The answers sort of depend on what you intend to acomplish. Saying

I just want something extremly cheap to play around with

:

is going to last about 2 months, and then you'll realize that you NEED better recording gear. Recording sort of turns into an obsession... You're entering the rabbit hole when you decide to dabble with recording. "My recordings just stink. It'll ONLY cost $150 more to get them to where they're listenable. No biggie." After that happens about 100 times and you've spent thousands of dollars, you'll wonder why you ever wanted to record in the first place. Haha, just kidding. I enjoy recording. At least that's what I keep telling myself. :lol:

What you'll need (assuming you have a good guitar, amp, and speaker(s)), is: a mic. like a Shure sm58 and an interface. That's really the bare minimum. Most cheap interfaces come bundled with software that is really quite nice for being free. I got a Tascam US-122L, and it was cheap and still works just fine.

Well, I have a friend that is supposed to give me his old PCI interface, which I could run a mixer through. It only has 1/4 inch in/outs. The Shure SM58s are out of my price range. I was hoping to keep the first mic (which will be dedicated to vocals) under $50. Later, I will buy another mic for my acoustic guitar. I believe/hope that's all I'll need. I still want input for cheap mics and mixers. Is the Behringer stuff I mentioned worth the money, or should I buy something else? I really don't need that great of a setup. I doubt I'll ever actually use any of this for live shows, so that isn't a big thing either. Thanks for your input, and keep it coming!

Is the Behringer stuff I mentioned worth the money, or should I buy something else?

Just mentioning the name Behringer should be cause for banning someone from this forum. :lol: But seriously, brands like Behringer are just not worth the money. Buying bargain bin never pays off in the long run. There are good products out there that are RELATIVELY cheap. Carvin is a prime example, but you're still gonna be paying more than you want. Misers always end up miserable and alone. So stop pinching pennies, Scrooge. :wink: Sure, a $50 mic will work, but when it falls apart 3 seconds after the warranty expires, you'll wish you had spent the extra dough on a sm58.

I can't really afford that kind of stuff. I'm not pinching pennies, it's just that I don't have too many pennies to pinch. I have other things I probably need first. So, I thank you graciously for your help. I'll have to either go ahead and buy what I may regret later, or wait until I can actually afford a decent setup. Once again, thank you. You have been most helpful.

An SM58 will last you a lifetime. Odds are your PC will be upgraded twice before your SM58 even shows signs of slowing down.

BTW - all you need is a preamp with suitable inputs/outputs, not a full mixer.
Probably.

Thanks for your input guys. I know you're gonna kill me for saying this, but does anyone have an opinion of a Line 6 Toneport USB device? I've found one at Musician's Friend on sale, and it looks like very close to what I'm looking for.

but does anyone have an opinion of a Line 6 Toneport USB device?

Actually, Line 6 is really the next best thing to actually micing an amp, believe it or not. It's incredibly versatile and can sound downright decent if used properly. I say go ahead and get it. You just need a decent vocal mic now. When you consider the fact that your sm58 will probably last a lifetime, it isn't so expensive.

OK, that was too easy. Are you sure we are talking about the same thing? I'm talking about the $70 Toneport. It has one XLR in, one 1/4" in, and several different outs. If that's what you're talking about, it sounds like what I'm looking for. Maybe that and a Tube MP or something, and a condenser. I'm not really liking the looks of the SM58 for my uses. Durability isn't an issue, because I never will take it out of my "studio" and I take care of my stuff. Again, thanks for the input!

OK, that was too easy. Are you sure we are talking about the same thing? I'm talking about the $70 Toneport. It has one XLR in, one 1/4" in, and several different outs. If that's what you're talking about, it sounds like what I'm looking for.

That'll work just fine. Sure, there's better out there, but you should be able to get semi-pro results with that (assuming you're using good software).

a condenser.

Cheap and tubes do not go together. If you wanna drop about $500 you can get a decent condenser, but quite frankly, if you can't sound good with a dynamic mic, you won't sound good with a condenser mic.

I'm not really liking the looks of the SM58 for my uses.

There isn't anything to not like about the sm58. The sm58 is the most used mic in history. From country to death metal, the sm58 is used with great results. It's cheap, it's durable, and it sounds good on anything. All you need to do is learn how to use it. Sure, there are other, more expensive dynamic mics, but there's just something magical about the sm58. It just works good for anything. The sm58 is the Les Paul of the mic world: if you can't make good sounds with it, you just don't know what you're doing. :lol:

"I'm not really liking the looks of the SM58 for my uses. Durability isn't an issue"

:) Priceless!

I think that you guys are underestimating how much a "sexy" looking mike can increase vocal recordings especially in a studio setting. It will definitely be apparent in MP3 recordings where the look of the mic will just drip out of earbuds.

I guess NCdan has become a SM58 convert because it seems like just a few months ago he was complaining that his vocal recordings were dull and flat using this mike. I happen to really like the sound of this mic on vocals.

So far my experiments with cheap condenser mics is that they work well as door stops and paperweights but maybe the results thru a Toneport will be different.

OK, I'm still confused on the mics. I did find a battery powered condenser mic made by Nady from Musicians Friend. It's very cheap, and looks as though it's pretty nice.

Moneylessrecording wrote: OK, I'm still confused on the mics. I did find a battery powered condenser mic made by Nady from Musicians Friend. It's very cheap, and looks as though it's pretty nice.

For the price of that, and the hundreds of dollars over its lifetime of replacing batteries. (however long that may be)...you could get a much better mic, or a Shure SM58 and other stuff that actually sounds OK.

Kapt.Krunch

Line 6 TonePort UX1 USB Computer Recording Interface $69.95 new
Nady SPC-25 Condenser Microphone $34.95 new

If you want someone to tell you this is what you should buy, buy it!

Why ask? You are investing less than $120.00. Use it three times a week for a year $1.00 a day. If you expected someone to tell you this is AWESOME gear forget it!

If you were asking for advice about how to get in to home recording you got it but can't spend what around here might be considered the most minimal of investments. Good luck have fun.

Look into the APEX line of mics, they are dirt cheap and 'ok'

I was actually asking for advice on "inexpensive" gear. Shure mics aren't an option for me, because they are so expensive. They may be the best, but if you can't afford them, why does it matter? If this isn't what I should buy, tell me, and I'll keep looking. I'm sorry if I sound ungrateful for the advice. That isn't the case. I'm very grateful for your advice. I read each post, think it over carefully, and reply. Thank you, and keep it coming!

Who has APEX mics? I notice Musician's Friend doesn't have them.

Long and Mcquade in Canada, where are you?
you can go to http://www.apexelectronics.com/

I did not think you were ungrateful. I was not being condescending in telling you to buy that equipment. There is nothing WRONG with those manufacturers products, they are both reputable companies.

In that price point you will find only the smallest negligible differences in product performance, most will be the comments "that I prefer red over blue" type statements.

Just to let you know, the Shure SM57 at $89.00 is a VERY inexpensive mic esp. considering its tremendous sonic quality and EXTREME durability.
I have two that are over ten years old and have seen every kind of abuse that a gigging rock band could dish out, falls, spills, spit and on and on. I can not tell them apart in recordings from the two I bought new last year that have never left my home studio.

There are a good number of regular posters on this site that have spent over five thousand on a single mic so inexpensive is relative, but trying to find any gear under $100.00 that is a major part of a recording chain is going to be difficult. I just spent as much as you are proposing on a microphone on a microphone cable (because even a bargain XLR cable is likely to cost a third of your Nady.)

Would you purchase a new guitar that cost three times what you paid for your last guitar cable? And if you did what results might you expect from it?

Edit: The least expensive Apex I could find was $69.99

Thanks. I'll probably take a chance on the Nady, and upgrade it when I can. I'm not disregarding your info, I just can't afford a SM57 or 58 right now. And, as is the old cliche, I don't want a hammer, I want a mic. No offense, but this mic won't be traveling. It's basically gonna sit in a case in my closet until I record myself. As I've already mentioned, durability isn't the issue. I just want clear sound, and from the physics of mics, it looks as though a condenser is going to be the clearest. I want my connections to be what hurts my sound instead of the mic.

I guess NCdan has become a SM58 convert because it seems like just a few months ago he was complaining that his vocal recordings were dull and flat using this mike. I happen to really like the sound of this mic on vocals.

Yeah, I got converted. A decent solid state preamp certainly helps, but most of the problem was in mic placement and EQ: the sound I was aiming for in my head was actually not a good sound at all. It seems I've gone through that with every instrument... Oh well. :lol:'

I just want clear sound, and from the physics of mics, it looks as though a condenser is going to be the clearest.

You ARE going to regret buying a cheap condenser. Why? They sound horrible: overly bright, extremely grating, thin, whiny, and noisy. You should know that even a decent guitar tube head costs at least $500, and a good one costs at least $1,000. Tubes and cheap should not be used in the same sentence together. I'm just trying to warn you, because I've been there and done that. God bless.

Moneylessrecording wrote: Thanks. I'll probably take a chance on the Nady, and upgrade it when I can. I'm not disregarding your info, I just can't afford a SM57 or 58 right now. And, as is the old cliche, I don't want a hammer, I want a mic. No offense, but this mic won't be traveling. It's basically gonna sit in a case in my closet until I record myself. As I've already mentioned, durability isn't the issue. I just want clear sound, and from the physics of mics, it looks as though a condenser is going to be the clearest. I want my connections to be what hurts my sound instead of the mic.

The repair costs on a cheap condenser will always be more than what you might pay for it. Cheap condensers have cheap parts which fail. It doesnt matter whether its being handled a lot or sitting in a case in the dark, they tend to fail without reason.....well, the reason is cheap parts.

Since its obvious you've never used a cheap condenser as opposed to a Shure, I dont think you're really qualified to determine what will sound decent for you in this situation. There are several here who have much more experience and have shared that with you. Its up to you to listen and learn and make your own decision.

Perhaps that rig will do everything your heart desires. Perhaps you'll plug it in the wrong way and fry the condenser.....Yes, this can easily be done. Then you'll have to buy another one.

The last SM57/58 I saw broken was ..........uhhhh....nope....it doesnt happen real often.

As for sound, the cheap condenser sound is usually harsh and spitty...it doesnt take to EQ well and usually they are too hot for any untreated room so it picks up all sorts of anomolies associated with where its being used. These are aspects you dont know about but in real life use are quite real and pronounced.

The 58 sounds good out of the box. I'm saying GOOD. Certain preamps make em sound better but for a beginner you cannot go wrong. It doesnt require phantom power and will NOT go up in flames if its hooked up wrong. And the repair costs.....Oh, Yeah, there arent any.

You guys are right about all of this, but you are overlooking one simple fact. I cannot afford an SM58. It's that simple. So, the question I'm asking is, what is a good-sounding cheap mic? I know you say $100 is cheap for a mic, but that is still out of my reach. I need something cheaper.

I think the only mics in your price range would be Nady and Behringer. What about Ebay? You could buy a used sm58, and it will be just as good as if you bought it new. You could always check Craigslist too.

I checked craigslist the other day, and nothing. I haven't thought about checking ebay. I'll try that. Thanks.

Dude. Do you want a mic or do you want a mic today?
Get an AT BrandX mic (maybe AKG, can't remember) and then try recording with it.
Once you rip your hair out EQing it and getting nowhere, get a SM58.

If you REALLY REALLY want something cheaper than a SM58, get a PG58. Woop woop, saved maybe $15.

Let it rain.....I remember my brother bought a guitar once and I asked where the case was and he said "I can't afford it", I said "well then you can't really afford the guitar." That particular instrument is no more and you don't have to a rocket scientist to know why. Though he really did not learn the lesson because I bought him a hard case for Xmas for his latest (Tele) that he was dragging to gigs in a vinyl bag.

Nady and a whole group of manufacturers are producing $40 microphones because there is a market for them, they are selling or they would be discontinued. In a few years Moneyless will be preaching to the next generation (don't buy a cheap...), if he continues to record on any kind of serious level, and if not, then it will have been a good decision not to "waste" the money. I just cringe to think his next post will be "I am not getting the sound that I hear on...."

To be fair this is bordering on gearwhoring.

Go ahead, get your cheap mic.
Just don't complain too loudly when it all goes belly up and you HAVE to spend $100.

Also, shush about prices. In the UK, prices aren't true reflections on the US cost.
Back when it was like $2:£1, gear was still about 60-70% of the US cost. NO, that wasn't just shipping - unless shipping on a mixer is $150. Especially worse, since it was made in Ireland.

No, I won't complain about sound quality. I have been warned, and if sound is bad, I'll share my experiences, and say "you guys were dead right." And, in case you didn't notice, I didn't say anything was too expensive. I was saying I can't afford it. I don't think that the SM58 is too expensive. It's just too expensive for me. If you can afford it, help yourself. Oh, I have an electric guitar that is never in it's case, and it's none the worse for wear. And, by the way, used SM58's are still going for $60+.

Whats gearwhoring? Sounds like it might be fun, does it happen late at night on street corners? If it does count me in!!!

It's when you fuss over sound quality and price tags and shininess, not quality of the music.

I've recorded awesome things with my soundblaster/Phonic mixer/PG58 setup.

But whenever I put those recordings on, I kick myself and wish I had did something differently - due to a lack of gear, I can't just go back and tweak some EQ.

Hey, I've found something on ebay. It's an M-Audio condenser mic. It seems to have good ratings on MF, and I can get it new for $60. I can save for a little while and afford that, but the $100 mark would take me a very long time. Just a month or two, and I could get the $60. Any other suggestions? I'd rather not pay that much dough for something used. What do you think about the M-Audio? I think I've tapped into some major amounts of knowledge here, and I want to utilize it.

Gee Codemonkey I am a little disappointed I thought it might be a little more back alley than that.
I have some brilliant performances that are of decent enough quality to listen to that were recorded on some very cheesy equipment. I still like to listen to them because the music is so outstanding, so I can relate.
It does not do any good to have the utmost gear and not have great music to capture.

I am beginning to believe I have condenseritosis.

Yeah, one point I have to make right quick is one that (I think) jg49 mentioned. My music is not going to be my life. I am a hobbiest, and I want to get into the hobby of recording. I do want to keep it as a hobby and not an obbsesion. I don't want to drain every penny I get from now on. I just want to put some ideas on CD/mp3 players, more or less. That's what I want help with. I don't expect pro-quality sound from a $120 setup.

By the way, I was just reading some reviews from MF on that battery powered Nady, and people are saying they are nice. I know they probably aren't the caliber of you guys, but they're saying it sounds great. Of the 13 reviews, there are no bad ones. I may have to take a chance on it. Does anyone know of anything better in the $30-40 price range?

JP22 unmask yourself!!!!

Space wrote: JP22 unmask yourself!!!!

Who was that directed at? If it's me, I don't even know what you mean.

Agreed with "good luck and have fun." That is what making music is all about!

All of your ideas would get you into recording... Please heed the advise that it is addicting! At the very least, get the Shure PG48 for $40 (http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/product/Shure-PG48XLR-Microphone-with-Switch?sku=270284).

There are cheaper mics, yes. Are they worth the price of admission? NO!!!

The Line 6 Toneport with XLR mic connector is better than the Behringer mixer.

Both items will bring hours and hours of fun!!! 8)

Thank you for that piece of actual advice. That was actually an answer to the question I asked. I will look into that mic, and thank you very much! I still have not purchased anything yet, so more mic suggestions would be helpful (a choice never hurt anyone too much).

Enough already- Shure is a great value no question.

However Moneylessrecording clearly said he can't spend that much.... so whats the issue here?

WE ARE THE ISSUE, let the person spend there money on a cheaper mic. Nady, B$#^%^$&, APEX- it doesn't really matter, Moneylessrecording may get lucky and get a decent starter mic. Or Moneylessrecording might be in the majority and get a mic to regret.

Yes its only $15 dollars more, but its not our money.

In the imortal words of Rambo "Let it GO"
;)

AMEN!!!