not getting volume on mic

[acey7ride]

Every mic that I've used to record my music has always come in quiet into my computer. I always have to amplify it with my program, and then I get a lot of static. The only mic that has worked is a cheepo radio shack one that has an amplifier built in. Is it just because my other mics suck (if so, which ones would be good- I'm an amateur musician and I like to record music on my own but I don't want to be spending more than a $300 on a mic). Please e-mail me if you have any suggestions! Thanks

 

[Farview]

What are you using for a mic preamp?

 

[Innovations]

Every mic that I've used to record my music has always come in quiet into my computer. I always have to amplify it with my program, and then I get a lot of static. The only mic that has worked is a cheepo radio shack one that has an amplifier built in. Is it just because my other mics suck (if so, which ones would be good- I'm an amateur musician and I like to record music on my own but I don't want to be spending more than a $300 on a mic). Please e-mail me if you have any suggestions! Thanks

ANY mic that you send into the line-in of your computer (and you want to use the line-in rather than the mic-in) will need a preamp. Fortunately a basic preamp and a basic mic can be had within your $300 budget.

 

[crazydoc]

Here, read this to start:
https://homerecording.com/bbs/showthread.php?t=127503

 

[omtayslick]

Good advice by crazydoc on that thread. The only thing I stress is this: If you are using the stock soundcard that came with your computer, replacing it is essential to getting pleasant sound. The typical soundblasters that come stock on most computers play back music OK, but record really nasty. I would probably do this: Audiophile $100. Preamp-Audiobuddy or DMP3. And the balance on a decent all-purpose mic. Either a Shure SM57, or a Studio projects (not Behringer) B-1.

Good luck & enjoy!