latency problem with using headphones and a samson usb mike

Tom Dantzman · **Voice Talent** Joined: 04 Feb 2007 Posts: 18

am I just better off ditching the headphones since there doesn't seem to be a remedy to speed up the analog/digital process? Thanks!

Jacob Ekstroem · **Voice Talent** Joined: 23 Jul 2007 Posts: 721

Actually Tom, I think I would ditch the microphone first.... but that may not work for you.

Tom Dantzman · **Voice Talent** Joined: 04 Feb 2007 Posts: 18

actually,I like the mike very much,but just for you,when I get my first paid gig,I will buy that $2000 mike and you will be the first to know.

Frank Frederick · **Voice Seeker** Joined: 29 Dec 2006 Posts: 142

Tom,

Your situation is normal when using a USB mic. This style of microphone has a built-in latency - from the time you record until the time it can be processed and sent to your headphones to monitor.

The only real solution is to not use headphones. Another opportunity exists for you to buy something inexpensive such as a Behringer XM8500 microphone (around $20.00 - and a fairly good mic surprisingly) and a CEntrance MicPortPro (around $130.00). Using this simple setup, you can monitor right off the MPP in real time and this little "doo-hickey" has a nice pre-amp and Phantom Power - for when you move up in the world of microphones to a condensor.

You can still edit your audio using your existing sound card using the MPP.

Good luck with your choices.

Toodles

Frank Frederick
"The Voice" tm

Tom Dantzman · **Voice Talent** Joined: 04 Feb 2007 Posts: 18

perhaps one of these would do?

http://www.zzounds.com/item--MDOFTRACKPRO

Frank Frederick · **Voice Seeker** Joined: 29 Dec 2006 Posts: 142

Yes Tom, you are on the right track. However, you will still require a good microphone.

So without breaking the bank, consider your choices well... Do you really need a $3,000.00 microphone or will a $200.00 or $300.00 microphone do the trick? An MXL 990 is inexpensive and could be the right choice for you; although it might not be the right sound either.

You should choose your microphone and associated equipment by listening and trying out different interfaces (sound cards) and microphones to find the equipment which meets your standards.

The key in USB equipment is to be able to monitor your incoming audio in "real time". Quality and price are also values to consider.

Good luck.

Toodles

Frank Frederick
"The Voice" tm

Tom Dantzman · **Voice Talent** Joined: 04 Feb 2007 Posts: 18

well,I was looking for an audio interface to plug my usb mike into so that I can listen back in my headphones in "real time"

Don Capone · **Voice Talent** Joined: 13 Jul 2007 Posts: 89

well Tom... since usb is the digital interface already that is part of the mic you have... I don't believe you can find something that lets you plug usb into a usb interface because you are already USB ready!!!.... and since you happen to like usb mics... I see you have three options... either live with it.... or get a usb mic like the RODE PODCASTER http://www.rodemic.com/microphone.php?product=Podcaster that has an onboard plugin headphone amp that will give you no latency for about 200 bucks give or take.... or the 3rd choice what I recommend the most is loose the usb mic and get yourself a RODE NT1a for 200 bucks and a M-Audio Fast Track Pro USB for another 200... that's about it my friend:)

all the best to ya
DC

Tom Dantzman · **Voice Talent** Joined: 04 Feb 2007 Posts: 18

thanks for clearing that up for me don,I did do some extra research and pretty much there is no rhyme or reason about it,the rode is starting to look like a good alternative,that will help me out immensely because I would like to hear what I am recording..Thanks! Very Happy

Jacob Ekstroem · **Voice Talent** Joined: 23 Jul 2007 Posts: 721

I rest my case Rolling Eyes

Greg Houser · **Voice Talent** Joined: 12 Mar 2008 Posts: 174

Wow... latency problems with USB? Who would have thunk it.

It's almost like I know what I'm talking about when I warn folks away from these things...

Sorry, had to get that off the chest. Seems some of the P2P sites love to tell folks that a USB mic and a copy of Audacity are all you need to be a voice actor.

Frank is correct and yes, you will be more happy with the R0de Podcaster. That said, nothing will beat a traditional mic setup, and I would heed well the advice Frank gave you.

I have the uber-rare and highly expensive mics. I own them because I can and because I am as much a collector as a talent.

It's not the paint or the brushes, but the artist who creates a masterpiece. More people would do well to remember that...