Microphone selection help required!

**finchcliffe** · 02-21-2007, 07:35 AM

I am looking to begin recording my own Personal Development CD's, so they will be just my voice and some background music. I have a copy of Cubase but I was unsure as to the specification of Microphone I will need, can anyone help with a little advice?

**MASSIVE Master** · 02-21-2007, 06:12 PM

Normally, I wouldn't recommend a USB mic - But if it's simple voice-over and background music, it'd be the easiest and simplest way to get something acceptable.

Specifically, the only USB mic that I didn't hate passionately was Rode's "PodCaster" - The rest were... less than stellar to say the least.

Other than that, you'd need a microphone, a preamp and some way to get it into your system (via sound card or other interface).

(EDIT)

Noticed the other post (double posting is EVIL, by the way) and noticed you're using a laptop. In this case, I really would suggest the USB option or at the very least, a decent quality USB interface (as opposed to using the stock interface on the laptop).

**finchcliffe** · 02-21-2007, 07:58 PM

I could get a better sound card for a desk top pc I have - would you suggest that this may be an option to get better sound with a different mike or do you think the podcaster will acheive a quality that will allow me to generate a professional feel to people listening to the audio.

(New to using forums, was worried my first post was in the wrong section as I got a lot of readers but no replies - sorry for the evilness!)

**GZsound** · 02-22-2007, 10:23 AM

Your best bet would be to purchase a new interface. Decent USB interfaces can be had for a little as $30.

Once you have a good interface, pick up an inexpensive small format mixer like a Yamaha, Soundcraft, etc. and then you can buy any microphone you want..

I set up small systems like this for clients who have pod casts, who are psychologists and want to record their sessions, therapists, etc.

One of the cheapest, but still decent systems is to buy a fifty dollar Behringer mixer and an MXL 990 mic. Put the mic on a desk stand, connect your music to the mixer, the mixer to the computer and you are ready to record.

Total cost with a USB interface is around $150.

When you decide to upgrade, it is a simple matter to just buy a better mic, or a better mixer.

**finchcliffe** · 02-22-2007, 11:59 AM

Do you think that option will provide better sound quality than the Podcaster? the total investment will be about the same, and as long as the kit I buy does the job I probably won't need to upgrade, and the backing music is already on my pc - what do you think? Also for this do you think I will be better with Cubase or Nuendo? or something else?

**GZsound** · 02-26-2007, 10:53 AM

You may very well be happy with the Podcaster microphone. Then again, you may decide in the future to upgrade.

My only thought was that if you bought an inexpensive mixer, you could upgrade if you wanted without a large expense. Certainly IF the podcaster works and you feel you will never need to upgrade, then get the Podcaster..

And any of the multitude of multitrack software programs would work well for your use. If you feel you must spend money on Nuendo, for example, then go ahead.

The final product from a free program like Audacity or a cheap program like N Tracks or Power Tracks Pro will sound identical to the final product from Nuendo.. All of these programs will output a 44.1khz 16 bit file suitable for burinig to CD or converting to other formats for internet distribution.

It is the feature set and ease of use that make one program "better" than another, not their ability to render a quality output file.

**ecc83** · 03-02-2007, 05:44 AM

Just a question from a computer noob. Why no Firewire mics? Would this not crack the 16bit quality barrier?

Dave.

**GZsound** · 03-03-2007, 12:39 AM

Originally Posted by ecc83

Just a question from a computer noob. Why no Firewire mics? Would this not crack the 16bit quality barrier?

Dave.

There is no 16 bit quality barrier with USB microphones. And I am sure a Firewire mic will be available somewhere sometime soon.

I am not familiar with the details of Firewire and USB, but there may be a problem with microphones getting the power they need (phantom), via Firewire.. I don't know. But there is no 16 bit barrier with USB that I know of.

**ecc83** · 03-03-2007, 01:35 AM

Hi Mark, I read this in a copy of Sound on Sound, I will dig it out.
I know there is no bit rate problem with usb (I have an inteface that will do 24) but in the mag the guy seemed to imply that there was some sort of problem, suitable chips not yet available/cheap enough yet.
To be honest I can't see the attraction of a usb mic. It would seem to limit your options(ok, laptop and quick interview) when a decent usb interface+mic can be had for C £100.00. Power no prob. If you can get Ppwer from 5v.usb, you can get it from FW. Except many laptops do not have FW power out!
Dave.

**GZsound** · 03-03-2007, 02:08 AM

I agree that a USB mic has limited use as far as most audio recording is concerned, however, as you stated, they can be handy for folks doing Podcasts, interviews, etc.

I have clients that are psychologists, therapists, etc. and like to record their sessions. A USB mic is an excellent choice for that kind of work.

We were discussing a Podcaster kit afterall..

As I said, I would prefer a small format mixer and any of several mics that would work and allow upgrading.

**af-sonarman** · 04-09-2007, 04:13 PM

So many variables to consider. But I always like to maximize future options. As mentioned above there are great small mixers with USB outs for low costs. One of these and a Shure SM 57 and you can whip the world.