Jump to content

Help choosing a microphone?


Shadowblaze
 Share

Recommended Posts

Shadowblaze

Hey, I wanted to get a proper microphone in case I decide to record stuff, such as my guitar or violin. The microphone I currently have comes from a broken headset, and while I can get it to work just fine with some magical trickery, it would be better if I had professional equipment.

So, I'm looking for a relatively cheap, but high quality microphone, with a wide range, if that even means anything. Does anybody know a microphone with such characteristics?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hi Shadowblaze,

Hopefully I can help you, as I have quite a bit of experience with recording.  First of all, what do you mean by a wide range?  Do you want it to pick up a wide range of frequencies, or have a broad pickup pattern?  Also, do you know if you want a dynamic or condenser mic? (If you don't know the difference, I can explain.)

If you're going for a cheap but good dynamic mic, I would suggest the Shure SM57, or the SM58 if you're planning on recording vocals.  Those are some of the most widely used dynamic mics, and you can get one for just under $100.

If you want a condenser mic, what I have for home recordings is the Samson G-Track, a versatile mic that connects to your computer via USB.  If you have a program like Pro Tools, you won't be able to use it directly with the program, at least that I know of, but if you're using something like Garageband, Audacity or Ableton, this mic really comes in handy.  It also has an input for an external instrument, so you can record two tracks at once.  It's a little more than $100, but I've found it to be a great investment, and I've used it for many years.  If you're planning on recording vocals with it, however, you would need a pop filter.

Anyway, I hope this is helpful.  If you have any more questions, feel free to ask!  I've been doing a lot of work with mics recently, so I should probably be able to answer any questions you have.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Shadowblaze
First of all, what do you mean by a wide range?  Do you want it to pick up a wide range of frequencies, or have a broad pickup pattern?  Also, do you know if you want a dynamic or condenser mic? (If you don't know the difference, I can explain.)

​Thanks for helping, J Reggie. :) I mean that the microphone should be able to pick signal from a meter or so, instead of just a foot or two like my current microphone does. And I'd prefer a microphone that can be attached via USB, it sounds quite convenient.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Yeah, then I would definitely recommend the G Track.  I'm pretty sure it works at ranges of around a meter, and the USB connection is really convenient.  You can get it from most retailers at around $120, or you could try to find it used.  It also comes with a free DAW, which isn't that great itself but has a lot of cool built-in samples which can be used in other programs, so that's a side benefit.  If you're looking to do a lot of home recordings, this is really the best way to go in my opinion.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

EDIT: Holy cow, that's huge...
This line height does not help.
Oh I see... It seems to treat lines after an embedded video as another embedded video, giving it insane padding...
Edited by mumboking
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Shadowblaze

Yeah, then I would definitely recommend the G Track.  I'm pretty sure it works at ranges of around a meter, and the USB connection is really convenient.  You can get it from most retailers at around $120, or you could try to find it used.  It also comes with a free DAW, which isn't that great itself but has a lot of cool built-in samples which can be used in other programs, so that's a side benefit.  If you're looking to do a lot of home recordings, this is really the best way to go in my opinion.

​Okay, thanks a lot, I'll keep this one in consideration then. :D

Edited by Shadowblaze
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Another microphone to consider is the Blue Snowball. They run for about 60 dollars, and are fantastic. I use one all the time. It's a condenser mic, and has 3 sound modes. It's useful for voice, music, ambient recording, etc. It connects via USB also.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Shadowblaze

Another microphone to consider is the Blue Snowball. They run for about 60 dollars, and are fantastic. I use one all the time. It's a condenser mic, and has 3 sound modes. It's useful for voice, music, ambient recording, etc. It connects via USB also.

​Oooh, sounds interesting. I'll add this one to the list as well, then. Thanks. :thumbsup:

Link to comment
Share on other sites

 Share

×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.