novice microphone recording question(help)

[joe75249]

i been recording on my computer for a couple of years and been geting praise with what i put out on cd.everybody say it sound almost like it was done in a real studio, exept one thing.when im mixing and recording i heatr stuff the average listner dosent hear like all the little static in the vocal when u have just the vocal just going solo u can hear static. i heard that i need to buy a pre amp or i think i heard i mixer and also i heard i shouldent record right in to sound card but they said a mixer or preamp should fix that i just dont know. . also i was going to buy a new codenser mike and i see they have them going from 50 dollars now i was wondering any ideal on any good cheap mic under 300 dollars. any help would be helpful

 

[mixsit]

If you posted exactly what you are using now, it would be easier to break down where the most improvement might be made.
A guess at priorities might go something like; 1) A decent mic, 2) some sound control for the recording room/environment, 3) min. quality mic pre and sound card/converter. Something along those lines.
Wayne

 

[soundchaser59]

A- GOOD

B- CHEAP

C- MICROPHONE


Pick any two.

 

[Ashkins]

Sounds like you do need a preamp.
1. The hiss/static is probably because of the low signal/noise ratio if you're plugged directly into the soundcard. A preamp will help you out here, setting the input gain to a sensible level.
2. If you buy a condenser mic, you will need phantom power source (ie mixer or preamp strip).

If you want a good cheap condenser, erm... yeah, you'd probably be better saving a bit more cash. Saying that though, take a look at Audio Technica stuff, eg AT4040 is pretty nice for the money and should be under $300. However, chosing a mic isn't as simple as just 'buying a good mic' it really depends on what you're recording, where and how you're recording it, and what you're going to do with the recording once it's on tape. Experimentation is usually the best tool, but obviously you can't just buy a whole bunch of mics and hope you find a use for them all. If you can, head down to your local sound supplier and ask if you can try out a few mics, or maybe they'd do a quick demo for you and explain why different mics sound like they do.

Off on a tangent - sorry, preamps. Yes sounds like a preamp will sort out your static noise problems, unless it's problem with the sound card like a faulty driver, but i reckon the problem lies with the preamping. Look into getting a cheap mixing desk to obtain multiple preamps + eq control, or just a stand alone preamp unit.

Yes, Preamp. Such a nice sounding word...

 

[joe75249]

thanks for the help