Setting up a (cheap) recording solution for beginner

[|HDS|]

Okay as a disclaimer I want to point out I don't know anything about audio, recording or music. It's not really my field at all.

But anyway the reason I am asking is my fiance has started to sing a lot, she sings and records nonstop but it's kinda sad because all she has is a compact camera that she uses the video recording function on and it all just comes out flat and strange sounding. I tried connecting an ordinary PC mic to her old computer but the quality was just as bad as well as lots of humming and interference.

I was thinking that for christmas I'd give her a better package to record her singing. I am not sure whats the best to get here. I was looking at the Shure SM57 mic since it has such a solid reputation, maybe a pop-filter as well. It was expensive but I figured I could maybe swing it.

But then I found out you also need something called a pre-amp which shoots the cost up even more. So now I don't know about that anymore... So many choices and confusion. Seems like something called the Audio Buddy is often mentioned, can this be directly hooked up to a PCs sound card?

I am also reading right now about something called USB microphones, seems like a one-stop solution, maybe that would be a good option? Samson seems to put out several models.

There's also something called USB audio interfaces that kinda seem like a pre-amp, I am not sure what they do or how they differ from conventional pre-amps?

I guess what I am asking is if any of you could recommend a solution for someone who wants a small amateur home recording setup? Any particular software I should keep in mind, anything open source out there?

I also just found something called "M-Audio Audio Buddy & 990/991 Package" for about 120 USD, contains the audio buddy and microphones. Seems interesting.

 

[smili]

I'm not familiar w/ the Audio Buddy, but yes - a small mixer (get one that supports 48V phantom should you need it going forward - an SM57 doesn't neet it, but other types of mics - condensers - do need phantom power) and an SM57 would be a good starting point. Make sure you get the right adapters to connect the mixer outputs into your soundcard, but that should be a good start.

If you're OK with buying used - you can check craigslist or ebay and get good idea of used market prices for comparison and get some decent stuff for not so much.

edit: If you really only want to get the mic for vocals - there is also the SM58 which has the built in pop filter. MOre convenient than a separate pop filter.

 

[Steenamaroo]

Hey there.

Here's a basic run down of the various elements in the signal path.

***Regardless of what route you take*** there will be

A microphone, a pre ampilfier, and an analog to digital converter.

An example of all of these things separately is mic - mixer - laptop sound card.
An example of all of these things in one package is a USB mic.

An audio interface (generally) has preamplifier(s) and converters built in.


From your description, I'd definitely recommend a decent USB microphone.
It's the most cost effective solution, the simplest to operate, and certainly better quality than running anything into the built in soundcard.

If you have any intention of expanding capabilities in the future, go with an audio interface with at least two preamps built in.
It doesn't sound like that's on your mind though.

Hope that helps.

 

[mjbphotos]

What's the purpose of her recording - just for fun, to get gigs, to be the next Idol?

Agreeing with Steen, the simple cheap first solution would be a USB mic.
The AT2020USB seems to be the best of the mid-price ones @ $149 new.
The Samson C03U is $99, but I haven't heard any real reviews.