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-- Mic for vocals...(+usb connect)?

Posted by Lana on Nov-24-2008 15:22:

Mic for vocals...(+usb connect)?

What microphone you think would be best for a home (can't really call this a studio) vocal recording?
-not taking TOO much sounds from around/background?
-not too expensive (is 150dollars even near to get a good mic?)...

And any ideas about mics that connects via USB?
Or do I need to get the USB "adapter" like:
http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/07/...udio-interface/

Posted by Zombie0729 on Nov-24-2008 17:47:

that icicle thing is really interesting, what a great idea.

as for your mic... $150 can get you some of the common Shure products but you're better off to save your pennies (and your xmas bonus/money) for something in the $300-$500 range. get something that will last and grow with you, my own personal recommendation is the Rode NTK.

Posted by cryophonik on Nov-24-2008 18:27:

Yeah, I saw that Icicle thingie in the new Sweetwater catalog and it looks like a pretty ingenious idea, but I don't think I'd want to be a guinea pig with it. Then, again at $60, maybe it's worth a shot.

I haven't used any of the new USB mics, but the common theme I've seen in most of the gear forums is that they're not worth the cash and not ready for pro/semi-pro recording work, primarily due to the high latency and problems with drivers. They're probably OK for podcasting, etc., but excessive latency is usually unacceptable for recording musicians (esp. for vocalists, who need to hear themselves in real-time and on-beat, not delayed by 10+ msecs).

I second DJAR's recommendation for a Rode NTK - I've got one and it's fantastic. I picked mine up used, but in like-new condition for, $240, which was a steal. If you can find a similar deal, go for it. For $150, you should be able to get a used Rode NT1A, which is a good all-around mic. Some of the MXL and Behringer condenser mics are pretty good as well - go to GC and try them out until you find one that works for you (then buy it from eBay for a fraction of the price). Regardless of what many people may try to tell you, there aren't many "bad sounding" mics on the market in that price range - you just need to find one that works for you and your voice/instrument. And, if you know your way around an EQ and a de-esser and practice good mic'ing techniques, you can get excellent recordings with cheap mics.

Posted by Lana on Nov-30-2008 10:24:

What about the Shure SM58?
Is that any good?
Any comments about that one?