Microphone advice for recording spoken audio to computer

[stewartd]

Could anyone give me some advice on getting a solid microphone for recording spoken audio onto my computer? I have heard the Shure SM57 or SM58 are solid choices, as well as the Sennheiser MD518.

Does anyone have any advice or recommendations? I just want to record spoken voice overs and narration onto my PC with Audigy sound card.

I see auctions and stores selling the Shure mics, but do they come with the cords and connectors I need, or do I need add-on equipment to get up and running.

Thanks in advance, from a total newb!!

 

[CoolCat]

The Shure PG48 series do have the cable included.
I bought about 4 of these for my sons band.
They have the cord. They are metal, very nice build, and very similar to the 58 sound. very cheap...~$35-45.

The 57/58 don't come with cables last ones i picked up.

 

[tourettes5139]

E/v Re-20.

 

[chipwits]

Most microphones require a preamp. You can get an M-AUDIO DMP3 preamp for $150. (Considered the best sounding for the money). You will need to buy an XLR cable to connect your mic to the preamp; for a decent cable this will run you about $25. With the preamp and cable you can now get virtually any microphone you wish.

Or instead of getting the M-AUDIO DMP3 you could get something like the Alesis Multimix FX. It has 2 mic pre's along with EQ and on board effects (like reverb , chorus etc). They only go for $99.

James

 

[stewartd]

Dumb question, but can't I just plug the mic right into the sound card and record? Or does that lead to really crappy recording quality?

That's the reason I splurged and got a Soundblaster Audigy sound card, thinking I could record direct to PC with good sound quality.

I appreciate the quick replies, by the way - this forum is great!

 

[scrubs]

Dumb question, but can't I just plug the mic right into the sound card and record? Or does that lead to really crappy recording quality?

That's the reason I splurged and got a Soundblaster Audigy sound card, thinking I could record direct to PC with good sound quality.

I appreciate the quick replies, by the way - this forum is great!

Which Audigy model did you get? Does it have a three-prong (XLR) microphone input or just a 1/4" mic input? Does the soundcard offer "phantom power" (necessary for condenser microphones)? Basically, the soundcard probably has a built-in microphone preamp, but it probably isn't high quality. Adding an external preamp would improve your sound if you are unhappy with the quality of recordings you get.

In general, the Soundblaster cards are not considered very good for recording (they are more for gaming and other multimedia applications). You can record on them and get decent results, but they wouldn't be my first choice.

As for microphones, it will really depend on your budget and your voice. The SM57/58 are just fine for sub-$100 mics and will work for spoken word stuff. The Sennheiser mics are also good. For a little more green, the Shure SM-7B, Sennheiser MD-421, or ElectroVoice RE-20 are classic voiceover mics used in radio stations and recording studios around the world. There are also inexpensive condenser microphones that may work, such as the Studio Projects B-1, MXL V67g, or Audio Technica AT2020.

 

[stewartd]

I have a regular Audigy card and it looks to have only the regular mic inputs. My home "studio" is starting to sound pretty lame

 

[stewartd]

I bought the Shure PG48 on eBay, shipped from the US to Canada for $33 U.S. brand new. Great deal, as long as it does not arrive in 18 pieces

Thanks or the tips, everyone. I can't wait to start...talking into the microphone (doesn't quite sound as glamorous as wailing away in the garage with a kick-ass band!)

 

[Innovations]

I have a regular Audigy card and it looks to have only the regular mic inputs. My home "studio" is starting to sound pretty lame

The audigy is Ok as long as you don't use the mic preamps that are built into it. In other workds use an external preamp and go into the line in of the audigy.

I wouldn't try to do voiceovers on anything less than a sm58. The SM7B and RE20 are the majority of what is found in radio stations and I have seen a lot of MD421s in voiceover studios. If you mic technique is good then a LDC also will give good results.

 

[macbodock]

Could anyone give me some advice on getting a solid microphone for recording spoken audio onto my computer?

stewartd,
If you have a USB port on you computer, there are a couple of good usb microphones, Samson C01U or the B.L.U.E. Snowball. This way you can go directly into your computer with out the expense of all the other hardware. Either one should be fine for the spoken word.

Warmest Regards,

 

[jkokura]

Stewart you might wanna take a look at getting a USB pre/interface. M audio make one...http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/FastTrackUSB-main.html and it'll do what you're looking for MUCH better than an audigy would. Most computer recorders use something like this, or a better firewire version, or their preamps are seperate from their Soundcard. Each have advantages and disadvantages... but that little mobile pre will do exactly what you want really well, with pretty good results.

Jacob

 

[Burnbox]

Voiceover mic.

I have a regular Audigy card and it looks to have only the regular mic inputs. My home "studio" is starting to sound pretty lame

Everybody has to start somewhere. The RE20, SM7, and MD421 are all solid choices for voiceover work. You may even want to consider checking out the Heil Sound PR40. A lot of amateur radio people love them and they're fairly inexpensive.