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pooder
New member
i am interested in buying an inexpensive starter mic that can handle voice and acoustic guitar. Can anyone name a brand or model number? Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks, Lee
Whoopysnorp
New member
First answer us this--what are you planning to plug it into?
A lot of people don't initially realize they will need some sort of mic pre-amp to plug into. And the mic input on your Sound Blaster isn't going to make you very happy, I'm afraid, so best to forget it altogether. Should I hazard a guess and assume you're planning to record with your computer (like most of us here do)?
A lot of people don't initially realize they will need some sort of mic pre-amp to plug into. And the mic input on your Sound Blaster isn't going to make you very happy, I'm afraid, so best to forget it altogether. Should I hazard a guess and assume you're planning to record with your computer (like most of us here do)?
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pooder
New member
not computer recording....
i don't plan on starting on computer recording. I am buying a simple 4-track recorder and need a mic to handle both voice and acoustic guitar....(on a budget). Thanks for you speedy reply. And can you further explain what i will need.
I have been doing extensive research and discovered that i need (for beginners) a 4-track recorder, mic, headphones.
i don't plan on starting on computer recording. I am buying a simple 4-track recorder and need a mic to handle both voice and acoustic guitar....(on a budget). Thanks for you speedy reply. And can you further explain what i will need.
I have been doing extensive research and discovered that i need (for beginners) a 4-track recorder, mic, headphones.
M
mrbigputts
New member
The Shure SM57 is a great "workhorse" mic. You can pick one up for about $80 just about anywhere. Always a sound investment....you'll use it forever no matter how far your recording interests take you. Great live too.
crazydoc
Master Baiter
1) What's your mic budget? $5, $50, $100? Total budget?
2) Unless you need a 4-track for portability, you'd be better off in the short and long run to record with your computer. If you use your current sound card initially you can get a mic such as the Studio Projects B1 for $80, a pre like the Audio Buddy for $80, software for free for demo versions, or N-Track for $40. So for about $200 you're in business. You can upgrade to a better soundcard later, but whatever came with the computer is probably adequate until you figure out what you're doing.
3) If you use a 4-track, without phantom power you're going to be limited pretty much to dynamic mics like the Shure SM57 or SM58 which run $80 -$100 or so I think. You can find cheaper mics but in general the lower the price the lower the quality.
Hope this helps - you'll get lots more advice about this from people that know a hell of a lot more than I do.
2) Unless you need a 4-track for portability, you'd be better off in the short and long run to record with your computer. If you use your current sound card initially you can get a mic such as the Studio Projects B1 for $80, a pre like the Audio Buddy for $80, software for free for demo versions, or N-Track for $40. So for about $200 you're in business. You can upgrade to a better soundcard later, but whatever came with the computer is probably adequate until you figure out what you're doing.
3) If you use a 4-track, without phantom power you're going to be limited pretty much to dynamic mics like the Shure SM57 or SM58 which run $80 -$100 or so I think. You can find cheaper mics but in general the lower the price the lower the quality.
Hope this helps - you'll get lots more advice about this from people that know a hell of a lot more than I do.
Whoopysnorp
New member
Yes, everybody needs an SM57. It sounds great on some things, like snare drums and electric guitars, and it usually sounds at least OK on everything else. Many 4-track recorders have mic preamps built in, so you wouldn't have to get a separate one. Just make sure this is the case before you make your selection. You'll know if it has mic preamps if there are XLR inputs--these are a circular jack with three holes for pins.
Now, I'm going to hazard another suggestion, which may not be the best for a beginner, but here goes: assuming your 4-track can provide phantom power, the Behringer ECM8000 might be good to have. It only costs $35 and should be a little better than the SM57 on acoustic guitar (though not necessarily on voice). On the down side, since this is a condensor mic, you NEED phantom power, which is a power source supplied by the mic preamp. The 4-track may not have this. You don't need phantom power for a dynamic mic like the SM57. Also, you'll pick up a lot of unwanted noise if you don't have a quiet, nice-sounding room.
So the SM57 is probably the best place for anybody to start.
Now, I'm going to hazard another suggestion, which may not be the best for a beginner, but here goes: assuming your 4-track can provide phantom power, the Behringer ECM8000 might be good to have. It only costs $35 and should be a little better than the SM57 on acoustic guitar (though not necessarily on voice). On the down side, since this is a condensor mic, you NEED phantom power, which is a power source supplied by the mic preamp. The 4-track may not have this. You don't need phantom power for a dynamic mic like the SM57. Also, you'll pick up a lot of unwanted noise if you don't have a quiet, nice-sounding room.
So the SM57 is probably the best place for anybody to start.
TexRoadkill
Audio Bum
For the love of all that is holy please do not get a casette 4track. They should be gathered up and burned in a huge bonfire. My voice mail sounds better than most casette units.
Spend your dough on a small mixer and use your computer.
Spend your dough on a small mixer and use your computer.
T
tdukex
Man of the Muse
TexRoadkill said:
LMAO
