Need a decent microphone for Radio Ads.

[jpf566]

Hey guys! I’m trying to find a decent mic to record some radio ads for our company. (Im not trying to start a professional recording studio, I just need a decent mic that will sound good for a simple vocal radio ad) I already have a MacbookPro and Soundtrack Pro 2. I’ve been reading around and have had a hard time figuring out what mic to get. These are what I was thinking of

Samson C01U USB MIC
Seemed pretty decent to me but some people seemed to give USB mic’s crap.

MXL 990
seemed like a decently priced mic. Of course with that I would need a mixer or some sort of direct box that provides phantom power and lets me connect to my computer via USB.. I found this “MXL Mic Mate XLR To USB Inline Preamp and A/D Converter” that should do the trick..

Are either of these a decent mic for recording radio ads? What one would you recommend? Any help would be much appreciated! THANKS!

-Jon

 

[Shadow_7]

EV RE-20 and Shure SM7b are the standards for broadcast work. If it's just a one time deal, you might consider renting the gear, and/or some studio time.

 

[Richard Monroe]

There is no benefit to plugging a high end mic like an SM7 or EV RE20 into a USB interface like the mic mate. If you are committed to doing it yourself on the cheap, the mic mate and a cheap dynamic like Behringer XM8500 ($20) will work just as well. I am inclined to agree with Shadow 7 that if you aren't prepared to invest in a serious interface and professional broadcast mic, you would be better off spending the amount of money you are planning on at a *recording studio*, where you can get professional results for the same amount of money. If you are planning on doing this multiple times, whether you do it yourself, or pay professionals, plan on spending several hundred dollars to do it right.-Richie

 

[Weasel9992]

EV RE-20 and Shure SM7b are the standards for broadcast work. If it's just a one the deal, you might consider renting the gear, and/or some studio time.

+1 to all. The SM7b is my favorite.

Frank

 

[jpf566]

Ok thanks foe your input guys. I don't think we want to go the studio route since we are planning on running faiy many ads on a regular basis. What do u suggest for a more processional setup? How much money would it be to " do It right" and what should I use? Thanks!!

 

[Richard Monroe]

Yo JPF! That's a different question altogether. For starters, you need a microphone that doesn't suck, a USB interface with at least 2 channels, some software, a mic stand, probably a mini-boom which will work as a desk stand, a good mic cable, a good set of isolation headphones, and a decent computer. I'll presume you have the computer. First, the software- Audacity is freeware, and should do what you want just fine. Your simple needs shouldn't require anything more complex.
Next, a 2 channel interface, probably USB based. 2 channels are good because they give you another channel if you want to run music and effects, etc. simultaneously. Of course you can overdub those, but for some operations, 2 channels just simplifies your life. Example:

http://www.8thstreet.com/product.asp?ProductCode=40819&Category=Audio_Interfaces

Next, a mic. As noted repeatedly above, bang for buck, it's hard to beat this:

http://www.8thstreet.com/product.asp?ProductCode=7308&Category=Microphones

A short mic stand that can hold a heavy mic:

http://www.8thstreet.com/product.asp?ProductCode=1911&Category=Stands

Some decent headphones:

http://www.8thstreet.com/product.asp?ProductCode=10952&Category=Monitoring

and a decent mic cable- you might need up to 20', to get far enough away from the fan on a desktop computer:

http://www.8thstreet.com/product.asp?ProductCode=11383&Category=Microphone

Even for the simple request you are making, there will be a learning curve, and you will have quite a few questions along the way. For most music work, a pair of specialized monitor speakers are used for mixing, but if you keep it simple enough, just doing voiceovers, you should be able to learn to get along without them, at least for a while. The system outlined above will give you the tools to do what you asked for, and if you find you have the aptitude for it, quite a bit more. The hardest thing to find is a good room to do it in. That is far more critical to the process than you know (yet). I find that music practice rooms at a local University can be excellent, and are often available during off hours. Recording at odd hours is good anyway, as there is usually less ambient (background) noise. Good Luck-Richie

 

[hairylarry]

The right way the wrong way and my way

Jon and all,

Many thanks to Richard for taking the time to detail the right way. I can't disagree with any of his suggestions. He is hitting the industry standards.

I do a lot of voiceover for my radio show, podcast, and ad spots for the show. You can hear them here.

http://sbblues.com

Although I don't have an SM7 I do have over 80 mics and many of them are wonderful voiceover mics. However I use none of them.

I read my parts into my Iriver H320 hard drive recorder using the internal mic. I copy to my hard drive with a USB cable. Then I use Audacity to make the mono recording stereo. I use Saw Classic for post but Audacity would also be fine for this.

Now I have a low breathy voice that sounds great hosting the Blues. This may not work for your voice.

Another option would be a Zoom Flash recorder. My H4 has two mic inputs as well as internal mics. It has phantom power. You can record to the flash card or use it as a USB interface. It supports up to 4 tracks so you can do overdubbing right on the flash recorder. It also has headphone and line out.

I like the Sennheiser headphones but I use the HD201 model which cost $20 at Target.

There are also substantial savings to be had with alternate microphones. The EV PL80 is a great voiceover microphone that goes used for about $50. It has been reissued as part of the new PL series just this last year.

Of course there are many other options. Some of them more expensive than what Richard recommended. But if you can't afford the whole recommended setup there are savings available.

Thanks,

Hairy Larry

 

[chessparov]

If the room is NOT acoustically treated to use a sensitive condenser microphone...

IMHO get an Electro-Voice EV 635a omni dynamic to go along with a Mic Mate (I have both). My taste in sound runs pretty parallel to a certain world class AE (Bob Ohlsson-former Motown staff engineer!) and he really thinks highly of these as both vocal/VO mics.

Chris

P.S. If the room is treated though, I'd put the Studio Projects B1 on the short list.
Quite a few broadcasters seem to like it per internet postings.

 

[jpf566]

Yo JPF! That's a different question altogether. For starters, you need a microphone that doesn't suck, a USB interface with at least 2 channels, some software, a mic stand, probably a mini-boom which will work as a desk stand, a good mic cable, a good set of isolation headphones, and a decent computer. I'll presume you have the computer. First, the software- Audacity is freeware, and should do what you want just fine. Your simple needs shouldn't require anything more complex.
Next, a 2 channel interface, probably USB based. 2 channels are good because they give you another channel if you want to run music and effects, etc. simultaneously. Of course you can overdub those, but for some operations, 2 channels just simplifies your life. Example:

http://www.8thstreet.com/product.asp?ProductCode=40819&Category=Audio_Interfaces

Next, a mic. As noted repeatedly above, bang for buck, it's hard to beat this:

http://www.8thstreet.com/product.asp?ProductCode=7308&Category=Microphones

A short mic stand that can hold a heavy mic:

http://www.8thstreet.com/product.asp?ProductCode=1911&Category=Stands

Some decent headphones:

http://www.8thstreet.com/product.asp?ProductCode=10952&Category=Monitoring

and a decent mic cable- you might need up to 20', to get far enough away from the fan on a desktop computer:

http://www.8thstreet.com/product.asp?ProductCode=11383&Category=Microphone

Even for the simple request you are making, there will be a learning curve, and you will have quite a few questions along the way. For most music work, a pair of specialized monitor speakers are used for mixing, but if you keep it simple enough, just doing voiceovers, you should be able to learn to get along without them, at least for a while. The system outlined above will give you the tools to do what you asked for, and if you find you have the aptitude for it, quite a bit more. The hardest thing to find is a good room to do it in. That is far more critical to the process than you know (yet). I find that music practice rooms at a local University can be excellent, and are often available during off hours. Recording at odd hours is good anyway, as there is usually less ambient (background) noise. Good Luck-Richie

THANKS!!! I think I am going to go with this setup (or very similar since the M-audio seems to be Midi only and no XLR) The other thing I was wondering is...It seems like this mic (sm7b) Requires a good preamp, you didnt mention any preamps, is it really necessary?? Thanks!!

 

[Richard Monroe]

Incorrect. First, the combo jacks on the front of the Fast Track *are* XLR jacks, in addition to 1/4" phono jacks- they accept either one. Second, the Fast Track and other similar interfaces have preamps built in, or they wouldn't be able to do anything. M-Audio's DMP-3 is one of the few cheap preamps that can deliver the clean gain needed by a mic like the SM7, and the Fast Track's preamps are based on the same platform. Look Ma, no problem.-Richie

 

[jpf566]

Incorrect. First, the combo jacks on the front of the Fast Track *are* XLR jacks, in addition to 1/4" phono jacks- they accept either one. Second, the Fast Track and other similar interfaces have preamps built in, or they wouldn't be able to do anything. M-Audio's DMP-3 is one of the few cheap preamps that can deliver the clean gain needed by a mic like the SM7, and the Fast Track's preamps are based on the same platform. Look Ma, no problem.-Richie

HOOOO Im stupid. wow combo jacks, I guess i just glanced at them and thought (no three holes, no XLR) thanks for setting me straight Ok wow, Thanks! I was reading other people that were saying things like "awww you need a 600 dollar amp for that mic" and stuff that made me scared. Thanks for all the help!!

 

[jpf566]

Oh and one more question, You would deffinately go with the Fast track over this ? http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.co...lePre-USB-Portable-Audio-Interface?sku=701368

or this?

http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.co...bit96kHz-FireWire-Recording-System?sku=184133

 

[darrin_h2000]

Best of anything at that price point is this one.

http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/product/Line-6-UX2-with-PF?sku=250004

 

[jpf566]

Ohhh GOOD! Another option! Hahaha. So what do you all think about the line6 one? Out of all those whats best? Thanks for your help. Sorry im a noob.

 

[Supercreep]

Nice work, Richie.

 

[Richard Monroe]

I'm not so sure that it's that important. We are talking about a Honda Civic vs. a Toyota Corolla. Darrin is a big supporter of the Line6 interface, and swears by it. I've never used it. I only selected the M-Audio unit because lots of people use it, and it works for them. Regarding the other units- the mobilepre would probably work, but has no S/PDIF in. It's preamps are based on the Audiobuddy, and I think the Fast Track Pro is a better machine with better preamps. The Presonus produces only 45db of gain- If you select that unit, you will need a hotter mic than an SM7- I would recommend a condenser with that pre- say, AKG C2000B and you'd be fine- get a pop filter, also.
The Line 6 unit also, I believe has no S/PDIF in, but will, according to Darrin, at least, (and I believe him) produce enough gain to deal with an SM7. S/PDIF in is not a necessity, but it allows certain kinds of upgrades that you may desire later. 60db of clean gain is not a necessity either, but if you are using an SM7b, *it is*.-Richie

 

[darrin_h2000]

Well the line 6 is alot more for the money...its like comparing a good ole dependable Honda Accord to a decked out mercedees that can be converted into a ferrari...or into a Bugatti....the line6 does so much compared to the other options at $200.

I swear if more of us tried it it would be the go to unit here.

 

[jpf566]

Well the line 6 is alot more for the money...its like comparing a good ole dependable Honda Accord to a decked out mercedees that can be converted into a ferrari...or into a Bugatti....the line6 does so much compared to the other options at $200.

I swear if more of us tried it it would be the go to unit here.

Do you work for Line6? Haha Ok...Well I couldn't find out how much gain the line6 produces..all it said was "more than comparable models" And I really don't need it to do any fancy guitar things (This is for our company, all were doing is recording a voice for a commercial) But if you think the quality is better in any way...I might as well go with it. it looks pretty cool too I just dont want to have to deal with amp modes and stuff though because All im doing is VOICE. You know? Hmmm Decisions Decisions...

 

[darrin_h2000]

It has seperate vocal preamps models that Ive found very useful...you might like the Avalon 737 one for your uses...I use the API 512 and the Neve 1073 mostly here.

 

[Shadow_7]

On the cheap you could go with an M-Audio Mobile Pre and an SM57 or SM58, or Audix i5. It's good enough per say. I just picked up my first dynamic mic today, an Audix i5. Not bad for the $60 I paid used on craigslist. Curiousity got the best of me. I bought the Mobile Pre for $80. To bad my mogami cables cost just as much as either per cable. I suppose I should invest in room treatment someday.