Super noob question about microphones...

[cherrystarxx]

I've been using this cheap crappy Ranger headset mic for a few months and the quality sucks -.-

I know NOTHING about mics (browsed through forum and couldn't understand), but all I know is that I need a good one that will record my voice in high quality and will block out any surrounding noise (esp. my stupid aircon that rattles damn loudly).

I did a bit of research (the rest was too cheem for me) and I found that quite a few Nico Nico Douga singers used SM58 and their quality was awesome, so I was wondering if I should get it but it's SO damn expensive! Plus I'm like very young so I have to get money from my parents and they violently object to me working >____>

So if anyone could be so kind as to explain to me about the different kinds of mics and what would be good...? Or would it be okay if I stuck to getting the SM58?

And please include where to get the things that you mention also @_@ I'm not good at sourcing for things.

So I REALLY really hope to receive some help from some kind soul out there~ Thank you m(_ _)m

 

[grarrgrarr]

If you are asking this question I would assume you do not have a professional sound card, and you would not be able to plug the SM58 into it without an adaptor.

Even with an adaptor, the sound quality would be really bad because most on-board sound cards do not have a proper preamp for your microphone, as they are not meant for recording.

If an SM58 is too expensive for you, getting a proper audio interface is out of the question as even a cheap one would cost at least as much as an SM58 (to my own knowledge).

My recommendation is to get the cheapest 2nd hand USB mic from the buy/sell section on the forums here. The reason why a USB mic is most suitable for you is because USB mics bypass the sound card and at least have a decent preamp and converter built in. It is good value for money.

This is an example:

http://soft.com.sg/forum/sound-gear-buy-sell/166179-wts-samson-c01u-condenser-mic-demo-recording-included.html


*hes not paying me to post this link here


About the air-con rattling loudly, I used to have a very noisy window unit, but I got it changed to a silent split-unit. If you use a dynamic mic (e.g. SM58 ) and sing/talk close to the mic you might be able to make the rattling softer, but it will still be there.

My advice would be to set your aircon to max until the room is super cold, then switch it off and you have about an hour to do your recording in total silence. Thats what i did at least

 

[cherrystarxx]

Ohh, I see about the aircon thing o_o But still, it would be good if it could block out surrounding sounds to some degree.

Ah, I've seen the word 'condensor' before, but I don't really know what is means...

Okay I have no idea what it means. But I read somewhere while digging for info that this guy's condensor mic picked up the surrounding noises really well. Is that true?

Oh and do I need anything other than the mic itself if I'm getting a condensor mic (I read something about a 'phantom' once but I don't know wtf that is)? Are all USB mics condensor mics or...should I get a condensor mic or is any USB mic acceptable?

Sorry for bombing you with questions m(_ _m Thanks for reading this!

 

[logicdroid]

Dude.

Layman's terms.

SM57 captures the sound thats right in front of it.

SM58 captures the sound surrounding it.


Don't get a condenser yet. Pave your way up. Listen to what the SM57 or 58 can do for you as they are very durable mics that provide decent sound.

Long story short, get one, use it, get used to the sound, then you'll have a threshold to tell in future what's crap and what's not.

Best,
R.

 

[alongday]

Hey go look up the Zoom H4N, it's a microphone WITH a recording soundcard. it works amazingly. i did a recording with it and a friend of mine actually thought i did it within a studio.

you're able to record on the device itself or even connect it to your PC!
fits 2 XLR or jack inputs on top of the in-built mic system.

find it at citymusic!

 

[Ikiru]

Condenser microphones are a lot more sensitive than a dynamic and will pick up unwanted sounds all over the place.

You could consider a SM58 to start off with, which is a vocal dynamic microphone and should work well for you as a starter, and it does not require phantom power; basically power sent to your microphone from a device such as a mixer to "turn it on".

Hmm, you can try purchasing a USB adapter that comes with the SM58. http://www.shure.com/ProAudio/Products/WiredMicrophones/us_pro_sm58-x2u_content

I personally use an SM57 for vocals. *too cheap to buy instrument and vocal microphones* AFAIK, You can get SM58 at Sim Lim Square.

PS: Nico nico douga singers have processed vocals, which adds to the +1 quality.

 

[cherrystarxx]

Condenser microphones are a lot more sensitive than a dynamic and will pick up unwanted sounds all over the place.

You could consider a SM58 to start off with, which is a vocal dynamic microphone and should work well for you as a starter, and it does not require phantom power; basically power sent to your microphone from a device such as a mixer to "turn it on".

Hmm, you can try purchasing a USB adapter that comes with the SM58. http://www.shure.com/ProAudio/Products/WiredMicrophones/us_pro_sm58-x2u_content

I personally use an SM57 for vocals. *too cheap to buy instrument and vocal microphones* AFAIK, You can get SM58 at Sim Lim Square.

PS: Nico nico douga singers have processed vocals, which adds to the +1 quality.

Hmm, but grarrgrarr said this:
'Even with an adaptor, the sound quality would be really bad because most on-board sound cards do not have a proper preamp for your microphone, as they are not meant for recording.'

I saw on the website link that the X2u thing has a built in preamp, so will that solve my problem?

 

[Ikiru]

The quality might be better since it'll bypass what your computer has with the built-in preamp in the adapter.

IMO, SM58 is a solid mic I'd prefer over a USB mic though, since you can still use it when you've saved enough for a proper audio interface/preamp since the XLR connection is compitable. :] Just my 2cents, nothing against USBs lol.

 

[blueprintstudios]

cherrystarxx : welcome to soft.

1) ranger is a SUPER OLD SCH PC BRAND. for em IRC hi a/s/l, got pic? got webcam? wanna cyber? days.

2) the only way to "block out" aircon noise is to press the "off" button on the remote before you record.

3) do read http://tinyurl.com/diyrecording

4) any other mic you use even sm57 will still pickup the aircon noise/fan/if you live right next to express way/record while watching channel 8 drama etc.

getting an "XLR" mic , you still need preamp/audio interface etc. so pls read 3)

5) it will be ideal for you to get a Zoom H4n so in future when you wanna record electric guitars/bass or even drums via a sub mixer you can "expand". if your budget doesn't allow H4n (around $350+++ i think??), then settle with a Zoom H2 (around $270) or something 2nd hand.