Decent microphone for computer

[fustercluck]

Is there a good microphone out there that i can use with my computer? I want to record some things, can't have any static or any fuzzy crap in the background. Don't really want a headset but i can use that if needed. Give me a good model or link me directly, thanks.

 

[trumpetmidi]

Well, if you have any device that accepts XLR inputs, you can buy a Shure SM57 or 58. 57 is more for instruments, while the 58 is more of a vocal mic. These are industry stands and can be found in any recording studio throughout the world. They are pretty cheap as well. A brand new one costs about 90 dollars, but you can find a used one on ebay for about 50-60. You can go wrong with one of these. Also, I guess if you dont have any XLR inputs, you should buy an adapter that will fit into any old soundcard. Hope this helps, good luck with it!

 

[trumpetmidi]

Oops, I meant you *can't* go wrong with one of these! Also, i should have mentioned that they are durable as hell. I've dropped mine about 5 times on a hardwood floor and it still works great!

 

[fustercluck]

Hrm, I dunno if the Audigy 2 ZS accepts XLR inputs, i doubt it though. Anyone know?

 

[whattaguy]

Originally posted by: jacktackle
Hrm, I dunno if the Audigy 2 ZS accepts XLR inputs, i doubt it though. Anyone know?

Get the SM57 (no need for the SM58) with one of these

or one of these for better quality.

Hook it up with an adapter to your line-in of the Audigy, and you're good to go.

 

[trumpetmidi]

I would highly doubt that it does accept XLR, but those adapters cost 10-20 bucks, no big deal. YOu can buy them wherever you buy the mic.

 

[whattaguy]

Originally posted by: trumpetmidi
I would highly doubt that it does accept XLR, but those adapters cost 10-20 bucks, no big deal. YOu can buy them wherever you buy the mic.

Just buying an adapter would result in a very poor quality sound. You need to bring up the mic level to a line level through some kind of pre-amplifier if you want any kind of quality sound. Otherwise, purchasing an SM57/58 will be worthless as it will probably sound like a $5 mic.

 

[fustercluck]

Those things look neat...even though i have no idea what all the knobs and crap do, heh. How does one of those connect to my computer? Are they just for microphones only or do they serve any other purpose?

 

[whattaguy]

Originally posted by: jacktackle
Those things look neat...even though i have no idea what all the knobs and crap do, heh. How does one of those connect to my computer? Are they just for microphones only or do they serve any other purpose?

All the knobs are the input levels/volume knobs...you want to max these out right before clipping for the cleanest sound, usually. You could hook them up to your sound card with either an RCA to 1/8" cable/adapter, or a 1/4" to 1/8" cable/adapter.

Here's an RCA to 1/8" adapter

and here's a 1/4" to 1/8" stereo adapter

 

[fustercluck]

Could i use the same kinda thing to record piano directly to the computer or is that a whole different thing? If it's the same kinda thing i could kill two birds with one stone.

 

[whattaguy]

Originally posted by: jacktackle
Could i use the same kinda thing to record piano directly to the computer or is that a whole different thing? If it's the same kinda thing i could kill two birds with one stone.

Sure, just use the microphone to capture the piano sound. You would probably get better results mic'ing the piano with a condenser microphone which would need phantom power (a power source for the mic which the Audio Buddy has and the Behringer doesn't).

Actually, a good option to the Audio Buddy would be this Yamaha MG102 Mixer for a few bucks more than the Audio Buddy. It will give you 2 more quality inputs to work with.

A good option for a microphone would be a Studio Projects B1 which is held in the highest regards in the budget minded studio musician. This would actually capture a piano a lot better than the SM57 (usually good for mic'ing up guitar amps and snare drums).

Let me warn you...studio equipment is as addicting as computer equipment, but it's so much fun! Better start purchasing some Ramen noodles so you can get your next piece of equipment.

Edit: BTW, these can all be found on Ebay for good prices.

 

[fustercluck]

Thanks for the info, i guess i'll have to start doing some research, so i know what i'm getting before i buy it, heheh.

Why are they so much fun? Just curious.

 

[whattaguy]

Originally posted by: jacktackle
Thanks for the info, i guess i'll have to start doing some research, so i know what i'm getting before i buy it, heheh.

Why are they so much fun? Just curious.

Just being able to produce or capture your musical ideas on a recording medium and make it "listenable" on a cd is cool.

Also, check out www.homerecording.com
Tons of stuff there...use the search function first or else people will bark at you saying "use the search!"...hey...just like this place!
There are also studio professionals that lurk around that forum.