First, I am a complete newbie as far as recording. I just want something extremly cheap to play around with. I am a hobbiest musician, and just want something to make a record to hand out to friends. I don't need anything incredible, just a mixer and a mic or two, and the some kind of recording software. I'll probably use some cheap/free software, so that isn't really an issue, as I can find that on my own. I'm already looking at a Behringer Xenyx 802, and the older Eurorack 802. That's right at what I'm wanting to spend for the mixer. I still have an open mind, so suggestions would be appreciated. I'm looking to get out cheap on the mic dept. too. I'm hoping my vocal mic could be something like the Behringer XM8500, or something around that price range. What do you guys think? Or, should I just forget about recording myself, and just work on getting small gigs? Thanks in advance! 8-)
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Here are 2 very usable mics, for a price you really cant beat.
Here are 2 very usable mics, for a price you really cant beat.
and you would need are preamp to power the mics
2 usable mics and the best mic pre for the price..... Under 250 bucks!
Wanna save a few more buffalo nickels
This set up will be less than 200
Ok so you want to save another nickel
So that AT2020 paired with the tube pre is just a shade over 100 bucks, and isnt a berringer or Nad sucker.
Or play the auction game with this mic...If you can get it under 40 bucks you would be quite fortunate.
God Speed
Um, now I'm getting conflicting messages. First, someone says n
Um, now I'm getting conflicting messages. First, someone says not to buy a cheap condenser, now someone is saying to buy one. All of this is confusing me. I know mics are subject to personal preference, but I didn't realize it was this bad. Please, could somebody clarify what mic is gonna sound best for $70 or less? And, I'd like to buy everything from Musicians Friend if possible.
Um, now I'm getting conflicting messages. First, someone says no
Um, now I'm getting conflicting messages. First, someone says not to buy a cheap condenser, now someone is saying to buy one. All of this is confusing me. I know mics are subject to personal preference, but I didn't realize it was this bad. Please, could somebody clarify what mic is gonna sound best for $70 or less? And, I'd like to buy everything from Musicians Friend if possible.
Anyone who says to buy a cheap condenser doesn't know what they're talking about. No offense intended, but cheap condensers just plain suck for anything but strange sounds (like trying to sound like whoever Ramone on guitar on your recording). :lol:
Seriously, asking what is the best mic under $70 is like asking what is the best burger on the value menu? Just buy something that doesn't have tubes or require batteries. Just get something: it really doesn't matter in this price range.
As a general rule cheap condensers make a lot of self noise,are
As a general rule cheap condensers make a lot of self noise,are overly bright, or sensitive enough to pick up westbound traffic on I-40. Audio Technica is an extremly repuitable company that doesn't make turds as a general rule. Sure they have slipped up, but never have made disposiable products like Nady or Berringer. The AT2020 is a fantastic condenser mic to start with to learn mic positioning. It sounds good on an electric amp, acoustic guitar, and even vocals. Push it with that DMP3, and you could could make useable recordings. Its not like Im recomending an MXL990, but what the hell, I dont know what Im talking about.
Look I can understand that you want to be sure that you make a g
Look I can understand that you want to be sure that you make a good purchase but come on, really.
I have a AT 2020 and I think it was the worst $ I've ever spent on a mic and I have bought some doozies. Obviously Jeremy likes his but please note he is talking about it's use coupled with a tube preamp which is another $150.00-200.00 (OR WHATEVER!)
My purchase of the 2020 came on a recommendation and that is IMHO not the way to buy a mike or a guitar, I have not since bought a mic that I have not done a side by side test of against a mic that I know well.
I occasionally use the 2020 (mostly as a doorstop) but the fact that it is a large diaphragm condenser that does not come with a shockmount means it transmits any vibrations to the mic stand very clearly. I think it sucks as a vocal mic.
You are going to have to go out on a limb and get started somewhere, just remember how many different posters told you to buy a shure 58 or 57.
I know u can't afford it SO BUY WHAT U LIKE.
I have 3 blue kiwis, 2 mouses, NTK, 57's, 58's, D6, D112, AT3035
I have 3 blue kiwis, 2 mouses, NTK, 57's, 58's, D6, D112, AT3035, AT4040 blah, blah, blah....I can still find uses for the 2020. But hey Im using an Onyx 1640, and not a tone port....so I dont know how it would sound recorded through anything less than the firepod I replaced years ago.
Whats really confusing how a topic of a guy wanting to spend 20 bucks on recording equipment garners this many reply's. Obviously he is not that interested in quality recordings. This forum should not entertain people who only desire to make horrible at best recordings. I understand being on a monetary budget, but a budget based on ambitions and desire is weak. If something is worth doing, its worth doing right....and +1 that shit.
Hey Jeremy I was not trying to insult your choice in mics, I was
Hey Jeremy I was not trying to insult your choice in mics, I was disappointed in the 2020 but thats me. I do find it useful in micing guitar cabs but only when blended with a 57 or some other mic.
As far as if its worth doing... I started recording on reel to reel back in the age of the dinosaur, my original deck had three heads, 4 mono tracks on Scotch Brand tape and was a tube preamp system built in. I have recorded ever since, on tremendous number of things that are laughably lo tech by todays standards, cassette decks, Korg Pxr4, etc. I agree with Codemonkey that the music is the most important thing and I have some great recordings that are terrible examples of technique just great music.
Also as a songwriter getting something "on tape" while the inspiration is there no matter how bad the sound is priceless. So the definition of what is right is whatever it means to the individual and this site ought to support all of us who record for whatever reasons.
Why I continue to watch the thread I don’t know... but anyway he
Why I continue to watch the thread I don’t know...
but anyway here I am....
NcDan
"but cheap condensers just plain suck for anything but strange sounds"
I have to say I somewhat disagree with that generalization. Price is not always indicative of sound quality.
Here is my rant….
Back in the 1960’s and all the way into the 90’s the technology to make microphones suitable for recording studios was pretty specialized . It took a great deal of financial investment to produce gold spluttered diaphragms for example.
The technology was specialized and the market was small, so it took along to time overcome the manufacturing cost, so microphones were typically very expensive. Quality control could be included into that large price tag. Although tolerance build up of the components still caused variances in the sonic signature of the microphones.
Even today throw up ten U87’s and you can expect to hear significant differences. Basically when someone spends $3000 plus on a microphone, they convince themselves its special. The cost causes our brains to assume they must be high quality.
This is phenomenon is typical human behavior, look at the clothing industry for example. One pair of jeans cost $300, and another $30. There is no difference in the components used or manufacturing cost.
Microphones are like the fashion industry, they are about image almost as much as sound. However its hard to see a microphone when listening to an album…..
Well fast forward to the present. China has helped push the technology further and helped grow the market place. At first people complained the quality control was low and components were inferior.
I would agree that there is ruth to that, however in the last few years the technology has come leaps and bounds in a relatively short time frame. The quality control will only improve as the customer votes will their dollar.
Currently I see some “cheap condenser” as being very useful tools. While, like everyone else I lust after fancy toys like Earthworks and Neumann.
I try to recognize for the most part I am buying a brand or reputation. Sure this helps bring in clients and convince people I am legit, but in the end its just fashion.
My advice- Don’t judge a book by is cover. Cost andlook are not what is important here.
Rant over….for now.
Link555 wrote: Why I continue to watch the thread I don’t know..
Link555 wrote: Why I continue to watch the thread I don’t know...
but anyway here I am.....
Well we are obviously well past the OP here but we all look at car wrecks too ( at least I can't seem to help it!)
Price is not always an assurance of quality because a great deal goes into the products costs not the least of which are marketing and profit margin demanded by overall sales volume.
But when we say cheap exactly what is cheap? $75.00, $100.00, $250.00?
I definitely agree with the idea that the cost of quality is descending rapidly. I bought my first reel to reel recorder (Roberts 4000) for $600.00 used in 1971 (it even had a remote control, can't get much more state of the art can ya?) Adjusted for inflation thats $3000.00 in todays market and what you can get for that is amazing in comparison.
I will likely never be able to afford or justify Neuman or the likes and I am not certain that I could truly appreciate the nuances. (Give me one and I will try really, really hard.)
But then again I probably won't buy $300.00 jeans either.
jg49 wrote: [quote=Link555]Why I continue to watch the thread I
jg49 wrote: [quote=Link555]Why I continue to watch the thread I don’t know...
but anyway here I am.....
Well we are obviously well past the OP here but we all look at car wrecks too ( at least I can't seem to help it!)
Price is not always an assurance of quality because a great deal goes into the products costs not the least of which are marketing and profit margin demanded by overall sales volume.
But when we say cheap exactly what is cheap? $75.00, $100.00, $250.00?
I definitely agree with the idea that the cost of quality is descending rapidly. I bought my first reel to reel recorder (Phillips 4000) for $600.00 used in 1971 (it even had a remote control, can't get much more state of the art can ya?) Adjusted for inflation thats $3000.00 in todays market and what you can get for that is amazing in comparison.
I will likely never be able to afford or justify Neuman or the likes and I am not certain that I could truly appreciate the nuances. (Give me one and I will try really, really hard.)
But then again I probably won't buy $300.00 jeans either.
It only takes a few minutes with a Neumann to know what you're missing with a sub $500 condenser. When you get into the upper end Blue, ADK's,Soundelux,Peluso,perhaps an SE, then the field narrows a bit.
Equipment bargains are everywhere IF you know what you're looking for.
It doesnt take a really large sum of money to make quality recordings. It does take a LOT of experience and trial and error to get to the point where you CAN make quality recordings everytime out of the gate.
If you translate these manhours into real numbers, this is where the largest investment lies.
I've paid the tickett for my rather modest studio many times over with the hours I have spent learning and perfecting techniques which allow me to capture sources on almost any kind of gear and make it sound at LEAST decent.
Moneylessrecording wrote: First, I am a complete newbie as far a
Moneylessrecording wrote: First, I am a complete newbie as far as recording. I just want something extremly cheap to play around with. I am a hobbiest musician, and just want something to make a record to hand out to friends. I don't need anything incredible, just a mixer and a mic or two, and the some kind of recording software. I'll probably use some cheap/free software, so that isn't really an issue, as I can find that on my own. I'm already looking at a Behringer Xenyx 802, and the older Eurorack 802. That's right at what I'm wanting to spend for the mixer. I still have an open mind, so suggestions would be appreciated. I'm looking to get out cheap on the mic dept. too. I'm hoping my vocal mic could be something like the Behringer XM8500, or something around that price range. What do you guys think? Or, should I just forget about recording myself, and just work on getting small gigs? Thanks in advance! 8-)
Skip the B*#@%ger mixer and mic, they are a total waste of your money. The Toneport and included Ableton software should be an adequate place to start. You can mix in the computer. If you need to mix into the computer, look elsewhere. ART would be a better cheap alternative for a simple mixer. Trust me all those extra buttons and knobs on the B___ mixer are useless. I had the distinct displeasure of using a top-of-the-line B___ mixer last weekend. The Cadillac compared to the one you're looking at. This thing was big and it looked like a mixer. It was pretty, but sounded just awful. The EQ and Gain controls were virtually useless.
If you're absolutely hellbent on buying cheap mics - the Shure PG58 or AKG D88 at $59 will be somewhat better than any cheapo N_dy, B__ringer, Sa_son, or similar. They all offer entry-level mics at this price by having them built in China and sacrificing performance to get the price down. At least Shure and AKG are companies who know what a mic is supposed to sound like. I wouldn't give you a nickel for the top-of-the-line mic by any of those other unmentionable manufacturers, much less their cheapest.
Don't go by what the look like.... There's a reason that all handheld vocal mics look about the same. They're trying to fool you into thinking they're SM58s.
Good luck!
Well, no offence, but there have been very few helpful posts in
Well, no offence, but there have been very few helpful posts in this thread. Most of what I hear, is "spend more than you have, or you'll get terrible recordings." Well, if I don't have the money, how do I spend it? I graciously thank the guys actually suggesting things in my price range. You have been most helpful. Thanks again.
Come on... 70 bucks for a mic compared to $85 for a Sm57 isn't e
Come on... 70 bucks for a mic compared to $85 for a Sm57 isn't exactly a big stretch. You can't find $15 anywhere? If you can't find $15 you can't do anything, gtfo.
Everyone here has been trying to help you and you just seem to be a bag of whinge.
Fuck it, by your piece of shit mic and enjoy it. ;)
Have a good day btw, Don't take my drunken rantings as anything more than what they are. Just rants.
Sheesh! This is a forum, a discussion group, not a paid consult
Sheesh!
This is a forum, a discussion group, not a paid consultation. No one was under any obligation to tell what to buy. You have acted like there is one right answer to your question, as if six or seven people were gonna tell you that budget recording starts here (X marks the spot.)
You were given some excellent advice by some people who have years of experience, you claimed to have an open mind, the fact that you did not like the answers well you can.....
You were certainly given plenty of advice about products in your price range, and if you had taken my advice when I told you to buy it you would already be recording.
BUY SOMETHING ALREADY or SAVE SOME MONEY
just make F*&^%$ng decision.
No, we'll make it for him. *fetches a coin* Wait, decisions are
No, we'll make it for him.
*fetches a coin*
Wait, decisions aren't that clear cut in this industry.
You wanna record your performances? Quality doesn't matter? Awesome, I'm in the same boat.
I'm going to use something like this.
I actually have a USB set like this. The sound is midrangy, burns at any volume (4% is barely tolerable) and did I mention the pain and headaches from the headset itself?
OK, you guys are right, that was way out of line. You have been
OK, you guys are right, that was way out of line. You have been suggesting things that are helpful. Hey, by the way, $70 is the strech for me. It's actually more than I'll have to spend, but will be able to get it within a month or two. I want cheap equipment for two main reasons. First, I just want to see if I like it. Second, if I don't like it, I can still use it to record some ideas as I'm writing. So, after I see whether or not I enjoy recording, I'll save up for the SM58 or whatever else I decide I want. If I don't get into recording now, I may lose my "gumption." I'm sorry if I offended anyone, but you are suggesting things that I'll probably want to buy down the road, but can't afford now. Once again, sorry for that little outburst.
Dude. I just recorded with an SM58 and tried to kiss myself on t
Dude. I just recorded with an SM58 and tried to kiss myself on the mouth. That's how good it sounded. And it's bloody cheap.
I'm not kidding.
Sell something. Cancel your girlie mag subscription. Buy top ramen for a couple of days. Etc. It's well worth it.
It'll make the chance of you liking recording much higher.
OK, you guys are really going to hate me now. After all the fla
OK, you guys are really going to hate me now. After all the flak I've handed out, I've decided to eat my words and say that I'm going to save for the SM57 or 58. I beg that you don't have me killed now. Now, humbly and unbelivably, I'm going to ask for more advice. Is either of these mics fine for acoustic instruments and vocals? If not, which is better for just vocals? And, where is the best/cheapest place to buy them?
Okay, the difference between a 57 and a 58 is just the pop shiel
Okay, the difference between a 57 and a 58 is just the pop shield.
The pop shield is a ball of foam which surrounds the end of a mic.
The 57 and the 58 are exactly the same mic but the 57 is meant for instruments, so you can place it closer to amp grills or right up against whatever you want to record. The 58 is designed for vocals. The pop shields job is to reduce plosive sounds, which are loud sounds like the letter P and to some extant the S sound.
The 58 is probably better for someone who wants only to record vocals but I personally prefer the 57 so I can use it on amps and such. Also you can get closer in to the 57 and really make use of the proximity effect.
You can still use the 57 on vocals, you will need a pop filter though, which is like a chunk of foam to stick on the end. This shouldn't cost more than a few dollars. You can also use various other forms of pop filter like stockings stretched across a wire frame made from a coat hanger and placed a few inches in front of the mic.
The cheapest place to buy one is probably ebay or from some dodgy internet dealer. This leaves you open to being ripped off and whatnot. I got my 57 from a local music store on sale, brand new with a warranty and no shipping charges and all that.
Get your local business directory and ring the local stores and see who will give you the best deal. Good luck and happy recording.
Hey, thanks. So I'll probably buy the SM57 and a seperate pop f
Hey, thanks. So I'll probably buy the SM57 and a seperate pop filter/windscreen. Or just a windscreen, and make a pop filter as well. Would that be a good thing, or just overkill? I'll have to see if any local stores have them. If my favorite place has them, maybe I can get a good deal from them. If not, I'll have to find one elsewhere.
If that's the case, how do the sellers have 100% ratings? They
If that's the case, how do the sellers have 100% ratings? They have several hundred sales each, and you would think that if they were selling fakes, somebody would give them a negative review. I thought it was a little fishy, but it seems to be getting hard to scam on ebay.
Pg57 is a little brother to the: Sm57 which is the industry stan
Pg57 is a little brother to the:
Sm57 which is the industry standard. Contrast the:
Beta57 is a bigger brother and I believe this is an attempt a "revamp" which has different character, but not as popular on live shows etc.
I'd suggest, if you get the SM57, to simply get a popshield - or if you want to "skimp" (incoming pun) a little, grab a pair of tights (heh, heh) and stretch them over a coathanger.
Check the people leaving them feedback (are they just arbitrary
Check the people leaving them feedback (are they just arbitrary usernames or do they look like actual people?), the items they bought (If everyone else is buying placemats and tablecloths, this guy is probably a bad guy to buy boutique gear from), and whether or not the feedbacks themselves look legit (are they all talking about different items, do they have different things to say, IS EVERYONE OF THEM IN CAPS AND COPYPASTED!!!!!!) - trust me, I got burned before, it's worth digging. If you can find a used 57 for 60-70 bucks, or a 58 for an extra couple more, that's probably legit, or a new one of either for $90, that's good, other than that, there's a good chance it's no good.
-N
You've been hearing a lot of opinions - here's a fact. No legit
You've been hearing a lot of opinions - here's a fact.
No legitimate dealer is selling SM57s for $45 - that's waaaaaaaay below what they cost the dealer. And that's before they eat the shipping & handling costs.
A legit dealer would go out of business selling a PG57 for $45 and free freight.
eBay is full of scam artists and unsuspecting victims - buyer beware.
The $40 Shure is in my price range. I don't mind spending cash,
The $40 Shure is in my price range. I don't mind spending cash, as long as I have it to spend. If I can't find a good mic cheap enough, I'll either give up on the whole endeavor, or save my money for who-knows-how-long to get a better mic. Probably the former. So, if I don't get into recording soon, I probably won't get into it at all. So, if I buy something I regret later, I'll still be into recording. Then, I won't have a problem saving for it, because I'll already have the interface. And, I'll be able to record in the meantime.