Microphone Question

[jkielq91]

Howdy Folks,

I am in the market for a microphone for home recording, mainly recording vocals, onto a computer, but am getting a bit over whelmed with all the options.

I have looked at USB mic's like the Blue Yeti and Snowball and almost bought one, but decided to check out the alternative first.

I already have a Behringer UCA222 audio interface which I have had for a few years. I use it for recording guitars by connecting my guitar amp to it via the 'recording out' and then to my computers usb socket.

If I was to use a microphone with this I would need a mixer, but I dont know much about them. I am also on a budget. I'd prefer to stay around £100 or below, but could go higher if need be. Are cheaper mixers decent or a waste of money?

Finally, if I used a mixer and the uca, would it just be a case of microphone -- Mixer -- UCA -- Computer? Or would some thing else need adding to the chain?

Hopefully this post isnt confusing. Do you guys have any idea of what would be the better option for me. Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers,
JK

[ecc83]

The following is not ideal in so many ways JK (as I am sure many will be very quick to point out!) but since you are familiar with the UCA222 and its doings?.....

Get a small mixer. The Behringer Xenyx 802 is one that I have and still use (but my main mixer is now a ZED10). There were some Soundcraft "Notebooks" about for about 50quid and these have a good rep'.

For a mic the Shure SM58 is still a well loved vocal mic (but also works on guitar cabs) and its low output will not be a problem for the 802 as it has plenty of clean gain.

I would avoid the large, side address capacitors unless you have the opportunity to try one to see if it suits your voice.
Small D capacitors are very versatile and well worth a consideration, checkout the AKG Perception 170.

Dave.

[jkielq91]

The following is not ideal in so many ways JK (as I am sure many will be very quick to point out!) but since you are familiar with the UCA222 and its doings?.....

Get a small mixer. The Behringer Xenyx 802 is one that I have and still use (but my main mixer is now a ZED10). There were some Soundcraft "Notebooks" about for about 50quid and these have a good rep'.

For a mic the Shure SM58 is still a well loved vocal mic (but also works on guitar cabs) and its low output will not be a problem for the 802 as it has plenty of clean gain.

I would avoid the large, side address capacitors unless you have the opportunity to try one to see if it suits your voice.
Small D capacitors are very versatile and well worth a consideration, checkout the AKG Perception 170.

Dave.

Thanks for the info.

I am not familiar with capacitors.

I know of the Shure SM58.

What cables will I need?

Do you have an opinion on USB mic's?

[ecc83]

Thanks for the info.

I am not familiar with capacitors.

Capacitor(condenser) microphones are generally much more sensitive than dynamic (SMXX) types, typically 3 -10 times as sensitive ( 10- 20dB). This means they work very well with Audio Interfaces that do not have enough gain for dynamics but are also useful into a mixer such as the X802. Most, but not all require 48 volts "phantom power" but almost any AI or mixer will have that these days.
Cap mics are characterized buy a wide, flat frequency response and a generally "neutral" sound tho' this last is often not the case for the really big side address jobs you see Macka etc yodelling into in studios. You don't want one of them...Yet.

I know of the Shure SM58.
Touted as an "instrument" or amp cab mic but essentially the same as the "vocal" 58. If you want to sound like 96% of all the other singers in the world get a 57/58!

What cables will I need?
Mic will need a male to female 3pin XLR "balanced" cable, it can be as long as you like.

Mixer to UCA222 will be RCA (phono) to RCA and you will need 2 pairs, 2 out of mixer, 2 back to mixer. Also good to buy at least two RCA to 1/4" jack adaptors. If you go to the Behringer site you can download all sorts of hookup diagrams and manuals.

Do you have an opinion on USB mic's?

Sorry, it is not printable.

Dave.

[jkielq91]

Any one else have any thoughts on the matter?