Ok, so what was it that you initially went to buy in the first place? Also, it would be a benefit to you to purchase a decent condensor mic.

Yes, I do plan on a condensor mic in the near future. I am also going to invest in a drum mic kit with 2 overheads.

I originally went in there looking for an M audio 1010.

[list]If it was the 1010 & not the 1010LT you were after, you initially were going for the "better" audio interface as opposed to your recent purchase of the Delta 44. One, the converters are superior to the ones in the 44, which will sonically make a big difference in your sound. Two, you can get an alright sound from the SM57/58, but these are stage performing mics & they differ from a studio mic. A good condensor allows you to capture every suttle detail in a sound source. That's what I encountered when I got my first condensor, which was an AKG C1000 back in the early 90's. To compare the sound, it was as if I'd lifted my hand away from my mouth. That mic allowed me to hear it all, even the things I did'nt want to hear. And last, one thing I do when making any gear purchases, I compare detailed specs with what the pros use. In other words, the stores are filled with really budget oriented products. It's our responsibility to sort through some of the mess and find the things that will give us that "quality" sound.

yes I was after the regular 1010 and they said it was no longer available. I know it is a better interface, but I will try to deal with what I have now. Si nce I am a beginer I am sure it will hold up for me for a while.

Hmm, I didn't think M-Audio had pulled the 1010??

Perhaps the salesperson's commission was no longer available on this piece.

The 1010 is a superior box with more flexibility and the cost is not significantly higher than your purchase. I would advise returning yours for the 1010 and insist that they actually get it for you.

Otherwise, you have a good jumping off point here. Yes, a condenser will be a BIG help, but - learn how to use the 58 and 57 well and that will make the following better:
1 You will better know what kind of condenser you are looking for. (Using the 58 as a baseline is common. If you want darker, it's easy to find - if you want brighter -- hell, why would you want brighter... :lol: )

2. You will have better mic'ing technique. I personally feel that too many people rely on what mic their using and also too much on EQ or compression. A good mic is a good mic. It can be used on many things and placement negates the more common uses of EQ or compression. (Though, both of these effects are essential from time to time, but not for fixing problems - rather as effects.)

Enjoy!

J.

I'll second that.

The 1010 is a great box with better converters than the 44.

Cucco's right, for just a few dollars more you can have a noticeably better sound and it's not very cool at all that they diverted you away from your first choice.

The 1010 is not going away anytime soon. It's way too popular and the quality rocks.

Is'nt this what this whole recording thing all about? Getting the best possible quality & resonance you can get. More options, especially having the midi I/O onboard if you don't have a dedicated midi interface (although extremely limited). This here is what I call "really getting a bang for your buck".

I would like to see the spec on the converters.
I was under the impression that the 1010 and 66/44 have the same converters, but that the 1010 has external converters which is superior in the sense that any interference from the PC is minimalised. Of course you get the extra inputs as well.
Don't fret about the Delta 44.....it sounds excellent comapred to a Soundblaster or prosumer card.

To answer the poster's question:

Yes, if you went into the store, having researched what it was you wanted and walked out with something you had not researched and didn't want, it was a mistake.

TG

I got a quick question about a mic.... How good of quality is the MXR2001 and the other little mic it comes with? I am on a budget and this seems like a good deal if it is quality stuff. I really want to but a good shure KSM but I am sure I can wait if this mic can hold me for now.

Josh, who manufactures the MXR2001? Is this a Marshall?

My mistake on the typo, sorry about that. It's an mxL2001 here and yes marshall is the parent company I believe.as also comparing it to the Kel Audio HM-1.

My choices for a budget type mic would include the Rode NT1, AKG Perception 200 or an AT 3035 (specs & reviews are nice) just to name a few. The reason I picked these mics is because of their cost/performance ratio. Not to forget quality either. I've read some things, & heard a few things about certain brands of budget mics that was quite disturbing. As they say, it all starts at the sound source. So don't fall for the "ah, this looks cool & it's cheap" syndrome, it can be quite contagious. And before you regret making any future gear purchases, browse, research & compare what's out there. Like I said, there's a jungle full of budget oriented gear out here, just slow down & be a little wise about what you purchase. Oh, by the way, the Shure KSM27 is a good choice too. 8-)