Good quality, inexpensive mic for PC recording?

Jim · #1 March 30th, 2006

I don't want to go nuts here (no comments necessary!

) but I'd like to do some recording on my Sony VAIO laptop involving voice, and I'd love some recommendations of what mics members here have used for PC recording that give pretty good quality sound but is also fairly inexpensive ($50-$100 max - or less if there is such a thing).

I don't need something that can stand up to live performance or anything like that, just at home recording of myself.

Also, any decent shareware type programs for PC to use? I have Goldwave and if that will do the trick, I can stick with that.

Thanks!
Jim

seagull · #2 March 30th, 2006

I don't have one but I have heard the sure sm57 is a good mic for less than $100.

Jim · #3 March 30th, 2006

Thanks Seagull!

I heard that from someone else too - so I'll definitely be looking into it.

Jim

Lcjones · #4 March 30th, 2006

You may be limited in choices if you're plugging the mic directly in to the mic jack on the PC. If you're just wanting to test the waters with a mic, I'd go tap the local Radio Shack and pick up a 10-15 dollar dynamic mic. These will normally be equipped with a 1/4 male jack. You'll have to get a 1/4" to 1/8" adapter to fit your PC. They do just fine for this level of recording. I used them for years. I still have two of them!

Also, mic jack points on most mother-board soundcards are mono, not stereo. So be sure you get the appropriate mono adapters. You may want to double check the PC Manufacturer web site to determine the sound capabilities of your laptop.

As far as software goes for recording, if you're familiar with Goldwave and it's workings, stick with it. Otherwise, Audacity is freely available over at sourceforge and very simple to use.

Hope this helps

lc

Jim · #5 March 30th, 2006

Thanks!

Jim

Nem · #6 April 3rd, 2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by lcjones

You may be limited in choices if you're plugging the mic directly in to the mic jack on the PC.

care to explain? is it required to have a mixer? what advantages would it provide

Lcjones · #7 April 3rd, 2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nem

care to explain? is it required to have a mixer? what advantages would it provide

The PC requires a mic with an 1/8th jack; or 1/4" to 1/8" adapter. Not all mic's are 1/8" jack type. Many mic's use a standard 3 Pin plug that connects directly to a console or mixer. My only thought was that if someone new to mic's and home recording didn't read the fine print, they could end up with a mic they can't use. As well, I don't believe there are any phantom powered mic's that connect directly to PC. I may be wrong.

So your choices are limited.

BigG · #8 April 4th, 2006

I recently purchased an MXL DKR by Marshall that I am very happy with. I picked it up for 119 dollars Canadian. When I was doing research on the net I saw it for 99 US in the States. The reviews were good and the mike comes with a desktop stand, and adapter plug for PC and another for a guitar amp. All of this is in a plastic carrying case. Excellent value for the money.

Although my guitars are equipped with on board preamps and pickups, I have never been satisfied with the sound coming out of them. They pickup all the noise and finger movement. But this Marshall microphone records a real sweet warm tone.