YAMT (yet another mic thread) but unique!

Geoff Huenerfauth

OK, I've searched the forums and read hundreds of good posts, but then my head asplode.

There is a ton of good advice out there, but since everyone's needs, plans, and situations are different, it can be hard to put all of it into context.

So, here's what I want to do and a ballpark price range. What fits into this niche?

I will be recording into a laptop. I want to be able to do good quality demos/auditions with the possibility of finished voice tracks only if absolutely necessary that I can ship off for post processing. I've read postive things about a number of USB mics, but it seems like I can step up in quality without pushing the cash envelope too much. I will likely be primarily using the walkin closet route unless I get good results in my small finished basement after testing.

I want a good preamp/condenser mic combo. I like the specs and features of the M-audio Mobilepre so I'll start with that unless anyone has strong opinions on other gear.

For the mic, obviously something that will have good compatibility with the MobilePre; not overkill, not bargain basement. What fits into that description at around a $200 price point (might push to $250)? If you do like it, why? If you recommend staying away from it, why? Too often one person's reason for hating something is exactly another persons' reason for it being the perfect fit.

See, rather than just saying "what's a good mic?" I've tried to provide some context and intent. I beg the indulgence of all the smart and experienced folks out there.

Thanks!

-Geoff

Erik Sheppard · Posted: Tue Sep 18, 2007, 19:17 (GMT) Post subject:

Is that all?

Mics are too subjective so I'm not touching that, especially in your price range. I am sure some others can lend their insight as to their favorites.

Go to Sweetwater (amazing customer service service there) and check out the USB or Firewire pre/converter boxes. M-audio makes some good stuff but there are plenty of other choices. I think that would be the best bang for your buck solution.

Also, try not to go too cheap if you can hack it. Sometimes another 50 or 100 bucks can make a huge difference in a piece of equipment.

http://www.sweetwater.com/shop/computer-audio/audio_interfaces/

Geoff Huenerfauth · Posted: Tue Sep 18, 2007, 22:37 (GMT) Post subject:

Tyler McKellar · Posted: Wed Sep 19, 2007, 04:44 (GMT) Post subject:

I'm going to throw my 2 cents in here. For decent mics $200 and less look at the Studio Projects stuff. The B1 is $120 (I got one for about $60 on eBay used) and the B3 is $200 and has switchable patterns. They are extremely good mics that won't cost you an arm and a leg (I think the quote from Sound on Sound magazine was a mic at that price shouldn't sound that good).

Now you said you were looking at the M-Audio MobilePre. It looks like a decent unit and is Pro Tools M-Powered for on down the road, but it will only run at 16bit/48kHz. I myself would look for something that can run at 24bit/96kHz. I don't run my stuff at the full 96kHz but I know if I need to do something at that resolution I will have the ability to. Plus your inputs and outputs are fairly limited. Aside from any qualms I have about them, I have heard good stuff about the Mackie Onyx gear. If you are capable of using firewire the Mackie Onyx Satellite is only $200 compared to the $150 for the MobilePre and it looks fairly well decked out. It is probably more input/output power than you would need right now but it should for all intent and purposes future proof you for a while and Mackie Tracktion is supposed to somewaht newb friendly.

Just my thoughts on the subject.

Geoff Huenerfauth · Posted: Wed Sep 19, 2007, 19:23 (GMT) Post subject:

Tyler McKellar · Posted: Wed Sep 19, 2007, 21:43 (GMT) Post subject: