Microphones...

[olson]

Are you considering other equipment in that budget? If you buy a $1,000 microphone but then a $100 preamp then you might as well have bought a $100 microphone too. I'd also suggest talking to a audio specific forum where you can get hands on feedback for equipment. Not impossible but unlikely that you'll get that feedback here.

http://recording.org/
http://forum.recordingreview.com/

[imashination]

Or skip the preamp entirely

http://www.samsontech.com/products/productpage.cfm?prodid=1810

[JanosHunyadi]

It does seem like the USB Condensors, while certainly not perfect, can avoid some more logistical problems.


I am leaning towards the condensor Neumann I linked to. And thanks for the sound forums links, olson.

[olson]

Or skip the preamp entirely

http://www.samsontech.com/products/productpage.cfm?prodid=1810

Not a bad idea if you plan to only ever need one or two microphones at a time for recording.

[JanosHunyadi]

I'm probably going to fall into that habit of the Sound Specialists, who get a bunch of different microphones. I only want one for now, heh.

I'm still not sure if the TLM-102 Neumann needs a preamp or not. It says its a condensor, which means it should have a USB cord, right?

[olson]

I'm probably going to fall into that habit of the Sound Specialists, who get a bunch of different microphones. I only want one for now, heh.

I'm still not sure if the TLM-102 Neumann needs a preamp or not. It says its a condensor, which means it should have a USB cord, right?

That microphone uses XLR which is a balanced audio interface and requires a preamp or mixer to interface with recording devices like a computer. It also requires phantom power which is typically 48 volts provided by a preamp or mixer. The USB microphone posted by imashination gets power from USB instead of the preamp or mixer.

If you just need one microphone then a high quality microphone with a USB interface will work just fine. Though it won't be able to scale out to a larger setup or interface with common studio equipment like XLR microphones and a preamp or mixer could.

[JanosHunyadi]

That microphone uses XLR which is a balanced audio interface and requires a preamp or mixer to interface with recording devices like a computer. It also requires phantom power which is typically 48 volts provided by a preamp or mixer. The USB microphone posted by imashination gets power from USB instead of the preamp or mixer.

If you just need one microphone then a high quality microphone with a USB interface will work just fine. Though it won't be able to scale out to a larger setup or interface with common studio equipment like XLR microphones and a preamp or mixer could.

So let me get this correct to be able to use this microphone I need to buy:
1.The TLM 102
2.The Phantom 48v PreAmp
3.The cables connecting the 48v to an electrical source
4. What else?

[olson]

So let me get this correct to be able to use this microphone I need to buy:
1.The TLM 102
2.The Phantom 48v PreAmp
3.The cables connecting the 48v to an electrical source
4. What else?

In addition to the microphone you'll need a microphone cable (XLR) like this one.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/158247-REG/Hosa_Technology_CMK_030AU_XLR_Male_to_XLR.html

This mixer has integrated microphone preamps, phantom power, and a USB interface so it can be connected directly to a computer for recording. It will take up to four microphones.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/486041-REG/Alesis_MULTIMIX_8_USB_2_0_MultiMix_8_USB_2_0.html

I don't know much about that particular microphone but it might be more than you need. Talking to an audio expert or at least an audio sales person (like at Guitar Center) could save you some money by suggesting better suited equipment that could cost less.

[olson]

Also for your reading pleasure, some information about phantom power.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phantom_power

[JanosHunyadi]

In addition to the microphone you'll need a microphone cable (XLR) like this one.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/158247-REG/Hosa_Technology_CMK_030AU_XLR_Male_to_XLR.html

This mixer has integrated microphone preamps, phantom power, and a USB interface so it can be connected directly to a computer for recording. It will take up to four microphones.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/486041-REG/Alesis_MULTIMIX_8_USB_2_0_MultiMix_8_USB_2_0.html

I don't know much about that particular microphone but it might be more than you need. Talking to an audio expert or at least an audio sales person (like at Guitar Center) could save you some money by suggesting better suited equipment that could cost less.


Hey Olson, thanks for all the links, awesome stuff. I think the Neumann Condensor I linked to is the best option for now. I know it isn't best to be used as the all-rounder I want to use it for, but it's the best option available to me at this point.

One note: is a 30 foot XLR cable really necessary at this point?

[JanosHunyadi]

This mixer has integrated microphone preamps, phantom power, and a USB interface so it can be connected directly to a computer for recording. It will take up to four microphones.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/486041-REG/Alesis_MULTIMIX_8_USB_2_0_MultiMix_8_USB_2_0.html

Btw Olson, speaking of Mixers and Interfaces, what do you think of this Mixer?

Its the Alesis Multimix 6. Price is dramatically less, or does this mean a loss in quality to the extent that it should be ruled out?

[earwax69]

Zoom H4n... or is it too cheap? really good stereo sound for not much money and no need of other material. Perfect for podcasting!

Edit; ho, you mean to do serious vocals tracks? yeah... better use a better mic then.

[olson]

One note: is a 30 foot XLR cable really necessary at this point?

How would I know if that length is necessary? Buy whatever length cable you think you need.


Btw Olson, speaking of Mixers and Interfaces, what do you think of this Mixer?

Its the Alesis Multimix 6. Price is dramatically less, or does this mean a loss in quality to the extent that it should be ruled out?


It has two microphone preamps instead of four and the EQ for each channel is not as sophisticated. You get what you pay for.

[imashination]

How would I know if that length is necessary? Buy whatever length cable you think you need.

Im thinking of buying some new shoes, will they fit me?

[JanosHunyadi]

Im thinking of buying some new shoes, will they fit me?

-_- The reason I asked is because I thought he specified 30' for a reason. That's all. :thumbsup:

[olson]

-_- The reason I asked is because I thought he specified 30' for a reason. That's all. :thumbsup:

I picked that one because it has a decent bang for the buck and 30' is enough to allow the microphone to be placed away from the workstation (fan noises). A 3' cable will work or a 300' cable will work too.

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