Recording mic

[ShadowBlade]

I'm looking for a decent recording mic for around $30 or less. It has to be something that I could find in a retail store (Best Buy, Circuit City, Wal Mart, Target in my area). It also must be plug and play, and if it is USB, it must be able to work with Audacity with minimal set up.

This will be used to record classical instrumental music.

Thanks.

 

[oynaz]

Perhaps you can find a Shure SM 58 or 57 for around that price.

What is a plug and play mic?

 

[ShadowBlade]

Maybe I was unclear - needs to be a computer mic sorry about that, kind of an important piece of info

 

[oynaz]

OK, what is a computer mic? No offence meant.

 

[PurdueRy]

Originally posted by: ShadowBlade
Maybe I was unclear - needs to be a computer mic sorry about that, kind of an important piece of info

ohhhh a computer mic.....of course!

 

[Markbnj]

Originally posted by: ShadowBlade
Maybe I was unclear - needs to be a computer mic sorry about that, kind of an important piece of info

A condenser mic is a condenser mic. Unless of course you mean a USB mic, which is the same animal with a different tail.

 

[oynaz]

A condenser mic? Where did THAT come from?

Now I'm confused...

 

[Hulk]

dynamic mic - requires no powering voltage, i.e. shure SM57 or 58, usually work best for louder souces

condenser mic - requires phantom power to charge the mic, i.e. AKG 414, 460, Neuman 193, U87...

Computer mic - cheap mic that plugs into a computer using a mini plug (1/8") or usb I guess. It is so removed from the others I have listed it shouldn't be called a "mic" but a think that "kind of records sound."

 

[oynaz]

Yes, I know

But I am still unsure what the OP wants. You can plug a dynamic mic into a decent soundcards and get OK results btw, hence my original suggestion.

 

[Hulk]

Originally posted by: oynaz
Yes, I know

But I am still unsure what the OP wants. You can plug a dynamic mic into a decent soundcards and get OK results btw, hence my original suggestion.

Yes you can get decent results depending on the application. If you are seriously trying to record music I'd say no. If you are doing voice over work for paying clients then no.

Dictation or just fooling around stuff then yes.

 

[oynaz]

I run a studio myself, so I heartily agree with you

However, the OP stated he only wanted to spend $30, and I think it may be possible get your hands on a SM-57 or 58 for that kind of money.

Edit: Used, that is.

 

[Oyeve]

At work we use Sony ECM-ZS90 mics. They are stereo, zoom function. Works great with Audacity, AudioHijack.