Ow, my head

[daffy]

Well, I've spent some hours reading and trying to figure out what I should do and I'm still undecided. Actually, undecided is too settled. Clueless is more like it. A little background first. I am a solo singer at square one with a "setup" that couldn't get much worse. What is it? I record on a PC with a Soundblaster Augidy 2 ZS and the mic that came with the computer. Yes, one of those tiny microphones. Believe it or not, I actually have done recordings on this . Don't worry, I haven't made anyone listen to them. I'm inching towards that direction and I would like to upgrade. What I need is a better mic that will work with my current PC. In theory, this shouldn't be hard to accomplish, but there's so many considerations.

I would like to take the tiniest next step up. This means inexpensive, since I don't anticipate anyone else to listen yet. I am only looking to spend $100 to get a better setup and the less the better. If you could think of this as helping me find a better toy to play with, that would be accurrate . To give you an idea of what I'm looking at, I'm thinking of getting the Nady SP-5 or something similar for my mic. I guess the confusing part is getting that mic to work with my PC. For this "upgrade," all I want is better sound and I assume if I can get this mic connected, it will do the job (right?). I will only use one source and that's to record vocals (no bands or instruments). My first thought was to convert the XLR to 1/8" somehow, but I know that this is the worse route and if it will even be tolerable I'm not really sure. Perhaps one of those external devices would be better? I am aware of mixers and audio interfaces, though I'm still not clear what the difference is. One allows you to balance the audio channels and the other just allows you to connect them? Then there's the pre-amp, which amplifies the signal? I know that the signal will be weak if I convert the XLR to 1/8", but do I need a pre-amp if I use an audio interface/mixer?

If I really just want this small upgrade and not thinking about future upgrades (condenser mics, phantom power, other stuff I don't know), what is the best way to go about it? I do know that I can do the M-Audio Fast Track or M-Audio Audio Buddy and that may work, but even those devices seem like they may be overkill. I like those because they have the USB connection (my computer doesn't have firewire) and I don't know how else I can connect other devices to the computer (something about using the line-in?). Is there not a simpler way to connect an XLR mic and get decent sound? If not, then what other models should I be looking at or are those two the most suitable for my purposes? Any suggestions and advice are appreciated. Thanks a lot .

 

[groovyisland]

there is such a thing as a usb microphone. you can get a condenser usb microphone and it will go right into your computer and probably will come with software so you can record your voice

Nady USB-24M USB Microphone

$39.95

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Nady-USB24M-USB-microphone?sku=272015

thats cheap enough huh?

Blue Snowball USB Microphone

thats the one that will sound great

The world's first professional USB mic offers plug and play, accurate, versatile input for your computer.

$99.99

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Blue-Snowball-USB-Microphone?sku=279015

Easy-to-use USB condenser mic captures unheard-of detail whether you're recording a band in a professional studio or an acoustic guitar in your living room. The Snowball is ideal for podcasting as well. Plug-and-play your Snowball with your PC or Mac with no added software. The Snowball's 3-pattern switch allows you to choose from cardioid, cardioid with -10dB pad, and omnidirectional. The dual-capsule design allows the Snowball to handle anything you can throw at it, from soft vocals to loud garage bands. (No refrigeration necessary!)

 

[groovyisland]

they have other ones too. the nady isnt a condenser but its cheap

the alesis looks good

and theres an mxl

MXL 990-USB Powered Condenser Microphone

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/MXL-990USB-USB-Powered-Condenser-Microphone?sku=271009

MXL USB mics open up a new era of high quality recording direct to a portable or desktop computer. No mixers, preamps, or special studio gear required. Just plug into your computer, set your preferences, and enjoy instant professional quality recordings.

what could be better?

 

[andyhix]

I'd get a 2 channel USB interface (like the M-audio mobilepre - maybe find a used one to keep in your budget?) and 1 cheapish mic. The interface will yield much better results than the soundblaster. It also provides phantom power for condensor mics. Speaking of condensor mics, a good option for you might be one of these: MSH1 for $22 http://www.naiant.com/studiostore.html - made by one of the regular contributors to this BBS. Really good sound for the price.

 

[daffy]

Thanks groovyisland and andyhix . A USB microphone would definitely work, but I'm a little worried about their quality, if I can use that word at my price range. Do you think that even the Nady USB-24M will provide noticeable improvement? What I like about going the XLR route is that it gives me a little more flexibility on the choice of mics. I can test a number of mics and see what I like. I'm a little worried about condenser mics, because I'm not exactly in a recording environment. There's a lot of ambient noise that I think it would probably pick up (computer fans and A/C). The MSH1 is certainly worth considering though. If I'm only buying a dynamic mic, is a pre-amp the main requirement so I can use it on my computer? I know that with a condenser, I'd have to get something that provides phantom power like the MobilePre mentioned. Things are starting to make sense, so thanks again.

 

[andyhix]

I don't know anything about USB mics, other than they seem gimmicky. But they could be awesome, and I'm actually the fool. But get yourself a decent mic with XLR and you will have a lot more flexibility, and not likely be putting it up on ebay in 6 months. Anyway, to answer your Q, yes, if you are just using a dynamic mic, you wouldn't need anthing with phantom power.

The reality is, though, unless you have a life changing event and turn your back on music forever or something, you will at some point (sooner than you think) be buying more mics, and more gear in general. So, with that in mind, consider what you buy now, because an extra 10 or 30 bucks now might give you something (like phantom power) that you will need relatively soon.

Finally, you can get a nice sound from a condensor mic even in a crappy room. What's more important is the polar pattern. A cardioid pattern (unlike the MSH mic I suggested) will be more directional and not pic up the room sound as much.

 

[jeap]

For what you want to spend a usb mic seems like a good choice.

To get an interface and a mic would almost certainly be over 100 dollars I think

 

[daffy]

I wanted to give you all an update. I decided to buy a preamp and mic even if it was a little over my budget. I didn't want to buy just a USB mic, because if I wasn't satisfied, I would have to start over. I ended up getting a MobilePre and for now, just a Nady SP5.

Interestingly, I don't notice much of a difference. It's hard to decide if it's any better. The change in the quality of the recording is very subtle. It doesn't seem to sound as dry, but it also doesn't seem as clear. I'm not disappointed though. It may take some getting used to and the recordings are cleaner. Anyone have any suggestions on how to compare the mics?

It may be the mic or maybe it's me . You guys didn't tell me that a new setup would not make me a rockstar. Maybe I need to buy a condenser mic now! Still, it was fun not going to work .

 

[groovyisland]

i wouldnt expect this mic to sound like much

NADY SP5 Dynamic Microphone Ref: MIC0002


Balanced, natural sound with bottom-end warmth, mid-range presence and a smooth high end– a great all-purpose mic perfect for all live sound and recording applications.

Click for Specifications

Price: £20.00



im sure the mobilepre is decent though. yeah look at nicer mics. something in the mxl line maybe.

sounding like a rock star takes software. you need compression reverb echo and stuff like that

 

[groovyisland]

how about the m-audio luna to go with your m-audio mobilepre

you would be the cows meow

 

[groovyisland]

youll be surprised at what reverb delay and compression will do

 

[cusebassman]

Okay - you bought a MobilePre, which is a good place to start. Its got phantom power, which will be key if you end up going with a condenser mic of most kinds... as for your concern about external noise, condensers will pick up a fair bit, but you can control it with placement and technique.

As for improving on the SP-5, just about anything will do.

The MSH-1's suggested above are omni-directional mics, which means they will pick up the same volume of input from any direction - so they are probably not the best mic to start with in an untreated room, on a voice.

A couple of different mics around here are tried-and-true workhorses... the MXL 990 gets opposite reactions from different people - Ive recorded vocals on one just within the last few days that weren't much different in quality from the vocal mic I usually use which cost 10 times more... but others have had different reactions.

Another mic is the Studio Projects B1 - a bit more expensive than the MXL 990, but also another good condenser people have liked on vocals.

A final note would be that I do in fact own the Nady SP-5 - I bought the three-pack when I wanted some cheap backups for live use. I also own the 990, as well as a number of other mics in a number of price ranges. Perhaps this evening I'll run the SP-5 and the 990 through the M-Audio DMP-3 pre, straight into the line-in on my laptop, and post some comparisons on my voice. Its nothing too pretty, but it will do

Comparison post to come later!

 

[Sonic Rat]

nady

I use Nadys on live mobil recordings...got tired of my good mics getting trashed occasionally..they hold up and sound fine for cheap mics.....I have 15 of them......( 3 pack deal)

 

[cusebassman]

Oh, they do in fact get the job done, especially for how inexpensive they are - and they are essentially all housing, so they can be used to beat people when necessary

It just so happens that they produce mediocre results that need a LOT of work in post, even for live recordings. Not the mic I would recommend for a home recordist, even if they are just starting out.

 

[daffy]

groovyisland, I will keep that mic in mind, but I need more convincing that I will actually sound any better before I jump into a different price level. I've played very little with any sound effects and editing. I've also never heard of a cow's meow, so I'm not sure I want to sound like that .

Sonic Rat, it's good to know that I'm using a mic that is actually used by others, though maybe not for the same purposes.

cusebassman, thanks for your input. A comparison would definitely help and be greatly appreciated. Maybe you can also mention what effects you use, if any, so I can get a better idea of the difference?

 

[battleminnow]

Another thing to consider is that the quality of your monitoring system is probably not that great, so you or anyone would have a hard time hearing even some dramatic differences.

Pete

 

[andyhix]

See - the slippery slope is getting steeper! Better get a second job!

The MSH-1's suggested above are omni-directional mics, which means they will pick up the same volume of input from any direction - so they are probably not the best mic to start with in an untreated room, on a voice.

Good point Cuse. Scratch that one off the list.