Help with Mic, and set up

Posted: Thu Aug 28, 2008 8:23 pm

Hi Guys!
My name is Dino, and I am just getting started at recording. I don't have a great voice, I just want to have some fun. I have fruitloops to make beats, but I'm not great, and I don't know all the features. I have a desktop, and a laptop. I want to use my desktop to record. Is this possible.

I have a Sampson Audio Multi-Patter Condenser Michrophone C03. It didn't come with a cord so I'm wondering where I can buy it, and which one i need. On the bottom of the microphone there are three metal (gold color) pieces making a pyramid lol. I dont know what theyre called.

http://images.buzzillions.com/images_products/10/01/samson_c03_multi_pattern_condenser_reviews_79845_raw.jpg

I'm wondering if there is any way to connect it right from the mic, to my laptop or desktop.? What cord I have to buy, and where to buy it?

Posted: Thu Aug 28, 2008 10:07 pm

hey Dino.
the 3 prongs slide into the female end of an XLR cable.

there is a really cheap way, that i wouldnt do... but if your just fartin around... then get an XLR to 1/4" cable... and get a 1/4 - 1/8 adapter and plug it into the mic input on your comp.

what i would do however... is get a cheap recording interface

www.musiciansfriend.com ... do a search for "recording interface"... then you can choose the price range you want...... if the interface you get has an XLR input... then you would want a standard XLR cable.... if it has a regular line in input (quarter inch input)... then you would need an XLR/ quarter inch cable.

Posted: Thu Aug 28, 2008 10:32 pm

Thanks man.
I don't have a voice, at all. But me and some friends wanna make some funny tracks, like dirt nasty, and andre legacy do. And I'm gonna use the autotune thing for the chorus.

I have Fruity Loops 8. What else do I need? How do I find the autotune thing? I heard I can download G snap.

Posted: Fri Aug 29, 2008 3:35 am

You need a pre-amplifier that will not only amplify the small signals from the microphone but also supply 48V power. It would also be better not to use the sound card in your computer.

Look at something like the M-Audio Mobile Pre USB. This has two channels (so you could use your C03 on one and a guitar on the other) and a USB interface, by-passing the computer sound card. It also provides the 48V phantom power your microphone requires.

You would also need a standard XLR-XLR microphone cable and a microphone stand.

Posted: Fri Aug 29, 2008 4:50 am

I'm not trying to be perfect, im just getting started. Will the Mic with th XLR cable to the adapter, to the laptop be good enough? I just dont want it to sound fuzzy. I want a normal sound.

I am looooow budget, they told me this will cost less then 30 bucks at radioshack.

Posted: Fri Aug 29, 2008 7:45 am

Because it is a condenser microphone you are not going to get any sound out of it without phantom power. Look for an audio interface that has phantom power. The adapters would only work if it was a dynamic microphone.

And while you are shopping pick up a pop filter. Without it the moisture from your breath will degrade the gold diaphragm. The pop filter will also diminish the plosives from P and B sounds.

DjDino wrote:

How do I find the autotune thing? I heard I can download G snap.

GSnap will do what you want. It is not as wild sounding as auto-tune or Melodyne, but it is also free vs $$$$.

Posted: Fri Aug 29, 2008 12:59 pm

Is phantom power expensive? Whats the cheapest possible way to do this?

Posted: Fri Aug 29, 2008 1:25 pm

Cheep is not going to get you very far for very long. You internal sound card is going to be the source of many headache if you continue to use it for recording. Trust me. I've had my fair share of them.

I would recommend the PreSonus Inspire 1394 FireWire Audio Interface Factory B-Stock.

However, if you are strapped for cash after spending $100 on a microphone, this ART Tube MP Studio Mic Preamp for $30 should work. You will need some adapters.

Posted: Fri Aug 29, 2008 1:41 pm

I have barely ANY cash i got the mic for free. Whats the cheappest way to do it....Sound quality doesent have to be great.

Posted: Fri Aug 29, 2008 1:50 pm

Get a pencil and some paper and learn how to write music.

It worked for Mozart and crew now get to it... Chop chop...

Posted: Fri Aug 29, 2008 2:12 pm

Thats funny. I have lyrics...A lot of Techno type stuff.

Posted: Fri Aug 29, 2008 2:22 pm

Techno doesn't need lyrics. You need a vinyl deck and a way of speeding it up, then mixing it with the original track.

$30, I've seen single bank notes with greater value.
Greener's 2nd link gives you the most budget option you can probably get hold of. Then the adapters cost no more than $5 for the lot.

Posted: Fri Aug 29, 2008 9:36 pm

Posted: Fri Aug 29, 2008 10:04 pm

Codemonkey wrote:

Greener's 2nd link gives you the most budget option you can probably get hold of. Then the adapters cost no more than $5 for the lot.

I'll think you'll find Gecko did the linkin' I just took the cheap shot. Razz

Posted: Sat Aug 30, 2008 11:41 am

My apologies.
That's now 5 or more times I've confused you two when reading :S

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