A Christmas Present 'Emergency'

carol m · #1 December 8th, 2006

This is a bit of an 'emergency' - I've just been asked what I want for Christmas, and obviously I want a microphone. I've been meaning to research it but haven't yet so......can anyone help quickly? I have a computer, a guitar and a power supply. I want a general, easy to use, not too expensive mike and I'll work out the 'set-up' later. If I get a mike, do I need anything else to start - I've heard people talk here about sound cards - do I need one, and is it different to the sound card that is part of the computer? Any ideas, anyone? What do I need to tell them to look for - they have less of a clue than I do!

D-Dawn · #2 December 8th, 2006

If you can hear sound or record sounds on your computer, then you have a sound card. I have a cheap $10.00 mic from radio shack so i can't help you much there...too many choices! C'mon guys...we know you know your stuff! (bet you get a lot of answers Carol

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Stratrat · #3 December 8th, 2006

Carol - I'm no expert, but it seems that the most popular mic around is the Shure SM-57 - can be used with instruments or for vocals. Here's a link with some information about it and a lot of user reviews: http://www.musiciansfriend.com/produ...Mic?sku=270102

fly135 · #4 December 8th, 2006

I bought a 3 pack of SP5's because they were only $20, plus the cost of cables. But the SP4 includes the cable and looks like a deal for $10. You may want to consider a mic stand as well. MF has some good deals. I checked out the Shure SM58 and it didn't sound any better than the mic that came with my Karaoke player so I took it back and got 3 SP5s, cables and a mic stand about $60.

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/produ...one?sku=277516

carol m · #5 December 8th, 2006

I just checked that out, Mac - looks a little too 'professional' for me at the moment. I reckon if you're likely to record crap, then you're going to need to be able to blame some crap equipment (or anything, really) otherwise you might have to face reality

I've just realised that there is a different argument........if you have really good equipment, it's going to make anything sound better...but I'm not convinced by that one really.

Magnatude · #6 December 8th, 2006

I use the mic thats in my webcam... some logitech cammy. It's not bad, but if your looking for something that is going to sound beautiful, then you want a decent mic. If not, then a little mic thats used for just talking online, etc. would be the way to go.

Adrian

carol m · #7 December 8th, 2006

Hi Fly, that looks really good. Don't know if I can get them here in Aussie, but I'll check it out. I see it's a dynamic which means (I think) that it doesn't need a separate power supply, but how does that work - where does it get it's power from - the computer? And can you just plug it in to the back of the computer? Does it need an adapter? I have my sound system plugged in at the back of the computer, but haven't explored back there for years! (I know there's a mic-in there somewhere).

carol m · #8 December 8th, 2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Magnatude

I use the mic thats in my webcam... some logitech cammy. It's not bad, but if your looking for something that is going to sound beautiful, then you want a decent mic. If not, then a little mic thats used for just talking online, etc. would be the way to go.

Adrian

Hi Adrian, I actually have a logitech webcam up in the attic somewhere! I don't think it has a mic in it though, but I'll check it out. Thanks for the info.

Rockerbob · #9 December 8th, 2006

Ask for this one:

AKG 414

I have a pair of the original C414 ULS mics and they are great for everything. Hey! You can always ask!

fly135 · #10 December 8th, 2006

No need for power on a dynamic mic. I'd recommend that you use the money saved buying a cheaper mic like the Nady on a mixer (Behringer UB802) of some sort. I don't know what kind of deals you get down there but on MF you could get the mic, mixer, and stand for about $70. The mixer gives you more control over the tone and it boosts the mic level to line in. Some people say the mic in on a computer is noisy. So a mixer lets you use the line input. Plus you can mix in more than one mic, plus cd, etc..

I took my Ovation and strummed a little Horse with No Name in front of the Nady SP5. I think it sounds fine considering it cost $7 (plus $7 for the cable). It's going into a Behringer UB1002FX mixer into the line in of my computer.

carol m · #11 December 8th, 2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rockerbob

Ask for this one:

AKG 414

I have a pair of the original C414 ULS mics and they are great for everything. Hey! You can always ask!

Wow, very nice but $1000 each! I've heard you sing and play so I know that for you they would be worth it....but me? I don't think so - not just yet - maybe when I become a star (probably take a couple of weeks) maybe then I could dig deep and stun the world with my efforts.

Thanks for the suggestion though - when you need to know something guitar-related, there's only one place to go, no question - right here at GFB&B. Thanks everyone

carol m · #12 December 8th, 2006

Hi fly, I posted a reply to you about an hour ago but it seems to have got lost in cyberspace, so if you get this message twice, that's why:
The cheap mic plus a mixer sounds like a good way to go for a start. Your demo sounds really clear and good tone too + nice sound from your Ovation and smooth playing as well. Thanks everyone for all the effort you've put in, it's much appreciated.
When you say you can mix in a cd, do you mean add something to a commercial CD or just a home-made mp3 saved on a CD or something else entirely?

Magnatude · #13 December 8th, 2006

The computer mic is a bit noisy, but if your not lookin for cd quality, it will do... heres what i did on the logitech webcam, with the Audacity program. Don't mind the sloppy skills lol.

Adrian

PS Fly's way seems to be the right idea, very clear and sounds great!

carol m · #14 December 9th, 2006

Adrian, that was great - did you work out that arrangement yourself? Harmonics even - I'm impressed! However, as far as the recording goes, it's OK, but I think if I can organise it I'll try for the cheap mic + mixer as Fly said. But it's nice to know that if all else fails (on the Christmas present side of things) I can just buy a cheap mic and just plug it in. Thanks for your help, it's greatly appreciated

Magnatude · #15 December 9th, 2006

Oh my no... I definatly can't take credit for that... it's actually a song by Metallica. But thank you anyway, and good luck with your recording!