Microphones for recording piano, voice, flute

[songbird7812]

I am wanting to record my songs onto the computer and hope to be able to market them. I have a laptop and desktop, and each have Windows 7. I have been researching and am having a difficult time knowing what to purchase within my budget.

I would like to have as much recording capability as possible within a budget of around $200 or less.

I sing and play the piano. I also play flute, sometimes with piano (not at the same time, of course). I would prefer to record piano/vocal/flute/whatever other acoustic instruments that strike my fancy on separate tracks.

Most of my music is folk-type, soft hymn-type, classical or classical crossover, soft rock, all the type of music that I write for church in a traditional-type service.

I would appreciate any advice on what type of sound equipment and microphones to purchase initially. I have never tried recording on computer whatsoever. Most recording would be done in my home in an average-sized bedroom that I use as a music room/office.

Thank you!

Janet

 

[cobaltaudio]

Ok, that is a pretty tight budget. The minimum you could manage with is probably:
Software: Presonus Studio One Free - $0
Interface: Lexicon Alpha stereo USB - $60
mic + stand + cable: Look out for a bundle deal, something like an sE 2000 often comes in a bundle - $140ish

That's your $200 gone.
If you really want to 'market them', then you probably want something a bit more professional than this setup. For example - you won't be able to record the piano in stereo with only one microphone.

 

[mjbphotos]

Read the stickys at the top of the newbies section of the forum about computer recording before buying anything. As the previous answer shows, you need more than just a mic.

 

[songbird7812]

How much do you think I would need to spend to have something a bit more professional? I could save up a bit more if it would pay me to wait.

 

[Steenamaroo]

I'd happily record almost any acoustic instrument with my pair of shure sm81s.
They're fantastic, realistic sounding all rounders in my opinion.

I have a presonus firestudio mobile as a portable interface. I usually recommend it where I can, because I think it's great.

 

[songbird7812]

I have been researching and am thinking about Naiant X-O mics. I emailed them and they recommended a pair of them. ($119 for a matched pair) Does anyone know anything about these?

 

[PRHunt]

Several members here use mics from Naiant (myself included), although I have not used the X-O. This is a low noise omnidirectional microphone, and should be good for quieter sources. According to the frequency response chart, the higher frequencies are somewhat rolled off, which will make recorded sounds more mellow. You might need compensate for that - say, an equalization boost after recording.

Also aware that the omni mics will pick up sound more or less equally from all directions, which may or may not be an issue depending on where you are recording.

Another option could be the Line Audio CM-3, a great value cardiod mic from Sweden. I've heard some very nice examples of acoustic performances recorded using these. They are about 94 euro each, and you should use them with the recommended shockmount. You can buy the mics and shockmounts as a set from No Hype Audio in Belgium for 108 euro + shipping. Again, if the budget cope, it would be worth getting a pair.

(The CM-3 has generated a lot of positive discussion on Gearslutz. This is in the "Remote Possibilities" ( the live/location sound sub-forum), which is one of 2 sub-forums that I read and respect on GS.)

Paul

 

[songbird7812]

Thank you all so much for your advice! I spent many, many more hours researching and ended up spending much more money than I intended. Oh, well, eating is overrated anyway!

I ended up ordering the two Niant x-o mics for instrumentals, audio-technica at2035 for vocals (advised by the Niant guy), a Tascam us-600 for an interface (I decided I wanted the ability to record voice and piano simultaneously which takes three mic plug-ins, and this has four) which comes with Cubase-LE software, and three mic stands with cables. Of course, it was cheapest to order from four different places. I received the mic stands today but have not opened the box yet.

I hope these wil be satisfactory (at least) for what I need, and I hope I can figure out how to use them. I'll let you know how they work for me.

You helped me figure out what I needed to research, and I very much appreciate it. I hope I made good decisions for a balance between quality and economy.

Janet

 

[PRHunt]

Thanks for updating! If you feel so inclined, we'd love to hear some of your work in due course.

Paul