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help buying a computer microphone!

Blockimus	Date: November 30, 2005 @ 4:18 PM hey guys I was just wondering if someone could give me a bit of assistance in choosing a microphone for my computer. I'll be using it for singing and recording instruments. i'd like the best deal for around $100 (I really cant afford anymore right now unfortunately) here's what ive found so far (dont know if it would be better getting a kit since i currently dont have anything or if they're not needed or what hertz levels are good or anything, so any advice, links to good deals, and other things of that nature would be MUCH appreciated, thanks please send me a message with your reply if you would Mic 1 Mic 2 and in case the links dont work copy and paste... http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B000B66DU4/qid=1133384240/sr=8-3/ref=sr_8_xs_ap_i3_xglna/103-7382615-1049434?v=glance&n=507846 and http://www.zzounds.com/item--MSEDRK
Bhairava	Date: November 30, 2005 @ 4:40 PM . Its not really to do with gutiar is it??? But anyway, I'd just suggest you wait longer and get a better microphone. Its worth waiting for a better one.
Blockimus	Date: November 30, 2005 @ 10:14 PM a $100 microphone is still "not good"??? i'm not going pro here i just want something that sounds pretty good.
pog	Date: December 1, 2005 @ 12:28 AM Research the specifications on the sure sm-58 and compare it to other cheaper mics. If they are around the same sorta ranges, then try it and see if you like the sound. I use an AKG - Platina that I'm pretty happy with.
TameasDust	Date: December 1, 2005 @ 6:28 AM other forums on same topic http://www.dmusic.com/forum/recording/16632 http://www.dmusic.com/forum/vocals/17358 http://www.dmusic.com/forum/vocals/16992
TameasDust	Date: December 1, 2005 @ 6:37 AM companies http://www.shure.com/ http://www.antarestech.com/ you know I think learning greek be easier ...
TameasDust	Date: December 1, 2005 @ 6:42 AM from shure solution database SM58 or any professional microphone connected to a computer sound card Question I just bought a SM58. I want to use the mic for both recording from my acoustic guitar and for vocal. The SM58 must be virtually touching my lips for vocal recording, and it can't really pick up the guitar very well at all. I'm also recording into my computer, and whilst the input levels are at maximum, the recording level is still very low. My basic question is, should I expect to be able to get good amplification at anything other than 1 cm away? Even with the mic plugged straight into the amp the sound is very quiet compared to plugging my guitar directly in. Answer What you are experiencing is the difference in level between different devices. Low impedance microphones, like the SM58 have a very low output level. A guitar, on the other hand, has a much hotter output. The sound card on your computer requires a hotter level. 1) The BEST solution is to use a sound card that is designed for a professional microphone, such as the USBPre ($700) by Sound Devices, or the MobilePre USB ($180) from M-Audio. These devices are quality microphone preamps with a USB computer interface. The MobilePre is only a bit more than the Audio Buddy (mentioned below), but will provide a much, much better audio signal. Both of these are outboard sound cards. That is, you would no longer use the sound card that came in your computer. The USBPre and the MobilePre USB supply phantom power for condenser microphones. 2) The second way to interface a professional microphone with a computer soundcard is through the use of an interface. We recommend looking at the Audio Buddy ($120) from M-Audio or the GCi404 ($120) from Rolls. Both of these interfaces will supply phantom power for any condenser microphones, as well. 3) Another possible solution is using a transformer to help boost the level of your SM58 to something that would likely be appropriate for the sound card. The Shure A96F is the correct transformer. It has a female XLR on one end and an 1/8" connector on the other end. Place the transformer at the computer and use a standard XLR cable between it and your SM58. The transformer will be less expensive than the Audio Buddy interface, but it may not provide enough gain for your particular sound card. The A96F will not work with a phantom powered condenser microphone.
TameasDust	Date: December 1, 2005 @ 6:51 AM it really depends on what you have for a soundcard ... and protools 7 upgrade is out http://www.m-audio.com/ which leads down another path .... and people wonder why I don't have music on here ....
zedsalt	Date: December 1, 2005 @ 11:50 AM I've heard a LOT of good things about MXL's desktop recording package.
TameasDust	Date: December 1, 2005 @ 5:04 PM ok a microphone will only sound as 'good' as what it is hooked to ... you can have a razzle dazzle mic and a crappy sound card and it will sound crappy ... so what yah got ?
hueseph	Date: December 3, 2005 @ 4:52 AM ^^Agreed. First of all. If you get that MXL, you will need at the very least a preamp with +48v phantom power. A condenser mic will not operate without power from either a battery or carried on a line through an xlr cable or by means of a hardware specific power supply. As far as Shures go. You might want to look into an SM57 as they are more suited to guitar and work well with vocals. The SM58 is geared toward vocals but won't be much of a complement to your guitar. If you can wait, save some money and look into getting a decent sound card as well.
mattbanx	Date: December 3, 2005 @ 7:52 AM I have a standard mic i got for less than ten dollars at Radio Shack. Until I get a usable mixer for my computer, a mic like the ones suggested here would be too powerful.
zedsalt	Date: December 3, 2005 @ 11:36 AM I don't know about the other retailers, but at Zzounds, the battery is included with the MXL Desktop Recording Package. I run my ATM101a off the little AA battery in the handle, even when I'm recording on my MD8. That mic has seen almost daily use for about 6 1/2 years, and I just put in my third battery. I've been told that it sounds better battery-powered, but honestly, I don't hear a difference. Regardless, having onboard power is really handy.
TameasDust	Date: December 5, 2005 @ 2:43 AM http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/StudiophileBX5a-focus.html damn nice computer speakers
SimonWaldram	Date: December 5, 2005 @ 5:23 AM I've just been looking around for the MLX Recording Kit and the MobilePre USB as recommended in this thread. I've just found this review of the MobilePre USB and I'm not so sure about it now: http://www.pcpro.co.uk/reviews/47266/mobilepre-usb.html
TameasDust	Date: December 6, 2005 @ 12:16 AM http://www.m-audio.com/index.php?do=products.family also http://www.turtlebeach.com/site/default.asp neet headset
SimonWaldram	Date: December 6, 2005 @ 9:33 AM Thanks for that ThameasDust. M-Audio's DMP3 Preamp ( http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/DMP3-main.html ) looks pretty good, would anyone recommend it over a MobilePre USB?
evansorchid	Date: December 6, 2005 @ 9:46 AM Frankly, I wouldn't trust anything that billed itself as a 'computer microphone' exclusively. I'm using a 20 year old Audio-Technica Pro4L unidirectional Lo-Z dynamic microphone. I have no idea what any of that means. It uses the standard 3-prong microphone cable. I just plug it in to a rack-mountable effects box then out to the sound card. It seems to work for me. I purchased it for about $100 bucks.
GeneHilbert	Date: December 6, 2005 @ 10:19 AM MXL MXL V63MBP...... I could not find a spec sheet on this mike...... that is not a good thing. Musician’s Friend did have 5 owner reviews; you might want to read those. I like M-Audio stuff, and I don't know shit about MobilePre. Sorry no help.

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