What all do I need for a good instrument and voice recording microphone?

[Straitsfan]

Hello all --

Man, I can't remember the last time I was here.

I'm looking for a good microphone to record instruments. I'm a guitar player and would like to record some compositions, etc.

I've heard that the Shure SM57 is a standard for instrument recording. But I don't know what else I would need as I want to record into Garage Band on my Mac and Linux Software. So could you tell me what else I need to go into a computer? As well, I think I need to buy a stand but I'm not sure what kind; nothing special, just a good basic adjustable stand that I can manipulate/rotate to place the mic in front of my amplifier.

What mics are recommended for vocal recording?

If you have any other questions or need any other information please let me know.

 

[gecko zzed]

You won't lose by getting an SM57. You will need an audio interface. The SM57 plugs into the interface, and the interface connects to the mac via USB.

 

[TalismanRich]

The simplest setup would be a USB mic, like a Rode NT1 5th Gen. It eliminates the need for the interface, but you don't have options for direct in recording that way. It's a pretty good mic, and if you decide to take a deeper plunge into recording, it also has a standard XLR connection to use with an audio interface.

An SM57 is a good mic, but you will need an interface. Another budget choice that is actually darn good is an MXL V67G.

If you want an interface, try to get a 2 channel one to start. The day will come when you want to record two mics. A Motu M2 is an excellent choice, as it the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2. If budget requires, you can always get by with a Behringer UMC204HD.

A On-Stage boom stand or a house brand (Musicians Friend, etc) will run you about $30 or so. You don't need a heavy weighted stand to start out.

For home recording, a couple of XLR balanced mic cables are needed. $15-20 for a 20 ft cable should cover it. ProCo and Hosa makes good cable. You don't need gold plated connectors and Mogami wiring. Either the cable works or it doesn't. I bought a bunch of cables on sale at Guitar Center years ago, and they work fine.


If you go with the NT1 and a stand, it will cost you under $300. You can do basic recording, but are limted to just using a mic for recording.

You can go with the UMC204HD, an SM57 or V67G-HE, stand and cables will run you about $300. Upgrading to a Motu M2 will be about $400.

 

[Bstrom]

Stereo recording is highly recommended in professional circles - gives you the ability to combine wet and dry tracks. An interface and mics is needed as mentioned above.

If you are going bare bones, a USB mic like the desktop Blue Yeti ($50-75) is an ideal condenser to start with - I have one for my Mac mini M4. It ewill make mono channels and you can process them in GB - or better yet with a DAW.

 

[Straitsfan]

You won't lose by getting an SM57. You will need an audio interface. The SM57 plugs into the interface, and the interface connects to the mac via USB.

Thank you. I came across a package on Shure's site including the mic and an interface. Is that the kind of thing you're talking about? By the way, the computer I'm using has usb 2, not usb 3 or later. Would that present a problem?

 

[Straitsfan]

Stereo recording is highly recommended in professional circles - gives you the ability to combine wet and dry tracks. An interface and mics is needed as mentioned above.

If you are going bare bones, a USB mic like the desktop Blue Yeti ($50-75) is an ideal condenser to start with - I have one for my Mac mini M4. It ewill make mono channels and you can process them in GB - or better yet with a DAW.

I'm not sure what I would do or need re: recording in stereo. Can you give me more details on how that works on a computer? I just thought that you plug in and record, etc.

 

[TalismanRich]

You want a Digital Audio Workstation aka DAW. This is a multitrack recording program where you and record things, add new tracks. For example you can put down a guitar track then add a lead vocal and several backing vocals. Many of us prefer Reaper, although Garage Band will do the same. I mentioned these in your other post.

Many people will record acoustic guitars with two mics to balance the sound of the body with the sound of the strings. Pointing at the body can sound boomy, pointing only at the neck and be too thin sounding. Blending the two can give you a better result. But that means using two microphones. If you are recording drums, you can use anywhere from two to 12 mics, depending on how you want things to sound.

I'm not sure which interface you are seeing on Shure's site unless it's MTXU2. I think it's way overpriced and limited. There are much better options.

USB2 is more than adequate. What might make a difference is the computer processor speed, amount of RAM and the storage (SSD is preferable).

This is an example of what you need for recording. You don't need EVERYTHING the fellow shows, but it's the general idea.

 

[Bstrom]

I'm not sure what I would do or need re: recording in stereo. Can you give me more details on how that works on a computer? I just thought that you plug in and record, etc.

Recording stereo tracks - or even more at the same time - offers the choice to add effects on one track to a dry or uneffected track, combining the original sound with effects like reverb, echo, delays, etc. to add depth or dimension to your vocals. As needed or desired of course.

You'll need a minimum of two mics and an interface to bring the tracks into a DAW for processing. Try it and see.

 

[Papanate]

Thank you. I came across a package on Shure's site including the mic and an interface. Is that the kind of thing you're talking about? By the way, the computer I'm using has usb 2, not usb 3 or later. Would that present a problem?

A PC?

 

[TalismanRich]

He mentioned Garage Band, so that say Mac, not PC.

 

[Slouching Raymond]

I recommend the Hercules 'Low' boom stand.
It has a cast iron base.
I use one one to place a mic just above my hi-hats.
It is good for micing a sit-down acoustic guitar.
I have 3 altogether.

 

[Straitsfan]

Follow up question -- what XLR cable brands do you recommend?

 

[rob aylestone]

Cables and connectors have a few differences - expensive ones allow you to drive your vehicle over them and they don't get angry. Cheap cables can crush and the connectors might go oval and jam. Both sound the same - treat one type as disposable, as in if you left it somewhere it's not worth going back for, and the other kind can easily last 50 years.

 

[Straitsfan]

Cables and connectors have a few differences - expensive ones allow you to drive your vehicle over them and they don't get angry. Cheap cables can crush and the connectors might go oval and jam. Both sound the same - treat one type as disposable, as in if you left it somewhere it's not worth going back for, and the other kind can easily last 50 years.

Okay-- so can you recommend any brands?

 

[Bstrom]

Okay-- so can you recommend any brands

Instrument/microphone (TS) cables transmit weak, high-impedance signals from a guitar or keyboard to an amplifier. They are heavily shielded to block out background interference.
Recording (XLR/TRS) cables carry much stronger, low-impedance audio signals (like from a microphone to an interface). They rarely need shielding but require thicker conductors to handle higher power levels.
Neutrik connectors are desirable. Wire gauge should be listed on better cables.

 

[TalismanRich]

Instrument/microphone cables transmit weak, high-impedance signals from a guitar or keyboard to an amplifier. They are heavily shielded to block out background interference. Recording cables carry much stronger, low-impedance audio signals (like from a microphone to an interface). They rarely need shielding but require thicker conductors to handle higher power level.

Line level signals don't need thicker wire than a microphone. Even at professional level (+4dBu) you're talking about 1.2v at a 0dB reference level. Consumer grade is more like 0.36V for 0dB reference. What thicker wire gives you is sturdier construction. Most are going to have 20-24gauge conductors.

Follow up question -- what XLR cable brands do you recommend?

Where are you located? Your options may be different than mine. What you DON'T need is a $50 10ft cable with fancy wire. Hosa, PigHog, ProCo are decent brands. You should be able to find a couple of 25ft cables for about $30 for a 2 pack.

https://www.amazon.com/XLR-Cables-2...d/dp/B0DDXQNKQQ?ref_=ast_bl_cpl_dp&th=1&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/PHM25-High-Performance-Microphone-Cable/dp/B006M01WFE/ref=ast_sto_dp_puis

 

[Straitsfan]

Line level signals don't need thicker wire than a microphone. Even at professional level (+4dBu) you're talking about 1.2v at a 0dB reference level. Consumer grade is more like 0.36V for 0dB reference. What thicker wire gives you is sturdier construction. Most are going to have 20-24gauge conductors.


Where are you located? Your options may be different than mine. What you DON'T need is a $50 10ft cable with fancy wire. Hosa, PigHog, ProCo are decent brands. You should be able to find a couple of 25ft cables for about $30 for a 2 pack.

https://www.amazon.com/XLR-Cables-2...d/dp/B0DDXQNKQQ?ref_=ast_bl_cpl_dp&th=1&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/PHM25-High-Performance-Microphone-Cable/dp/B006M01WFE/ref=ast_sto_dp_puis

I'm in Indiana. I saw shure makes a 25 foot cable. Are you familiar with those and if so what do you think of them?

 

[Bstrom]

Should be ideal - they make microphones! XLR I assume?

 

[TalismanRich]

It should be fine.

 

[Papanate]

Should be ideal - they make microphones! XLR I assume?

I would buy on Amazon. Various XLR Cable