First, I'd like to know what is your audio interface.

Second, you are comparing dynamic mics with condenser.
The condenser mics often have more output levels and a clearer sound but will also grab more of the room noises and reflections.
For somebody with an untreated room it's usually a better Idea to stick with a dynamic mic. like the sm57, sm58 etc..
I'm surprised the SM58 sound muddy for you because with a proper preamp it isn't. But it has some proximity effect. at 3inches away it as far less bottom end. You might want to try it again...

I will listen to your recordings when I get to the studio tonight ;)

I've had a listen - and that microphone is truly horrible! Your voice sounds to me to have promise. My question is to do with expectation?

pcrecord want to check that you have something worth recording with. Hence the question about audio interfaces. If you are recording straight from the headset into the 3.5mm socket on your computer, even with a really good mic, it's just not going to cut it.

Are you serious about your recordings? If you are you MUST spend some money. There are loads of cheap, large size, pretty clean mics on ebay for less than £30, and coupled with an interface of the beginners kind that has phantom power (maybe £50) and a mic stand is going to be an outlay of £100. If that's too much, then maybe you just need to re-evaluate what you want?

paulears, post: 449579, member: 47782 wrote: I've had a listen - and that microphone is truly horrible! Your voice sounds to me to have promise. My question is to do with expectation?

pcrecord want to check that you have something worth recording with. Hence the question about audio interfaces. If you are recording straight from the headset into the 3.5mm socket on your computer, even with a really good mic, it's just not going to cut it.

Are you serious about your recordings? If you are you MUST spend some money. There are loads of cheap, large size, pretty clean mics on ebay for less than £30, and coupled with an interface of the beginners kind that has phantom power (maybe £50) and a mic stand is going to be an outlay of £100. If that's too much, then maybe you just need to re-evaluate what you want?

Yes its sounds horrible, because it's not really a mic. ..its just one of those cheap £5 earphones that come with a small mic attached for voice calls.

My expectation is to have a clear recording that I can be proud of.

pcrecord, post: 449576, member: 46460 wrote: First, I'd like to know what is your audio interface.

Second, you are comparing dynamic mics with condenser.
The condenser mics often have more output levels and a clearer sound but will also grab more of the room noises and reflections.
For somebody with an untreated room it's usually a better Idea to stick with a dynamic mic. like the sm57, sm58 etc..
I'm surprised the SM58 sound muddy for you because with a proper preamp it isn't. But it has some proximity effect. at 3inches away it as far less bottom end. You might want to try it again...

I will listen to your recordings when I get to the studio tonight ;)

I have a Focusrite scarlett 2i2 interface, which I've never used....was saving for a mic.

I'm aware that the Behringer B-2 is a condenser mic and will probably be more problematic to me because of that. But I thought that the Akg D5 was a dynamic?

Because my voice is not strongest, I'm consider my seld more of a songwriter than singer, so I'd like to be able to get the sentiment of my songs across through lyric and melody.

I'm guessing the SM58 is what you'd advice, which is great..I just wanted a few pointers.

Thank you for the reply

paulears, post: 449579, member: 47782 wrote: I've had a listen - and that microphone is truly horrible! Your voice sounds to me to have promise. My question is to do with expectation?

pcrecord want to check that you have something worth recording with. Hence the question about audio interfaces. If you are recording straight from the headset into the 3.5mm socket on your computer, even with a really good mic, it's just not going to cut it.

Are you serious about your recordings? If you are you MUST spend some money. There are loads of cheap, large size, pretty clean mics on ebay for less than £30, and coupled with an interface of the beginners kind that has phantom power (maybe £50) and a mic stand is going to be an outlay of £100. If that's too much, then maybe you just need to re-evaluate what you want?

Yes it sounds horrible, because it's not really a mic. ..its just one of those cheap £5 earphones that come with a small mic attached for voice calls.

My expectation is to have a clear recording that I can be proud of.

Thanks for reply

Kifbit, post: 449586, member: 50518 wrote: Because my voice is not strongest, I thought I might need something with more clarity.

It depends what 'not the strongest' meens to you.
To me if someone don't sing loud, I push up the gain on my preamp.
If a voice don't have much high frequencies or too much sibilance or too much low frequencies or sounds nazal ; I will choose a preamp and mic accordingly.
Where did you links go ?

pcrecord, post: 449588, member: 46460 wrote: It depends what 'not the strongest' meens to you.
To me if someone don't sing loud, I push up the gain on my preamp.
If a voice don't have much high frequencies or too much sibilance or too much low frequencies or sounds nazal ; I will choose a preamp and mic accordingly.
Where did you links go ?

I'm probably all of those things lol.

I just enjoy creating process and want to be able hear it at thw best I can achieve.

Hello, and welcome.

There is no more useful vocal mic than an SM58, which are famous for their predictable sound, their durability, and their "proximity effect" - which means they get bass-heavy if you 'eat' them. A lot of "weak voices" will actually benefit from the bass boost. If the added bass isn't desirable, you can back off a few inches and it will make a big difference.

I understand that you're on a budget, but please don't be tempted to buy one from eBay, or anyone else, other than a known, legitimate Shure retailer. The SM58 is probably the most counterfeited mic in the world, due to their reputation. The fakes may look similar and cost you half, but won't sound half as good.

dvdhawk, post: 449590, member: 36047 wrote: Hello, and welcome.

There is no more useful vocal mic than an SM58, which are famous for their predictable sound, their durability, and their "proximity effect" - which means they get bass-heavy if you 'eat' them. A lot of "weak voices" will actually benefit from the bass boost. If the added bass isn't desirable, you can back off a few inches and it will make a big difference.

I understand that you're on a budget, but please don't be tempted to buy one from eBay, or anyone else, other than a known, legitimate Shure retailer. The SM58 is probably the most counterfeited mic in the world, due to their reputation. The fakes may look similar and cost you half, but won't sound half as good.

Yes, you're right, i may as well just stick to tried and tested, It's in the budget.

I just wanted a bit more clarity, something that will capture my voice as it is without adding too much or taking away.

..thanks for response and welcome.

You mentioned not liking the sound of the 58 on your voice - and also that you have a focusrite that you have never used - I'm wondering how you were able to hear the 58 you have without plugging it into a mic pre/interface? How were you able to listen?
Did you use adapters and plug it into the mini jack mic in of your computer? Is that how you were able to use it?
If so, it's no wonder you weren't happy with the sound. Dig out that Focusrite, connect your 58 and I bet you change your mind about the mic pretty quickly. ;)

DonnyThompson, post: 449595, member: 46114 wrote: You mentioned not liking the sound of the 58 on your voice - and also that you have a focusrite that you have never used - I'm wondering how you were able to hear the 58 you have without plugging it into a mic pre/interface? How were you able to listen?
Did you use adapters and plug it into the mini jack mic in of your computer? Is that how you were able to use it?
If so, it's no wonder you weren't happy with the sound. Dig out that Focusrite, connect your 58 and I bet you change your mind about the mic pretty quickly. ;)

Yep you're right it's been a while since I used a sm58 and I'm not sure what preamp if any was used.

Sorry for bothering you with my amateur quest.

I'll leave this site to the pro's.

thank you

at her request, I closed the thread and closed her account. Drama got the best of her learning curve.