(COMPUTER) recording set up

OK Im wanting to better my recordings on my computer. To do so I was told I need a dynamic mic, pop filter, and a sound card

I was told the shure sm58 mic was the way to go
And a soundblaster X-Fi Xtreme music sound card was good

I was wondering if it was possible to hook a microphone preamp up to a computer, or if the soundcard alone would act as a preamp in some way?

I really dont know a lot about all this recording equipment and what it does and how it hooks up

I would also like ot have some studio monitor speakers so I can get an accurate sound of my recordings and see what needs to be fixed.

I rap so I wont be recording instruments, just vocals, so is studio monitor speakers even really needed?

 I dont want to spend no more then $500 right now. I want the basics to get me started and as of now it seems Im around $285

The mic shure mic is $100
Pop filter around 25
and the soundblaster is 130

what else could help?

Im gonna use another computer. Its new, but its not a new modle

And from what Ive gathered about sound cards. They pretty much just make gaming and movies better on your computer.. Are they really good for recording?


Thanks in advance

Your last question is your best one.  Creative sound cards ARE really just gaming cards.  Frankly, I think you've been given some very bad advice here...and not just on the sound card.  The SM58 is a common mic for use in live sound reinforcement situations but is not necessarily the best choice for recording.  Certainly it has a nasty peak in the midrange frequency response that can be pretty harsh.

A lot of this was discussed already in your previous thread about Hiss.  However, the gist of it was that you should consider a proper specialist recording sound card.  One that was recommended in your previous thread was the Turtle Beach "Santa Cruz" which would actually be cheaper than the Creative you're considering.  However, there are choices to be be made for what really suits you and I'd suggest you go to the Hardware section and read through the "stickies" about compatible sound cards.

My personal choice for a mic would be one of the relatively inexpensive large diaphram condensors.  There are lots out there...I'd look at the ranges from Studio Projects or Rode...but different mics suit different people and there is likely a different opinion for every member of the forum!  

With a condensor, you definitely need a mic preamp...one that can provide phantom power.  An alternative would be a small mixer.  The absolute quality of the mic preamp might not be as good but for most applications it would be fine...and you get extra options in terms of monitoring and control.  Something like a Behringer UB series is very cheap...a Soundcraft folio notepad is more money but better quality.

The pop shield is a good idea.

...and don't forget a decent mic stand to hold it up for you!

All of the above should still fit your "no more than $500" budget with change...but in my mind would represent better choices.

Bob

If I was in your budget, I'd purchase an EMU0404 ($100), either a StudioProjects C1 or a RODE NT1A mic ($200), and a decent preamp w/phantom power ( =< $100).  In my opinion, that should be a good starting setup, and you can save up the extra hundred towards the purchase of a decent monitoring system.

...and if you ARE prepared to go to around the $200 mark for a mic, the AKG "perception" series are getting some good reviews, too.

ok thanks yall. As for the condensor mic yall, or , Bob mentioned I was told that they are better for studios rather then recording at home casue they pick up a lot of b/g noise? In all honesty I think Id rather have a condensor. I love the way they look and gove you the studio feel lol.. Silly I know, but its good when your recording and feel good about stuff around you, ya know.

Ok so Ill check out EMU and the Turtle Beach sound cards anyone know a name for the preamps yall are talkin about for $100 us dollars? Casue everyone is tellin me and the ones Ive seen are up in 1000s. I do believe I may have seen some in the 100a on ZZ sound though.

If anyone else has any ideas they are appreciated.. Thanks for those who answered..





OH yea.. How does a preamp, or a mix hook up to a comp? and would a condensor plug into a comp? Im sorry Im new to all this equipment, and dont want to end up not being able to use something. Ill make magic once I get a grip on all this

I think you'll find the majority of folks in here are:  A) recording at home and B) using condensor mics, so I wouldn't worry about that.  I also wouldn't choose one on looks...but fortunately the sound quality is better too!.  Get on with a cardioid (directional) pattern..most are...and set it facing away from sources of background noise.

I don't personally use separate mic pre-amps...in my case I have a reasonably good mixer and rely on the pres in there.  However, looking at even one US equipment store ( http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/g=rec/navigation?N=100001+304639 ) I've found quite a few preamps in your price range.  I hesitate to recommend any since I don't have personal experience (and, being in the UK, don't know American shops either) but know I've heard good things about ART and Presonus brands.  I hope others may jump in and help.

As for connection, you plug the mic into the preamp, and the output of the preamp into your sound card.  For the condensor mic to work, it needs a source of phantom power with a standard computer sound card doesn't have so no, you can't plug the mic straight into the computer.  There ARE sound cards with mic inputs that provide phantom....these could be an option but you'd have more flexibility with two separate boxes.

Bob

Thanks for all the feeback bob, youve been a lot of help.

I think Im gonna go with the Studio Projects C1.(I thought would be better then the rodes)
And the EMU040 soundcard I check the santacruz out and I gathered it was from 2000 or so , so I thought Id get a more up to date one.


NOW Im racking my brain as to a preamp or a small mixer.
So far of the pres I like the Rolls GCI404 $99 us
Samson C valve Tube mic preamp $99 us
and the Presonis TYubepre 79 us

Which brings me to my next question Does it matter if it a tub mic preamp? lol

They are all phantom powerwe 48V

Ive looked a lot of those mixers and I dont know which to choose

As long as I can get whatever I pick into my soundcard Ill be fine I hope


When it says it comes with a shockmount thast not a whole stand is it? and also it says it comes wtih a faom cover, I dont guess its the pop filter is it? Its more of a cover over the mic

Sounds like you're getting there.  I've got both Studio Projects and Rode mics and like both.

I'll leave it to others to comment on the mic preamps as I've not personally heard any of them.  As for a tube/valve pre, many people prefer them, thinking they give a warmer sound quality.

No, the shock mount is NOT the full stand...just the bit that connects TOO the stand.  With a big condensor, make sure you get a decent heavy duty stand BTW.  Your guess is right...the foam cover for the mic is NOT the same as the pop filter...you'll likely use both.

You WILL need to buy cables...definitely an XLR of appropriate length to go from the mic to the preamp, plus another one (possibly two) to go from the preamp to your sound card.  The spec for this second cable will depend on your choice of preamp and sound card, but whatever is needed will almost certainly be a standard one you can buy easily.

When buying cables, get decent ones.  I don't mean waste money on specialist audiophile snake oil...but get ones that specify a good brand of connector like Neutrik or Switchcraft.  They'll last a lot longer.

Bob

I have no experience with those particular pres.  But here's a thought to consider:
Mic pres have gotten fairly good at the low end - even the cheap mixers generally have clean, usable pres, as do the cheap mono & stereo separates.  BUT the popular thing nowadays is "tube" everything, and in THIS price range the tube models are nothing like a proper tube preamp.  They are cheap solid state pres with a cheap staved plate tube effect stuck on the front of them - essentially a subtle "fuzz box".  This may be a color you like, but it's not the "tube warmth" they're marketing, and not what I would choose as a first preamp.  IMO, stay with a simple, clean solid state pre and add "colors" as money permits.  YMMV, of course.

Well, of that list, at least the Presonus claims to have a genuine 12AX7 tube inside.

That said, if it were me, I'd go for an inexpensive mixer myself...I'm happy enough with the preamps on most of them and like the extra flexibility for monitoring etc.

Bob

ok so whats a good mixer I can get for around $100 us

Well, of that list, at least the Presonus claims to have a genuine 12AX7 tube inside.

That said, if it were me, I'd go for an inexpensive mixer myself...I'm happy enough with the preamps on most of them and like the extra flexibility for monitoring etc.

Bob

I don't think it's the tube itself; it's the implementation of it. I may be wrong, but I don't think any tube pre <$500 US Is a "proper" design like a Manley or even the old Peavey VMP2.

As for cheap mixers, I haven't used any in that price range, but there are several.  Soundcraft, Alesis, Behringer, and Peavey all make one for $100.  If you need faders instead of rotary knobs, only Behringer has one at that price - the UBB1002.

Ok will all, or most mixers plug into my comp/sound card?

And whats the main purpose of one? To EQ my volcals? Or other inputs? If so then I could do this on my recording program, right?(COOLEDIT PRO 2.0)

Sorry for my ignorance

Is there a site, or a thread I could read up on about equipment and what it does.. I really appreciate yall helpin me out, but I dont want to keep askin question after question and bothering you

One thing I do need to know is.

Ill be recording with COOL EDOT PRO 2.0

After I get get this equipment will I have to d anythign to CEP?

Okay...mixers versus mic preamps (and this is an area where opinions on this board are quite divided):

I prefer a mixer because of the extra flexibility and ease of use it gives me.  No, I don't use it to EQ recordings...CEP/AA has far more capabilities in that area than any mixer I know.  

What mixers ARE good for is first off giving you a direct fader or knob for when you're setting up your levels.  Second, and most important, it makes setting up a monitoring feed for headphones easier.  You're recording yourself so you likely need only one feed...I often have to set up several different ones:  a switchable one for me, one for vocalists with a careful balance between the music and the voice, maybe another for the vocalist's boyfriend set up to make her sound good...that sort of thing.

Most mixers will also make selecting headphones while recording then speakers to listen later (just as an example) easier.

The downside that will be argued is that the quality of a dedicated mic preamp for $100 is better than buying a whole mixer with a bunch of preamps for the same amount.  I'm sure this is true, but I've come to the conclusion that the quality of a mixer is fine for me.  Others decide differently.

As for connections, you should be able to attach the line out of pretty well any mixer to the Line in of your chosen sound card.

Finally your last question.  Do you need anything else once you've purchased your shopping list?  No.   Will you buy other things?  Probably, if you become a gear junky like me!

Bob