pros and cons of a usb microphone

  • Thread starter Thread starter VerseHI
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VerseHI

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still deciding what kind of microphone to buy.
a mic that would suit a highschool student with a low budget.
 
USB Microphones... PRO's -- Quick, easy to set up, mic, preamp, converter and interface built into one inexpensive unit.

CON's -- Mic, preamp, converter and interface built into one inexpensive unit. Generally sounds like crap.
 
Cheap interface plus a GLS mic will outdo a USB mic I think. And save a few bucks.
 
SM57 or 58 and a regular audio interface.

USB mics are for podcasters (internet radio chat shows), not music production.
You'll have monitoring problems trying to do multiple tracks.
The analog>digital converters are lesser quality.
The short cords will introduce a LOT of computer fan noise.

Get yourself a real audio interface. Here's a good guide:
Audio Interfaces and Soundcards

(you'll want to bookmark and read through ALL of Tweak's Guide...)
 
TimOBrien said:
SM57 or 58 and a regular audio interface.

USB mics are for podcasters (internet radio chat shows), not music production.
You'll have monitoring problems trying to do multiple tracks.
The analog>digital converters are lesser quality.
The short cords will introduce a LOT of computer fan noise.

Get yourself a real audio interface. Here's a good guide:
Audio Interfaces and Soundcards

(you'll want to bookmark and read through ALL of Tweak's Guide...)
Click to expand...

I HIGHLY recommend TWEAK'S GUIDE as well!
 
buzzard bass said:
How would you connect that to a computer?
Click to expand...

You cant without an interface - its only a preamp (and most usb external interfaces already have the same quality of preamp as the AudioBuddy.)

My original recommendation still stands.
 
M-Audio makes a USB mic called the "Producer". You can get a package deal from best buy or online with the USB Mic/ M-Audio's session software. If you have never recorded anything....this might be a good stepping stone for you. Its cheap....around 99 bucks for the package. With audio equipment you get what you pay for. Its great stuff if you just starting out though....because you won't know the sound difference from the Producers built in preamp...from an external preamp connected to a decent mic. Check out what some of the guys have said above about the Tweeks website. I would say buy what isn't going to overwhelm you at first.....learn some tricks of the trade....THEN upgrade to something of your choice.

In reality....the "qaulity" of the sound is going to sound great to you...via a USB mic. Anything that doesn't sound like complete crap is going to be awesome once you hit the record button a few times.

Once you start learning how to use the equipment....upgrade....then the "quality" of the sound will be noticeable.

Honestly though....your skills will impact the "quality" more than anything. What YOU know and how to effectively use your knowledge in the recording realm.

A 2000 dollar mic hooked up to a 2000 dollar preamp...connected to a 2000 dollar interface.....is going to sound like CRAP if you don't know what you are doing.

man....why do i always ramble when i post????
 
Massive Master's first reply sums it up well, but one extra thought: spending your money on a USB mic is investing in a bit of a dead end. If you decide to go farther with home recording, you'll pretty much have to put the original mic up on eBay and start over.

On the other hand, if you buy a well-chosen interface and mic, upgrading can be adding things rather than replacing your initial investment. I've been doing home recording since the 1980s and still use my original microphone (an AKG D202 for those interested) from time to time even though I've bought lots more new and different mics over the years.

Bob
 
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