Microphone best for me?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Imogene
  • Start date Start date
I

Imogene

New member
Hello.

I'm hoping to record some covers soon for youtube purposes, but in terms of microphones, I honestly have no idea what to look for. I've done some research on some mic's, but I'm actually looking for something that I could plug into my computer so I can use pitch correction and what not if need be.

I'm not quite sure what I should be looking for, or how the best way is to go about this, so I do need some help and advice. As far as mic's go, I'm currently looking at the Shure SM57, or the AudioTechnica [AT2020] but other suggestions are welcome (and I'm not entirely sure if they plug into the computer or not). I'm hoping to do it relatively cheap as well!!
 
Neither of those microphones will plug directly into your computer with out an interface that sports a preamp.

But if plugging straight into your computer is what your goal is try a look at the Blue Yeti USB microphone HERE.
 
As I said, I know nothing about what is needed to be able to get the mic to play on the computer, so I'm more then happy to be told about what an interface preamp thing is. Is it expensive, what equipment would I need, etc.

If I'm able to get vocals from a mic to an interface to a computer, thats great, but my ultimate goal is getting vocals (however way possible) to the computer for further editting, so I'm happy to hear about anyway thats possible, what I need, etc.

Would a USB mic be best for me, and is the yeti microphone good quality for singing?
 
Last edited:
USB mics are not known for great quality. However, from what I hear (like from moresound above... he knows a lot), the Yeti is the best USB mic. There is also a USB version of the AT2020 (though they do sell a non-USB version, so make sure you get the right one if you get one).

Preamps/interfaces can be expensive, or they can be cheap (but probably more expensive than a USB mic). The same goes for microphones. It you want to get started into the world of home recording, this would be the way to go. Look around a bit more and you should find a lot more info on this here.

If your only goal is to record some music for YouTube, the AT2020 USB should be fine. Just search for "at2020 cover" on YouTube and you'll find that it's pretty common. Most of those appear to be done with the USB version.
EDIT: Actually, the Yeti appears to be cheaper, so you should probably get it instead if you do go with a USB mic.

P.S. I just found a side-by-side recording with a couple USB mics (including both the AT2020 and Yeti). It's guitar instead of vocals, but may still be helpful: Acoustic Guitar USB Mic Comparison: Blue Yeti vs Blue Snowball vs Audio Technica AT2020 - YouTube
 
well you can get the xlr to usb SM57 it runs $200 and honestly if I were to spend that much on a USB mic I'd choose the blue yeti like moresound suggested.
 
The yeti has what no other USB microphone has - A headphone monitor out! -

While we are at it you should down load Reaper as your DAW - get it HERE This is a free trial FULL version that never expires but you will see a nag screen during start up. This DAW is as powerful as any other out there and is NOT cpu hungry it takes about as much from your computer as a web page would take.

It is on a honor system if you like Reaper you pay $40. and that's it. Yours forever including upgrades.


They do sell XLR to USB converters which is kinda cool if that is a way that you would like to go.

But if you want to be as good as you can be I would have a few descent microphones and an Analog to digital interface with preamps ..... that way you can expand in the future.
 
moresound said:
The yeti has what no other USB microphone has - A headphone monitor out! -

Not true, Moresound- Here's one:

Samson G-Track | 8thstreet.com | Call 1-800-878-8882 | Free Shipping on most orders!

and another:

Samson Meteor Mic | 8thstreet.com | Call 1-800-878-8882 | Free Shipping on most orders!

Here's an adaptor with one:

CEntrance MicPort Pro | 8thstreet.com | Call 1-800-878-8882 | Free Shipping on most orders!

Here's the slightly more high-priced spread:

Marshall Electronics MXL USB.009 | 8thstreet.com | Call 1-800-878-8882 | Free Shipping on most orders!

and more:

Marshall Electronics MXL USB-77 | 8thstreet.com | Call 1-800-878-8882 | Free Shipping on most orders!

and Shure weighs in:

Shure PG27-USB Condenser USB Microphone | 8thstreet.com | Call 1-800-878-8882 | Free Shipping on most orders!

Shure PG42-USB Condenser Microphone | 8thstreet.com | Call 1-800-878-8882 | Free Shipping on most orders!

Too bad the Neumann Solution D has no headphone output. I wanted to show you the $8000 version!-Richie
Click to expand...
 
Wow, thanks guys for all the help, but now I'm even more confused on what to get! I think for now, I'm gonna stick with a USB microphone, as its everything I want, and is easy to use.

Right now, I'm thinking either a:

Shure PG27 USB
Samson G-Track
or
Audio Technica AT2020 USB

Does anyone think there's a better option out there? I still want it to be relatively cheap
 
Richard Monroe said:
moresound said:
The yeti has what no other USB microphone has - A headphone monitor out! -

Not true, Moresound- Here's one:

Samson G-Track | 8thstreet.com | Call 1-800-878-8882 | Free Shipping on most orders!

and another:

Samson Meteor Mic | 8thstreet.com | Call 1-800-878-8882 | Free Shipping on most orders!

Here's an adaptor with one:

CEntrance MicPort Pro | 8thstreet.com | Call 1-800-878-8882 | Free Shipping on most orders!

Here's the slightly more high-priced spread:

Marshall Electronics MXL USB.009 | 8thstreet.com | Call 1-800-878-8882 | Free Shipping on most orders!

and more:

Marshall Electronics MXL USB-77 | 8thstreet.com | Call 1-800-878-8882 | Free Shipping on most orders!

and Shure weighs in:

Shure PG27-USB Condenser USB Microphone | 8thstreet.com | Call 1-800-878-8882 | Free Shipping on most orders!

Shure PG42-USB Condenser Microphone | 8thstreet.com | Call 1-800-878-8882 | Free Shipping on most orders!

Too bad the Neumann Solution D has no headphone output. I wanted to show you the $8000 version!-Richie
Click to expand...

Yeah your right Richard I guess I meant in the cheaper price range of under $80. HERE
Click to expand...
 
Dang double posting ..... Hey the site is broken again!
 
The street price on the Yeti is $149.00, give or take. If you can get it for under $80 (and you really need a USB mic), that's a steal. Anyway you slice it, the headphone amp adds $45-$50 to the price of the mic, but even for podcasting, it is almost necessary.-Richie
 
Hey guys, I'm almost ready to purchase a microphone, then I stumbled across this guys video. I was wondering what microphone he's using, it meets all my needs and sounds really good!
 
Imogene said:
Hey guys, I'm almost ready to purchase a microphone, then I stumbled across this guys video. I was wondering what microphone he's using, it meets all my needs and sounds really good!
Click to expand...

It's not a usb mic, if that's what you're wondering...
 
Oh no, I'm aware of that, but I'd still like to know what kind of mic it is, and if there's a USB mic thats as good? If not, what would I need to buy to get my vocals onto my computer?

I'm really happy with the mic!
 
What you're hearing is a combination of his voice, the room, the mic the preamp, and fairly heavy effects processes.
The mic is probably something that you could change and not notice the difference if everything else was the same,

but none the less i think it's an akg c3000.

If so, it's not exactly boutique, so yeah, there are probably some usb mics that equal it in quality.

The thing is though, If he happens to be running it into a neve channel strip through apogee converters, then the answer is no.
No usb mic will have that level of quality technology in it.
 
Thanks!

But like I asked, how exactly do I get vocals using a akg c3000. Is there a thread explaining to noobs what equipment you need, and how to do it?
 
Two out of three wasn't bad!!!!!


You'd need the microphone, an xlr to xlr cable (usually), a preamp, a TRS to TRS cable (usually), an analog to digital converter,a usb or firewire cable (usually), a computer, and software.

The preamp and converter can be found in one unit; An audio interface.

Examples. M audio fast track, presonus firestudio mobile, focusrite saffire 6.
 
Thanks a lot!! I'm assuming it gets a bit pricey? I'm going to have to order over amazon or something cause the australian prices are ridiculous!!!

I'm willing to spend up to around $200 for the main components, whether it be a usb mic, or a mic with a preamp. What would be my best bets?
 
Last edited:
As with any microphone ..... it's what goes into it that's most important!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top