Help me out a little on Mics

S

SELLO

New member
Hi I'm thinking of getting an SM57 mic to basically jus record vocals and what kind of jack does SM57 uses?

Also, if my soundcard is integrated to the motherboard, will I not be able to record?

If I'm not wrong I saw some threads that I can get it at certain shops in Simlim. Whats the acceptable price for an SM57?

Would I need any extra cables cause I prolly would be jus sitting near to the computer if I'm recording so is the cable that comes along wit the package long enough?

I'm real new to this mic and sound system thing so would appreciate if yall could help me out here. Thanks.
 
Microphones use XLR connections.

If you want to record directly into your computer, you should consider getting an external USB or firewire audio interface to do the analog-to-digital conversion of the audio.

Yes you can get a SM57 at Sim Lim Square. An acceptable price would probably be anywhere between $140 - $150.

Just wondering, why do you want a SM57 instead of a SM58 if you want to record vocals? Not that you can't record vocals using a 57, but generally the 58 is used for vocal applications and the 57 for instrument applications.
 
Like most mics you'd require an XLR cable.

You could probably record with your current soundcard, guessing that it accepts 3.5mm jack for the mic input. You could use a XLR to 3.5mm converter or a cable that has female XLR on one end and 3.5mm jack on the other. I'd urge to not use the internal soundcard and get an audio interface to record.

Another alternative is to get a USB microphone which will save you some cash and hassle.

You'd also most definitely need a pop filter or wind shield for recording vocals.
 
hardpan said:
Just wondering, why do you want a SM57 instead of a SM58 if you want to record vocals? Not that you can't record vocals using a 57, but generally the 58 is used for vocal applications and the 57 for instrument applications.
Click to expand...

Well actually I read some reviews off the internet and what I read was there wasn't really any difference between the two mics jus that for this one review which was comparing the two mics saying that SM58 might add a little spark to the vocals because of a certain feature or hardware thing in the mic I can't remember what its called.

You could probably record with your current soundcard, guessing that it accepts 3.5mm jack for the mic input. You could use a XLR to 3.5mm converter or a cable that has female XLR on one end and 3.5mm jack on the other. I'd urge to not use the internal soundcard and get an audio interface to record.

Another alternative is to get a USB microphone which will save you some cash and hassle.
Click to expand...

Hmm, so if I get an SM57, the only extra thing I'll need is an XLR cable? (Aside from the soundcard that is) How much does the XLR cable cost on average?

Will USB microphones give results as good as SM57? What are the few recommended USB mics?



Thanks guys for the quick reply. Really appreciate it.
 
SELLO said:
Well actually I read some reviews off the internet and what I read was there wasn't really any difference between the two mics jus that for this one review which was comparing the two mics saying that SM58 might add a little spark to the vocals because of a certain feature or hardware thing in the mic I can't remember what its called.
Click to expand...

Yes, you're right. The SM57 and SM58 have the same microphone diaphragm. Only difference is that the SM58 has the grille and windscreen, SM57 does not. Take off the grille of the 58 and it basically becomes a 57. The subtle difference in the frequency response of both mics is due to this.

SELLO said:
Will USB microphones give results as good as SM57? What are the few recommended USB mics?
Click to expand...

I personally have not used USB mics before but I think you can check out the Samson C01U and C03U or if your budget is slightly higher, the Rode Podcaster.
 
What soundcard are you using? If it is those 'soundblaster' type, it might not have enough pre-amp to boost the mic level. You can get a small mixer to put in between mic and computer soundcard.
 
Hmmm... I think the signal will be a bit low.

Other than vocals, what do you wish to record? Guitar? Drums? Keyboards?
 
Hmm not really. I'm doing strictly vocals and then meshing them up wit beats either made using computer software or dled off the internet. That would be ok right? I just read a little and did a little price research, it seems that Samson condenser mics are pretty good but it doesn't beat SM58 and at the same time, is more expensive then SM58. But SM58 on the other hand, needs extra XLR cable and I've read that without a pre-amp, SM58 would really suck and add that to my lousyass soundcard, it might not really work.

On the other hand, since I'm only doing vocals at home, getting a condenser mic in Samson without a sound proof environment, that would prolly result in external noises being recorded because of the sensitivity right?

So at the end of the day, what would be a better mic?

And jus another question. Once I get my SM58 plugged into the computer, do I still need anything special like a real special software for it to work at its optimum or it would be ok wit a regular software say for example Audacity?

Thanks
 
The software won't matter too much, Audacity should be just fine for what you intend to do.

Plugging a SM58 directly into your soundcard isn't exactly the best way to go about recording. Microphones require proper pre-amplification from mic level up to line level. The onboard 1/8" jack of your soundcard may not handle the balanced, low impedance signal output from a SM58.

It might be a better idea to go for a USB mic since you appear to be on a budget. At least you'll be assured that the analog audio will be converted properly to digital audio down the USB connection.

Ideally you would get an external audio interface for recording, but for what you want to do, I think a USB mic would do just fine.
 
if its for vocals. I would say a condenser would be much better. But it seriously depends on ur environment. try closing ur windows and doors, close ur curtains and lay some carpets. Unless u really stay beside an mrt rail or near a main road or expressway, construction site or factory, u might wan to go for a dynamic. Because the lower range condensers aren't as sensitive as you think but gives u better vocal results.
 
My environment is totally not soundproof at all but I do not have overly major things like living next to the highway whatever maybe a little noise from the side sometimes. But I'm really considering between SM57 or Samson Cu01. I'm afraid that at the end of the day, SM57 might not give enough power(without preamp?) while Samson might be too sensitive.
 
Bless the search function. As this topic has covered most of what I am looking for already. But one more question though.

For me I will be needing a mic to record my singing. Just my vocals, as I will just import a backing track or midi for the music. I really don't want to spend much, But I just can't stand the sound coming from my cheap clip-on pc mic.

I'm planning to buy one of those USB mics. The most affordable one maybe lol.

But my question is, which type will be the best to record singing.

My room does not have very much outside noise. lucky that my flat is far from the roads.
Don't have carpeting also so maybe i'll just close the fans and my windows and curtains.
And since I don't have a decent computer table. Most likely I will record sitting on the floor. (Don't know if that help in producing better sound lol)

Which type of mic will be best for me. I checked out the link been provided and there are many things to think about.

Do i need a Large Diaphragm one? should it be Cardioid so that it will record less background noise.

Need ur help on these little things.
 
Hi babyjosef17

Most of the usb condensor should be Large Diaphragm and Cardioid. Ha..ha... so, not much of a choice there.

Large Diaphragm is supposing good for capturing vocals.

Oh, you should get a mic stand too. Don't sit on the floor cos it will give reflection to the sound. Meaning your voice will bounce off the floor and get into the mic. So you have a direct signal and a reflected signal of your voice recorded.
 
Thnx admin soft! Whoa! hehe. Yeah ur right not a lot of choices. It's a good thing that what I really needed.

Tnx for the advice too. Ok i'll try recording stading up this time lol. Guess i'm off to funan then sim lim then. Tnx alot.
 
I have went to funan and also in this audio house in liang court clark quay. Hehe none of them sell any USB mics at all. I guess only sim lim will have.

Any ideas which store in sim lim to go to? I'm planning to buy the Samson C01U mic. Basing on the prices i see in the internet in USD. Is the price of the mic about 110-130 SGD?
 
You should have gone to Hung Brothers Electrical Trading (# 03-83, 63369989) at Sim Lim. Also check out Edsen Trading (# 03-21, 63339745) at Sim Lim.
 
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