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Hi, I am new here :) i'v started recording some vocals and at the moment i'm using just a $10 headset to record my vocals. and i want something that records with better quality. I have little knowledge in musical equipments. I understand that i need a preamp ( i just want to record my vocal) and a mic? but I'm using a standard pc soundcard. do i need adopters for the pre-amp? are there are any that give adopters with it or dont need adopters? my pc is 3 years old and is pentium 4.

My budget is under $300 for the preamp n the mic and adopters if necessary. I use Audacity to record and edit and fruity loops to mix. i looked at a few alternatives.

. M-Audio USB MICs . Are they any good?
. Samson C01U Condenser USB Microphone
. Behringer B1 Single Diaphragm Studio Condenser Microphone
. Audio-Technica AT2020 Studio Microphone

.Behringer XENYX 802 Mixer

plz advise me on what I should get and if its not above where can i get it from? and also do i need adopters? and how do i set them up? thanks

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anonymous Tue, 09/16/2008 - 09:26

I'd suggest saving up a little more and getting a 2 port usb pre and a Sure SM58 microphone.

There are plenty of cheap 2 port usb preamps out there. I have an Edirol UA-25 and it's as slick as pig sh... Yeah... I mean I like it.

Anyways, I suggest you buy it from an actual shop with some sort of returns policy because if you can't get it to work on your budget PC you may need to swap for a different make/model.

anonymous Tue, 09/16/2008 - 09:29

Of the gear you are looking at, I would only really consider the AT2020. (not the USB version) The others are... not so good.

Instead of getting a pre amp, I would recommend getting an audio interface that has a built in pre amp. USB microphones are very convenient, and the quality will be better than your headset, however I would recommend not using one.

The [="http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/product/MAudio-Fast-Track-Pro-Mobile-USB-Audio-MIDI-Interface?sku=241710"]M-Audio Fast Track Pro Mobile USB Audio/MIDI Interface[/]="http://pro-audio.mu…"]M-Audio Fast Track Pro Mobile USB Audio/MIDI Interface[/] and the [[url=http://="http://pro-audio.mu…"]MXL 3000 Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone[/]="http://pro-audio.mu…"]MXL 3000 Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone[/] Would pair well, and get you good results. You would also need an XLR cable, a microphone stand, and a pop screen.

I have the MXL3000. It's not Nuemenn or Rode of course, but it is great for the price.

If your room is not treated (and has a nasty slap back ring when you clap) then you may want to use a Sure SM58 instead of the MXL3000.

[edit]Looks like Greener and I posted at about the same time. Good thing we said about the same thing[/edit]

anonymous Tue, 09/16/2008 - 18:19

ok i checked out the price in two websites which are based in Australia (which is where I am). they are selling M-Audio Fast Track Pro 4x4 Mobile USB Audio / MIDI Interface for $319 and thats too much for me. are there any cheaper usb interfaces for vocal recording? or are there any place in Aus where they sell it for cheaper? thanks

anonymous Wed, 09/17/2008 - 10:15

I'm definitely hooked. A larger portion of my paycheck than I would care to admit goes into gear .

I haven't used any M-Audio microphones, so I can't really speak for them. Everything else I have from M-Audio is great, so I would be surprised if it is not a good value. If you can find a Sure SM57 or SM58 you will be using a microphone that many professionals swear by.