unless you go the USB mic route, you will need an audio interface for best results to get started. most interfaces include a mic pre or two at the least which is needed to get mic level to line input levels. check the link i included.

So what would you recommend? I have a $200 limit as of right now, so I could get a lower grade interface or get a mid range usb mic. I was considering getting the NTUSB+ I think it was called. Or is Blue Yeti a decent brand? This is all about entry level recording, I'm sure I'll upgrade my equipment as I go along but for now I need cheap but decent equipment to use on a laptop. I have a friend who lives across the country visiting and was hoping to record with him before he returned to Texas (I'm from Michigan, his home state). Thanks for the quick reply by the way, much appreciated.

i would go with an interface. usb mics are ok for podcasting but not much else.

Buying a USB mic would essentially be buying another mic plus an interface with limited capability. If you buy a decent interface you'll immediately have more versatility, and you can try different mics when the opportunity arises, or even use two mics at once (with something like the Scarlett 2i2).

So buying an interface would be wiser? I sincerely appreciate the advice. I'm just trying to get things figured out. So even a cheaper interface would be a better option than a usb mic?

Well, you've already bought the mic. Buying a USB mic would duplicate that expense, and it would be tied to a very limited built-in interface. Your budget will get you a fairly decent 2-input interface, which is much more useful in the long run than a USB mic.

So an interface is the way to go. This has been really enlightening and an experience I could not trade for another. Thank you for being there to guide me. An interface it is. I'll get to looking. Most of interfaces should be compatible? Or no? Is there a specific one I should look for involving the MXL 770 and my Acer 5. I have a $200 budget atm but anything that would work would get me well on my way.

Research 2-input interfaces. Your budget should cover a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2, but that's just one example. There should be several comparable ones from different makers.

I will. Thank you. I now have a better understanding and a path to follow. I'm gonna find the closest thing I can to my specs. You're probably closer than anything else with the Scarlett recommendation.

I always ask one question with the USB mic question. Will you EVER want to record two mics at the same time? If so, your USB mic will be useless because the multiple usb input option is stupidly difficult or even impossible to make work. Ordinary mics are a million times more versatile.

On a Mac I think using two USB mics is a simple matter of using Aggregate Device, but the one designated slave will be resampled on the way in. On a PC there may be one or two recording programs that can do something similar. But that doesn't solve the monitoring issues, which an interface does solve.

paulears, post: 466022, member: 47782 wrote: I always ask one question with the USB mic question. Will you EVER want to record two mics at the same time? If so, your USB mic will be useless because the multiple usb input option is stupidly difficult or even impossible to make work. Ordinary mics are a million times more versatile.

^^ Alright well I do have a desire to play at the same time as my friend, it should be easy enough to layer our vocals/instrumemtals from a single mic. I'm not super worried about that from a beginning standpoint. I need to start somewhere. Eventually I hope to have a full studio. Even if I don't do shit myself I want to be a technician and mixer/producer.

bouldersound, post: 466023, member: 38959 wrote: On a Mac I think using two USB mics is a simple matter of using Aggregate Device, but the one designated slave will be resampled on the way in. On a PC there may be one or two recording programs that can do something similar. But that doesn't solve the monitoring issues, which an interface does solve.

Alright, when I get set up I may have to hit you up to run me through shit and to make sure I'm up to snuff. You seem to know plenty enough to coach me through the starting period. I appreciate you even existing. Maf respect bro. Hit me with your email. (petrichorisreal@gma…) btdubbz Petrichor is the smell of the earth after it rains.

Kurt Foster, post: 466014, member: 7836 wrote: i would go with an interface. usb mics are ok for podcasting but not much else.

I would eat your ass like sushi. Just kidding I'm not into sushi. But I appreciate your take on things. I appreciate any info on where to go.

not sure what you mean by that but lol anyways ...... usb mic's for the most part can induce latency when recording and most are limited to 16 bit operation. so for multitrack recording they are a bottom of the barrel choice. you will do far better using the mic you have and getting an interface, keeping your options for the future open. a usb mic is essentially a dead end.

You mention you aim to gradually create a studio. If this is the case, don't buy the USB mic - it limits so much what you can do. Like when somebody says can you lend me a mic, and you discover they have a mixer, or you want to record something from a distance, or something really loud. For a one box shop - plugging a USB mic into your laptop works perfectly well. You've just got no growing room for the future. Most people start with one mic and end up with loads - all for different things, and that's just not happening with USB.

Kurt Foster, post: 466028, member: 7836 wrote: usb mic's for the most part can induce latency when recording and most are limited to 16 bit operation

I agree, USB mic are to be avoided if you want to record audio. Even the more expensive are prone to latency and the quality isn't as good as a separate mic and proper audio interface.
Most use the default windows drivers (if you are on windows) and they are far from optimal. Audio interfaces maker design their own drivers and to achieve better performances..

The MXL 770 is a bit harsh on the high frequencies but it is fonctionnal and a great tool to learn mic placement and recording in general.

Welcome to RO Jesse !