you are recording a range of different vocalists, you might want to consider having a variety of mics rather than just one expensive one. Eg a B1, C1, a tube mic (eg V69 or NTK), etc would give you few options when trying to find the best mic to suit each vocalist. There are quite a few budget vocal mics that might be suitable.

Anyway thats just an option. There are also many who believe you are better off with just one good mic.
 
Alll I can say is that I used my KSM44 through my Mackie preamps, which are not the best in the world, and it sounded GREAT! Ive never use a DMP3, but I would think it is at least as good as a Mackie! Then you can start saving for some sweet preamps...
 
If your budget left over for the preamp is ~$300, then I'd consider the Mackie 1202 VLZ Pro for just a few more skins.

MC
 
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