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Basic beginners guide to vocal recording on PC...

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Submitted by anonymous on

Hi!



I was wandering what is needed for recording vocals on my computer (not instruments) other than a microphone. People talk about preamps and audio interface. Can someone tell what equipment is needed and what each does? And how each of them are connected?



Maybe this is a stupid question, but isn't it possible just to have a device that amplifies the sound from the microphone and then use software to edit the input sound?



Thanks!

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jg49

The vast majority of USB mics will perform much more poorly than a decent dynamic mic and a small interface IMO. If you want something small and portable you might try something like this

http://www.m-audio.com

and a SM58 dynamic mic and cable.

There are many other similar products on the market this interface is USB, has phantom power if you want to get a condenser mic later on (stick with the dynamic for now) and has a good recording program bundled with it.

Mon, 11/30/2009 - 09:42 Permalink
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anonymous

I've looked at different USB microphones and watched some Youtube clips of it in use and it seems like a very good solution for me. It's portable, affortable and gives decent sound which lives up to my demands. Does someone have any experience using some of there USB mics?



http://www.samsontech.com/



http://www.samsontech.com



http://infra-sonic.com



http://www.shure.com

Tue, 12/01/2009 - 03:52 Permalink
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jg49

In my mind these mics were designed for podcasting (spoken voice) and are one trick ponies. Not very talented one trick ponies at that. I really have no idea what it is you are trying to do really but....

If its portability this is only 6" x 4" x 2" comes with software (as does the Samson but not the PG27) and allows you to use any mic you may want later, on sale for $115

http://www.guitarcenter.com/M-Audio-Fast-Track-MKII-105632467-i1474272.gc

Add a quality dynamic like the SM58 and you have a great recording chain for very little more than the equipment you posted that will at least still have some value down the road.

I doubt you are going to get many reviews here for USB mics as there use is extremely limited in pro or even home recording studios.

Tue, 12/01/2009 - 04:38 Permalink
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anonymous

By the way. Is the M-Audio Fast Track MKII you listed from http://www.guitarcenter.com one you recommend above cheaper audio interfaces? I mean, can I get by with one of the cheaper models and still get the same quality for vocals? There're many to choose from: http://www.guitarcenter.com/Audio-Interfaces---Convertors-Recording.gc?ipp=100&o=1

Tue, 12/01/2009 - 05:12 Permalink
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jg49

I am not recommending any particular brand, avoid the blue icicle and Behringer, the m-audio single channel is going to have a better preamp and converter than similar priced two channel interfaces. You are looking for an interface with a preamp,recording soiftware, phantom power, USB hookup and monitoring capabilities. There are not huge differences in this price range.

Tue, 12/01/2009 - 06:10 Permalink
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jg49

eddiedietz wrote: This combination is for sale for 1000 kroners = 200 $ used:



Soundking EC-Series EC010B Microphone

ART Tube MP Microphone Preamp (Model 127)

Pop Filter

Tripod floor stand

Cables



What do you think of that combination?

This will not get you a digitized signal, the Art Tube is a $50.00 item new, the stand and cable maybe $30-$40 new depending on the quality, I am not at all familiar with the mic but in my mind this is not a very good deal.

Wed, 12/02/2009 - 13:52 Permalink