Syntrillium Backup Forums :: View topic - Looking For A New Sound Card And A New Mic For...

Mista MC · Posted - Mon Mar 18, 2002 3:17 pm

Under $400

I'm really wanting to set my computer up with a great sound card and a great microphone so when I record it will sound like it's coming from a full blown studio, if you can suggest or help me out I'd app it

Thanks Much

MC

Graeme · Member Location: Spain

A good microphone alone will cost you most (if not all and then some) of your budget!

Believe me, a "great sound card and a great microphone" is not the secret to sounding like a "full blown studio". There's a lot more to it than just buying good gear.

Mista MC · Posted - Mon Mar 18, 2002 5:51 pm

Well I know how to edit my vocals really well I'm just wanting the best recording...

MC

Graeme · Member Location: Spain

Maybe you do - but my comments still stand.

Mista MC · Posted - Mon Mar 18, 2002 6:41 pm

OK MAYBE NOT A FULL BLOWIN STUDIO how about a good a** studio with great sounding quality vocals etc how can I get that on my computer

MC

audioyoda · Posted - Mon Mar 18, 2002 6:49 pm

MC

I really would like to tell you that this is acomplishable but is not. Your best option is to wait and enlarge your budget juuust a tiny bit.

Mista MC · Posted - Mon Mar 18, 2002 10:47 pm

How much would I have to spend I'm only 18 I ain't got a bunch of money to spend, but I'm trying to set up a studio or close to studio quality in my room on my computer etc...

MC

jonrose · Location: USA

Well.

The answers aren't easy. Nor are they inexpensive, if you really are taking this seriously.

You can get all manner of soundcards in various configurations, in all manner of price ranges - The first thing you should do is sit down and think! Figure out just what it is you want to be able to do, as regards the recording aspect of things - Examples of things to consider are; Do you need multiple inputs? Will you need microphone preamps built-in to it, or are you going to buy an external preamp(s) for your mic(s)? Things of that sort need to be prioritized before you go spending your money on anything.

Microphones. You can spend anything you want on microphones, as well. Again, define your needs. Are you recording voice, instruments, sound effects... what? All of these?
Are you aware that different microphones will serve certain purposes far better than others, and some won't work well at all for certain tasks? Do you know what types of microphones you should get to fulfill your particular needs?

Finally, when you've arrived at your ultimate short term goals (and I say short-term, because they will change), you need to research those items that will fulfill your needs.

You won't find anything within your budget - No ever one does - Particularly, not if they're buying into professional-grade gear for the very first time. It's a real shock when you see the prices for decent kit.

All that said, the short answer is that you might be able to get into recording some good sounding tracks with a $300US condensor mic, a $100US preamp, and a $200US soundcard, that might just leave you pleased as can be. But then, maybe not. It's entirely up to you, your needs, your ears.

You'll need to go audition some things - and research your options - after you've decided what your real priorities are.

I guess what I've driving at is: Do yourself a very large favor and don't waste what money you have just because it's burning a hole in your pocket.

Of course, we try to help here, if and when we can. If this answer seems vague and unhelpful, just realize that I'm trying to give you a global view of this, without you even telling us what it is you're trying to do. Perhaps you haven't really decided on the specifics, yet - And that was the impression I got from your post.
;-)

Good luck!
All the best... -Jon

GoyaGoya · Posted - Tue Mar 19, 2002 12:38 am

Mista MC - I've was pretty much in the same situation as you as I'm just a college student and don't have a fat salary to buy all the toys. This is what I got - Echo Gina24 soundcard, Behringer MX602A mixer/mic preamp, CEP, Sure SM57 for instruments, and Sure SM58 for vocals.

I am VERY happy with my sound but it will push you a little over $400. Don't forget cables and mic stands either. After all the cables and the software etc (not including upgrading/buying a computer to do all of this with) this setup runs just under $1000 and each piece is real essential. Unless of coarse you are into MIDI or something. But I can tell ya that for our age group this setup kicks and I seriously can't imagine myself without any part of it.

Mixer - $85
Gina24 - $400
CEP upgrade cd - $180
CEP mp3 upgrade - $30
SM57 - $80
SM58 - $90
various cables + a mic stand = about $85

I've had to spend much more on computer parts and instruments themselves too but that's the studio stuff right there. Good luck.

Mista MC · Posted - Tue Mar 19, 2002 12:45 am

I already got a Senn... E835 Mic and a stand so that's $100 already but I got that a long time ago, and I'm a rapper so I'm not dealing with guitars or anything outside of a microphone so all I'm focusing on is vocals and the quality, thanks for all your help I'm goin read it all I just wanted ta let ya'll know sence you'll might think I need alot more but a rapper just needs a mic and nothing for guitars drums and all.

To : Jonrose-
I guess what I've driving at is: Do yourself a very large favor and don't waste what money you have just because it's burning a hole in your pocket.

U got that right there I'm sitting here and I'm really wanting GREAT VOCALS AND I'M WILLING TO SPEND hehe...

To : GoyaGoya
Can you send me a link to your music if it's on the net cuz I'm willing to spend a lil more then $400 but $400 is what I just wanted ta put ta see if anyone could get quailty ish from that all I need is really vocals no drums or guitars etc so if you could send me a link I'd really app it where you muzik could be heard...

I've seen that 602 preamp for sale and I was thinking about getting one but I wanna get a whole package that would click together PERFECTY...

another ? for Goya you think your set up would be good for a rapper... I already got a mic and a Mic Stand I got a SENNHEISER E835 Mic, and I got full Cool Edit Pro with Mp3 included so all I see from what you got I would need if this set up would work for me is the mixer and sound card...

MC

Edited by - Mista MC on 03/19/2002 1:52:07 PM

VoodooRadio · Location: USA

Hey Mista,
I bought some eggs at the market tuesday, do you think I could be a chef? Voodoo

PapillonIrl · Posted - Thu Mar 21, 2002 2:26 pm

Hi Mista, just another suggestion here...I finally got a chance to try out the Studio Projects C1 (microphone) and I compared it three other mics, two of which cost over 50% more, and it really did sound better. Listen to Jon and don't spend your money yet, you'll regret it. You are gonna get very pissed off with that Sennheiser as soon as you start hearing what condenser and large condenser mics sound like. I think the C1 is about $280US ? Correct me if I'm wrong guys.

pAp

PapillonIrl · Posted - Thu Mar 21, 2002 2:26 pm

Also have a look at the Delta Omni Studio

It's got preamps, so you won't need a mixer

http://www.m-audio.com/products/m-audio/omnistud.php
pAp

Edited by - PapillonIrl on 03/21/2002 2:30:42 PM

Edited by - PapillonIrl on 03/21/2002 2:35:23 PM

Mista MC · Posted - Fri Mar 22, 2002 5:54 am

To PapillonIrl:
I was thinking about getting a Sound Blaster Audigy Plat EX.. (Soundcard With Live Drive Or what ever it's called)

Would you suggest a omni over the Sound Blaster Audigy Plat EX...

Is the link for the same mic your talking about, if so I'll look around for it and get one, cuz I really want the best quality all I'm really recording is vocals and nothing else so would you say that's the best for vocals?.?.?

http://www.midwestaudio.com/Images/c1big.jpg

MC

Edited by - Mista MC on 03/22/2002 05:57:35 AM

VoodooRadio · Location: USA

Check out the Antares Mic Modeler plug-in......

http://www.antares-systems.com/products/amm.html

Good Luck Voodoo

motorhead_6 · Posted - Sat Mar 23, 2002 12:11 am

I like my guitar to sound as big, thick, full, and agressive as possible. I use Les Pauls with Dimarzio Super Distortion pickups into (at least) a 74 Marshall Mk2 Super Lead 100 watt. It has had an attenuated master volume added to it. I play it with bass and treble on 10 and middle on 5 with the pre-amp volume (which used to be the volume) on 10 and the master volume depends on the circumstances. Sometimes I pull two of the 6550 tubes out of it and set the impedance switch on the amp to 1/2 of what it should be and it sounds nasty. I cant remember for sure what tubes I had in my Marshall when we recorded a demo tape where the guitar sound is the best I ever heard it . But, I think it may have been 4 6L6s I just cant remember for sure if I had put those in yet ot not at the time we recorded it. Im going to try some more 6L6s though.

What mic do you guys think I would like the best that is currently available anywhere?

Remember big thick full aggressive.

Also has anybody ever added anything notable to the sound of a guitar by using more than one mic? What about putting one mic right on the speaker and the other across the room? I heard EVH puts one mic where we probably like to see them. Not on the cone and not on the outer edge either just right in the middle between the outside and the cone. He puts the other one right on a cone, I dont know if its the same speaker but he puts another mic right in the middle of the cone. What about using more than one amp or speaker cabinet? Last question if any of you were messing with some stuff that had 4 guitar tracks that are largely similar but technically two different parts double tracked, how would you try , at first panning the 4 tracks? Like 2 in the same spot in one spot and two in the same spot in the adifferent spot like 2 at -55 and 2 at +70 or would you do it different. I know that when it sounds right it will be right but what are some of the things you would try first. If you were out for overkill?

VoodooRadio · Location: USA

It's nice (for visualization purposes) for you to let us in on the actual position of your amp knobs! However, what 10 (or any # for that matter) might sound like on a particular piece of equipment probably won't sound the exact same on another. But... it's nice to know you like it LOUD! As for mics, I personally think for the big raw Marshall (I personally use Mesa Boogie) sound, an SM57 is the ticket. Of course, you can put as many mics in front as you would like and in any place that you think looks neat.... but, with more mics you will increase the potential for phase cancellation. I like to put a 57 close (pointing slightly off axis) to a 12" speaker. I also use a condenser mic (AX5S) about 3 - 6 feet away. As if that's not enough, I usually run a line signal through a direct box (I use a passive or an active depending on the material) as well. I take those three lines to my board and without mucking with the E.Q. on the board, have someone move the two mics around until I get a nice blend of the two. After checking for phase cancellation, I might do some minor E.Q. tweeting.... only if it needs it. I currently run my LIVE rig in this fashion and will do something similiar when tracking in the studio. Usually I will use different amp/guitar combinations and almost always add a totally clean and dry doubling track for every guitar part. I might not use all of each track, but will bring whatever I need in and out/up and down to achieve note clarity/track depth. And sometimes.... less is more Whatever floats your boat!! Good Luck Voodoo

nathan · Location: Australia

jlfx · Posted - Sat Mar 23, 2002 5:35 pm

I recently switched from the PC to a MAC for digital audio work and have an excellent PC 24/96 sound mastering card available for sale. It is the LynxOne (www.lynxone.com) which has XLR and digital I/O along with MIDI. Bought for $500 last year, will sell for $375. Also have a broadcast microphone, the Shure SM-7 for sale at $275. This is the most popular mic used in the radio business. If you are serious about superior quality DAW sound, these two items will get you going in no time. Both include original box, manual and software.

Anyone interested, email me at !

PapillonIrl · Posted - Sat Mar 23, 2002 9:33 pm

Mista MC · Posted - Sat Mar 23, 2002 10:35 pm

ya I'm probably goin get whatcha sayin is the best, but is there anything else I would need

Also wouldn't I need a compressor, if so what kind would you suggest, I've been told dbx 266 and alesis 3630 but what would you suggest

one more thing you got a link where I could hear some of your muzik to check out the quality

THANKZ MUCH FOR YOUR HELP

MC

Edited by - Mista MC on 03/23/2002 10:37:48 PM

motorhead_6 · Posted - Sun Mar 24, 2002 12:06 am

Thanks for your 2 cents voodooradio. I have tried some very expensive mics and I still have never gotten a better guitar sound when recording than I get with a sure SM-57. And they are a lot cheaper too!

Zellmer · Posted - Sun Mar 24, 2002 8:42 pm

MC you can get a 89$ compressor from Alesis, one of the cheapest, also if your a rapper, you might want to check out some of the post on the other bards about getting rid of the ambiant, heavy breaths.

also with the Guitar statement, are band leader uses a "Pick Up" he installed, and a 100$ Hyper Cardariod, mic, and the 2 Sound LOUD and Clear, its worth a hyer cardaroid and pick up in my opinion

brock · Posted - Mon Mar 25, 2002 8:28 am

These guys selling really good 'lowcost' vocal mic that has been giving 'pro mics' a run for their money: http://www.red5audio.com/, look the dogs dangles as well!!

IMO, I would stay clear of the SB (Creative Labs) soundcards (fixed sample rate, bloats the registry with country settings etc) an Audiophile 24/96 is a good start.

brock · Posted - Mon Mar 25, 2002 8:30 am

oops, drop the comma on the link.

Mista MC · Posted - Mon Mar 25, 2002 7:49 pm

Which one is the one to get...

rv8 or rv10

Get Back

MC

brock · Posted - Tue Mar 26, 2002 7:08 am

They are nearly the same, the RV10 has switching for different polar patterns and is very very slightly quieter than the RV8. I would go for the RV10, a friend got one and loves it (he's a singer) so I'm going to get one, just gotta save for a bit! Don't forget they are phantom powered so you will need a mixer or mic pre-amp with phantom powering. I was thinking of getting the DBX Mini Pre (£91 from www.thomann.de) seems a steal at that price and like you I'm on a budget so can't afford £400 on just a mic!!

brock · Posted - Tue Mar 26, 2002 7:16 am

I yeah nearly forgot, I use a DBX266 comp and love the sound, I also have Behringer which is ok for the money and a good work horse but the DBX really has a nice sound and they use a different compression technique (or so I believe, proprietary DBX chips). www.thomann.de also sell the DBX266XL for £109 ($155). Not sure if they ship to the US, if that is where you are at?

Mista MC · Posted - Sat Mar 30, 2002 3:14 am

See now my problem is should I get a STUDIO PROJECT MIC or RV10, I'm already going to buy a delta 66, and a dbx 266xl compressor but I'm not sure about the mics anyone use both and could tell me which sounds better, remember i'm not a rocker or singer I'm a rapper so keep in mind all I'm needing is the best mic for vocals

THANKZ MUCH

MC

Mista MC · Posted - Sat Mar 30, 2002 3:16 am

also what is the huge difference between RV10 and RV8 cuz I could save 50 bucks if there's not a huge differnce but I'm willing to pay more for the quality...

Please answer my reply on top of this one also secne all I'm not sure about is buying which mic...

Thanks once again

MC

brock · Posted - Tue Apr 02, 2002 7:40 am

I've not heard the RV8 but I'm guessing most of the extra cost for the RV10 is for the polar pattern switching, which, if you are rapping you won't be interested in, so you are looking at the RV8 then. I don't know anything about the Project Studio Mic - are they a similiar price?

As for which 'sounds better' I guess it's down to personal taste, I know one rapper who always uses a Shure SM58, live or studio.

Same goes for the DBX266, it has it's own DBX sound which I personally love (and most other people I know love it) but if you want to get picky some engineers don't like for the very fact that it has sound and is not totally transparent, but what compressor is, it's the nature of the beast.

I wouldn't get to strung out about it, if it's a good rap any of the mics mentioned and compressors will be Okay, you can get really lost in technical details and end of a techie and not a rapper!!

Mista MC · Posted - Sat Apr 06, 2002 5:17 pm

Na the Studio Projects would be around $199-$250 But I could get one for $199, but I'm wondering where I could buy a RV8 in the US so I don't have to pay a large shipping fee, any ideas, ebay, or any sites thast sale them here in the us?

MC

Mista MC · Posted - Sat Apr 06, 2002 5:18 pm

Na the Studio Projects would be around $199-$250 But I could get one for $199, but I'm wondering where I could buy a RV8 in the US so I don't have to pay a large shipping fee, any ideas, ebay, or any sites thast sale them here in the us?

MC

brock · Posted - Tue Apr 09, 2002 2:44 am

Probably best to email them and ask shipping cost etc. Here's the link http://www.red5audio.com/

HairWasHere · Location: USA

mjb · Posted - Mon Sep 09, 2002 5:59 am

One thing I noticed about the RV8 (I have one) is that there seems to be the head of a screw smack bang in the middle of the condensor element. That is, in the side that faces the sound source. Is this normal? It looks weird having that there, I'd have expected a featureless plate, about 1" dia. There may be a wire trailing down from it, can't tell (I'm not popping the windshield off to look!). Wouldn't that cause, like, trouble from the point of view of getting sound to waggle the diaphragm? Or (crazy) is the thin diaphragm on the non-active side of the capsule.

I'm just wondering about the construction methodology at work here Smile

Never having cracked open a condensor mic, I'm not sure what's going on there.

It works and everything, it seems to have less HF than the cheaper condensor I was using, but nothing a little EQ can't fix.

Mike.

Bloody · Posted - Tue Sep 10, 2002 10:29 am

I was going to get a studio projects c1, if you can afford it and preamp, do that. I think i'm just going to get the studio projects b1 with the art tube mp for preamplification, i'm not rich like yall. I wouldn't get a mic from red5audio.

Bloody · Posted - Tue Sep 10, 2002 10:32 am

O yeah, boycott M-audio/midiman for subtracting windows xp drivers when at first they did have windows xp drivers for the dio 2448. They have drivers for it for win 2k, and XP drivers for the card that costs more, the 2496.