Mic for home recording

DonalN

So, I've decided to start recording a few tunes at home. I'm looking or some advice on which mic to get. From what I've been reading, I need a large-diaphragm condenser mic.

I'm thinking of getting one of the usb condenser mics as I can use my Zoom G.2.1 as an audio interface for the guitar. Will the recording software (Audacity, Kristal) have any problems seeing the two usb inputs?

The usb mics I'm looking at so far are the Behringer C1 or the T-Bone SC440 or the Samson C01U.


If I go down the mixer route, I'm looking at something like the Alesis Multimix 4, 6, 8 (future proofing for more instruments later on) and maybe the TBOne SC450.

Appreciate any inputs!!

nickcave

you don't need a large-diaphragm condenser; it's all about what your going to be using and also your own taste. I haven't used the USB mics, but from my experience, the preamp you use is crucially important. I guess a USB mic would use a software preamp, which isn't ideal. If you're on a budget I guess it could be alright, if a little uninspiring.

I say you don't need an LDC because a dynamic mic is sometimes preferable on vox, even in a studio situation. To that end I'd recommend a Shure SM57, which will set you back €100 and you'll never need to upgrade it ever. It's used in the most professional studios in the business, but I can't stress the word preamp enough. You mentioned the mixer route. Will you be recording all those tracks at the same time? If not, I'd seriously recommend getting a decent single channel mic preamp instead.

Cheap condenser mics can sound very harsh, which is why I'm advising against them if you're on a budget. I wouldn't spend less than €200 on a condenser mic, more if possible, even for entry-level.

Like I said, I haven't used the USB mics, but it's possible they'd stand in instead of you soundcard when you plug them in. So you'd configure the software to use the mic instead of your soundcard. That would entail switching from mic to your Zoom interface and back each time you changed instrument, and you couldn't use both. Could be wrong on that, though...

Adyx

nickcave above is right about having to switch interfaces. Audacity definitely can't handle more than one USB interface at a time and even if it could, I'm pretty sure it can only record one stereo or mono track at a time anyway.

I have an Alesis Multimix 6 and it's ok but not great. It suffers from that whine you get with some USB interfaces which can be annoying but it doesn't appear on the actual recording. You should note though that the Multimix 6 (and I presume the other versions) only have a stereo output so they can't be used to record several separate tracks simultaneously.

Miklos

I bought an Alesis Multimix and the damn thing broke after a year, handily just outside the warrantee. Don't touch them.

DonalN

I think I might just get one of the fastrack audio interfaces to start with. It'll take the guitar and mic - which is all i need for now. Changed my mind on the mic - think i'll get the shure sm57. Plenty of good reviews on it.

Quick question - will i be ablel to put the guitar through the zoom g2.1 before going into the audio interface?

Miklos

The M-Audio Fasttrack yokes are great, nice and simple, plenty rugged too.
You'll be able to run your guitar through the Zoom before.

Digitaljunkie

DonalN wrote: »

I think I might just get one of the fastrack audio interfaces to start with. It'll take the guitar and mic - which is all i need for now. Changed my mind on the mic - think i'll get the shure sm57. Plenty of good reviews on it.

Quick question - will i be ablel to put the guitar through the zoom g2.1 before going into the audio interface?

A Shure sm58 is your only man much warmer.And like the OP said you'll have it for life. Their a joy to EQ and engineer on the desk. The wireless radio sm58's are the dogs biscuits as well but much more expensive. You just can't go wrong with them either way.