Mic/Soundcard/Mixer question

[Zorn]

Hi there. Just had some questions for you guys! Firstly, I have a 5 year old IBM Aptiva 2172-71B computer with Pentium 3, 550MHz, 128MB memory and 20GB hard drive. I have been creating music on it using Acid Pro and have all the music completed. Now what I want to do is record my vocals over each song. I've been told that I should invest in a condenser microphone for best vocal results which I intend to do. Then I did more research and it appears I will also need a mixer as well as possibly upgrading my sound card and parts of my computer. Just wondering if anyone had any recommendations as to any of the above that won't break the bank. Bearing in mind that I only want to get a great recording of my vocals - no instruments. Here are some recommendations I've had:

Mic: BEHRINGER C1, BEHRINGER B-2 PRO, and the RØDE NT1A
Mixers, etc: UB802, UB1202, VX2496, MIC100, etc

I'm not too sure about the sound card but I think mine is 16bit as it's 5 years old? Any help would be much appreciated!

 

[ssscientist]

Mic: BEHRINGER C1, BEHRINGER B-2 PRO, and the RØDE NT1A

The Rode is the clear winner out of this batch. You'll also need to preamp the mic - this would be a good choice. Then you'll need to get the results into the computer, and this is recommended for that job.

Then you'll need audio recording software, since Acid doesn't do that. Here's a link to a freeware program called Audacity which will let you load the stereo track you made in Acid, then sing over it on a third track as you hear the stereo track played back.

 

[Zorn]

Thanks for the links. But if I got myself a Behringer Eurorack mixer (which is a bit of an all in one), then I wouldn't need either of those first two links right? And as for the mics, what makes the Rode so much better than the other 2 options?

 

[ssscientist]

Stop posting what is basically the same question all over the board!

That's called 'crossposting' and it's just plain not a good thing to do.

Pick the most appropriate forum and post once, then do something else while you wait for an answer. Just like you can't reserve a spot at every checkstand in the supermarket you can't take up our time by posting in every forum.

(I cut + pasted this from the 'Computer Recording and Soundcards' forum...)

 

[Monkey Allen]

If I were you I would upgrade my computer first. Even a basic factory cheap model will be more powerful than what you have.

 

[Jae Little]

If I were you what I would do is this...

Soundcard: E-mu 1212M
Premp: M-Audio DMP3
Mic: Get a mic for you voice, all mics aren't fit for everyone. But if you're going with one of the mics you listed then go with the Rode NT1a.
Monitors: Wharfedale Diamond 8.2
Headphones: Audio-Technica ATH-M40fs

But the first thing you need to do is upgrade your PC. But with that setup you'll be okay and you can easily upgrade whenever you're ready. Don't get them Behringer mixers because they aren't that good. I had the UB802 and it's real muddy..so is the MXL 990. The Behringer B-1 is a decent mic but it won't fit you're voice.

 

[tappmusic]

I think that a 550 MHz/ 20 GB computer is going to have some trouble processing the audio. I do NOT recommend getting a mixer for something as basic as you're needing to do. I basically agree with the previous posts, but here are my specific recommendations:

1. Invest in a new PC (tower ONLY; reuse the keyboard, monitor, etc.) = 80 GB/ 2.8 GHz 7200 rpm processor ($500 - $800).
2. Behringer B2 Pro Dual Large Diaphram Condenser mic is a great mic for $150.
3. As stated earlier, the M-Audio DMP3 is a solid mic preamp for $150.
4. SoundBlaster Audigy 2ZS soundcard ($200), although intended for gamers, does a good job of A/D - D/A conversion and the front face panel connections are very convenient.
5. Cakewalk Music Creator has a basic program that is great for getting started. You can get it at BestBuy for around $50. It only records in 16 bit resolution, but I'm very impressed with its basic functionality and editing capabilities. Not to mention, it's relatively easy to use.

This upgrade may financial put you back a bit, but it's very conservative when compared to purchasing other recording gear. Lastly, this set-up can serve as a foundation to build upon as you increase your inventory of gear.

Take care,
Micah