Mic options
Saturday, November 04 2006 @ 02:23 PM CST

Im looking to upgrade my M-Aidio soundcheck mic for the home Studio. Any recommendations on the specifications I should look at? Just a hobby composer here & afordability is an issue.

Re:Mic options
Saturday, November 04 2006 @ 02:40 PM CST

For the Money, given what I hear from those who use them (and Post Work here) the RODE NT1-A and the Marshalls are incredible condensers.

If you're using USB rather than a 48v box, the BLUE Snowball is a Killer.

All, currently, just about being Given Away, less than $200 per.

Best Regards,
Cooper

Re:Mic options
Saturday, November 04 2006 @ 02:51 PM CST

Im using a XLR connection with a M-Audio fastTrack box with no Phantom feature. Does that mean I can,t use a 48V mic?
comments appreciated, Thanks

Re:Mic options
Saturday, November 04 2006 @ 03:30 PM CST

Quote by: easytbird Im using a XLR connection with a M-Audio fastTrack box with no Phantom feature. Does that mean I can,t use a 48V mic? comments appreciated, Thanks

Most condensers need the 48v phantom power, indeed all condensers that I know of. However, there are fine dynamic mics that do not require power. The Shure 58 is a performance standard that can't be bettered for it's Performance/Price (again, less than $200). It works well with vocals and high SPL situations, such as mic-ing an amplifier.

Though, if you're after a condenser, like the RODE or the Marshall, A/D boxes With 48v Phantom can be had starting around $150, or maybe less, these days. M-Audio has several, as well as the FireWire gang, like the PreSonus Gear, for marginally more money. The FireWire has a faster signal for when things start to add up (i.e. more than one mic in play) for when you're mic-ing both guitar and vocal in the same capture, and the like.

Come to think of it, though, I believe the BLUE SnowBall can go straight into a computer USB, without the 48v AND it is a condenser. One of the Best Singer/Writers I know of does exactly that!

Best Regards,
Cooper

Re:Mic options
Saturday, November 04 2006 @ 03:38 PM CST

Thanks much ,Cooper
Your advice has set me on target.

I appreciate your time,

TBirD

Re:Mic options
Saturday, November 04 2006 @ 04:53 PM CST

Check this out, Brother. Ouite some package. Check the three-pattern specs.

BLUE SnowBall,

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/Snowball/

Re:Mic options
Saturday, November 04 2006 @ 05:17 PM CST

Just took a look at the Snowball specs, and there is one area of slight concern, in that conversion to digital is fixed at 44.1k/16 bit, which means that there will come a time eventually that you won't think it's good enough - me I'd recommend a 58 anyway; the main points about 58's are; 1- it's a great sounding mic 2- step on a stage of any size, large or small, anywhere in the world and the odds are you will be given a 58 to sing through 3- they're tough and last for years 4 they don't need phantom power 5- because they're less sensitive than condensers, you are less likely to need a compressor to control your dynamic range, thus saving you at least a hundred dollars and the time needed to learn yet another piece of gear.
Hope this helps, Shaky

Re:Mic options
Saturday, November 04 2006 @ 06:19 PM CST

Why get just a box for phantom power when you can get a basic mixer with phantom power from Behringer and the like for the same price or less? For example, Behringer Xenyx 1204 gives you four XLR imputs and even a USB interface for $140.00, and there are some that are less expensive.

I have a Marshall condenser and a CAD e100 and like them both for vocals and all-around. The Marshall sounds better on my wife's voice, the CAD on mine. I had been using the CAD to mic the guitars, but just got the stereo matched pair of Behringer C2 small diaphragm condencers for $49.95. They do great for the guitar. Trouble is, they're hard to find in stock anywhere. It took me three months to get mine. But they were worth the wait. Of course, I'd prefer RODEs, but I got 9 kids, so the budget's tight.

Re:Mic options
Sunday, November 05 2006 @ 08:34 AM CST

I think Shaky's on to something here. If you look around, you can find Shure SM58s for around $100, maybe even a bit less. These are workhorse mics, in use everywhere. Durable, good sounding, and you don't need phantom power. The brother of the 58 is the 57, which is widely regarded as THE mic to use on guitar cabinets.

Mason

Re:Mic options
Saturday, November 11 2006 @ 06:19 AM CST

I bought a Phantom power adapter (cheap) & AKG PERCEPTION 200 condenser mic .javascript:emoticon('') props to the postersjavascript:emoticon('')