New to Condenser Mics (recording on a PC need help on setting up & required items)

[ProphetSix]

New to Condenser Mics (recording on a PC need help on setting up & required items)

Hi there, I'm new here to this board, and new to recording with a Condenser Mic, I've always used a Dynamic because it's just simple enough, but now I want my recordings to sound crisp, and clear without so much static! Anyway, I've purchased the "Rode NT1A" I don't need advice on which Mic is best for me, I need directions and suggestions on audio-interfaces. I've seen various types and I'm not sure which one works best, I'm not looking to spend more than $100-ish. The M-Audio fast Track MKII is what I'm looking at, but I'm not sure if this is any good? I just want something simple, that provides the power I need to run my Mic. Do I need to get a seperate pre-amp? Or is that really for more experiences recording artists? Of anything I know 48v is most common, and it's definatly required for my mic to run correctly. I actually have no gotten the mic (via UPS) yet. I just want to know what would be my best bet? Affordable, simple, gets the job done, isn't crap...Thanks in advance!

 

[SteveCPerrino]

Honestly, you aren't going to get an amazing interface for roughly $100, but you can get something that will work. Fast Track would probably be your best, I also am I fan of Presonus interface, and they have a 2 channel interface with phantom power. You might want to check those out, but with that budget the quality is probably going to be the same-ish. That's just my opinion though, other may argue differently.

And no, you don't need a seperate preamp, the mic will work just plugging in straight into the interface, but a preamp will improve the sound a LOT. Especially if you get a tube preamp. I would recommend getting one when the money comes around. But if you got a nice condensor mic you should be fine for now.