Karaoke Forums

I know NOTHING about microphones. I can admit, absolutely nothing.

I have been recording for the past few years on my built in mics, on my macs... yes, I am looking to upgrade:) I have done as well as I can on them.. but have reached my limit:)

However, I don't have a fortune to spend on stuff.....

I obviously can't run out and just buy a mic... i need some sort of mixer/preamp something or other..... but, I am COMPLETLY LOST, and would love some guidance! I admit, I am COMPLETELY ignorant!:)

Then, what sort of microphone do I BUY?!

What about usb mics? Like the Blue Snowball, or the Samson CO1U USB Condenser Mic..... My husband brought this up, but I am curious about latency with a usb mic...

But then, I have NO idea what I am talking about, and am pulling my hair out!:)  If someone could help me, I would be INCREDIBLY grateful!:)

Thanks!

Hi or should I say bonjour Gilly.  As you're in Canada, a mic I would recommend is the Apex 850.  It includes the mic, mic stand clip and a 15' xlr to xlr cord.  We use some of these in our shows and I prefer it to our Shure.  They cost under $40.00.  Don't let the price fool you.  They are distributed through Yorkville dealers.  For a mixer, if you're using one maybe two mics, go with the Behringer UB802.  It's small, perfect for home use and you can get it for under $100.  If you want to complete it with speakers, that would depend on what you would want to spend.  Hope this helps.  BTW instead of mains to computer use headphones to computer.

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Bonsoir!

That DOES help babe!:)

I have been trying to look stuff up online... but, I am so lost:) For example... dynamic vs. condenser, vs.. wtf.. I have no idea!  I imagine ANYTHIGN will sound better than my built in mic... (although, it isn't as bad as one might imagine;) You have to remember, I have NEVER sung into a real mic in my entire life. Heck, i have NEVER don't karaoke before either:)

I am looking at the apex one, and you are right it is inexpensive, but is that going to sound any better than my  mac mic?  and the other thing.. looking at it now.. what IS it?! and speakers... I don't need speakers... right? I just listen through headphones....(ok, I am coming off as a blonde moron...)

I want something I can run a mic into and then from THAT into my computer for recording (Right? Because I can't plug a good mic with the weird endy thing into my line in....).... but, I am so lost, I just want a series of instructions on WHAT all that IS....

I apologize a million times for sounding SO completely ignorant.... talk to me like you would talk to a five year old!:) I just have no idea what I am getting into, but i LOVE help, and REALLY appreciate you responding!!!

To paraphrase Socrates:  Learning begins by advancing from the point where you think you know to the point where you're sure you do not.

Since you're already sure you don't know, you're half way home.  If your budget is limited stay with dynamic mics.  Condenser mics come in two types, very cheap and very expensive.  The expensive ones usually sound better than the dynamics and cheap ones aren't worth doodly-squat.  Most bands for the last  30 years have used the Shure sm58 (dynamic) for stage work and it's hard to go wrong with that.  They're usually about $100.00 (US).  Stay away from Radio Shack.  Better dynamic mics are low impedence (Impedence is the total resistance of the the circuit, but did that tell you anything?  No... So don't worry about it.)  The best thing to do is go down to your local music store and try a few out.  Explain you situation.  Salesmen love to be experts.  Ask questions.  Thank the salesman profusely and then check out the best price on-line.  When you include shipping the local store may still be the best deal.  That's my two cents worth (now to translate to western Canadian) Aye?

The Apex is dynamic and like I said they are a great sounding mic.  I prefer them to the Shure.  For the set up, connect the mic and player into the mixer you get, then connect the mixer to your computer.

You connect the mic where it says mic, on the left hand side.  You connect your player where it says line in 3/4 or 5/6, either one is fine. then to connect to your computer, connect from main out to your mic input of your computer.  Hope this makes sense to you.

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Ok:) This IS making more sense now:) (Although, I feel rather foolish!:)


My next question is... (if you don't mind answering ignorant silly me)

what are all those knobs and stuff? Is there anything I can go through that doesn't look like my daughter is going to go nuts (ok, I admit, ME) turning knobs and pushing buttons?)  


and exweedfarmer..... Actually, the reason i am HERE begging for help, is because I live as an anglophone in a VERY (er... VERY) French region of quebec.... my poor limited french can't comprehend this stuff!!! So, I really appreciate any help (in english) I can get:)  (And they don't say "eh" here.... but, as a maritimer, I say "wa":)

On the picture that timberlea provided.  From the top down on the left side of the mixer (That gizmo is called a mixer.)  The top hole is an XLR input for a microphone.  Second hole down is a 1/4' jack for instruments.  Usually this input is expecting a hotter signal than the XLR.  The little knob under that is your gain control.  This controls how much power is sent through the preamp in the mixer.  The higher up you have it the louder the output however, it also makes the output noisier so keep the gain down as much as you can and still have enough volume.  The next three knobs are the equalizer controling the treble, midrange, and bass.  
If you have not eneough bass in you final sound, don't turn up the bass, turn down the treble and midrange and you will get a cleaner sound. Set these to the middle position (straight up) to start with.  Next knob is your effects loop.  If you have an effects processor you plug it into the jacks on top and this knob controls how much effect (how wet) the sound is on each chanel.  Next from the last is the panning control knob.  This directs the output signal where to go either right ot left in the stereo image.  Usually for vocals this should be straight up too.  Lastly, on the bottom you have the volume knob.  You know what to do with that one.

Ok:)

THAT makes sense... but, I usually do all THAT stuff, with the program I record with (Garageband)... so, what do i need it on there for?

(And again, i really appreciate your explanation!!!)

Hi Gilly. I use Samson C01U for my Mac, the USB mic. I love the thing. It's a bit bulky but it sounds pretty good. Now, I can't say anything about latency because I haven't used it for recording songs. I use it as my everyday mic, mostly for using it on Skype to talk to others. I haven't noticed any latentcy but again, not sure. I would reallyi recommend it though. Make sure you get the holder with springs on them though. The mic is sensitive and if you tap it, the sound does travel through.

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Ok, babe... will you CHECK for me?! I was thinking about buying that, for recording.... (or the snowball one, which is similar but, like, twice the price), but Justin says I wouldn't be able to "monitor" my recording, or whatever, because of the delay, from the usb....... but, maybe that ISN't the case... but, if I bought it, it would be on ebay or something, where returning it would be a pain in the arse... so, if YOU would check for me.. and open garageband, and turn on monitor, and talk to yourself, and tell me if there is a delay... i would love you forever!!... see, if I could get a halfway decent sound, and skip that thing with the knobs and buttons, i would be thrilled.... Btw.. for skype, i just use my built in mic...  (in the macpro, you can make it ignore ambient noise) and it works good enough for me:) Heck, I don't think my recordings are HORRIBLE with my built in mic, either:) (Do'nt argue that.. I am sensitive;)

But, all of the reviews on the samson I have seen (or justy, i should say), say that it is more of a podcast mic.. not really recording.. but, i haven't a clue... so, Gilly is begging you to check:)

pretty please?:)

Hey Gilly, I just tried it. When I used Garageband and turned on the monitor, I got too much feedback so I had to use a headphone to try it out. I didn't notice any delay at all but doesn't mean that there isn't a very small one. It sounded pretty decent. One thing is, it definitely is a sensitive mic, picks up a lot of ambient noise. I would definitely suggest a quiet room or soundproof your area a bit before using it. The quality sounded pretty good though. I would suggest it even for vocal use.

Good luck with it.

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The Samson USB mic is an excellent choice for doing karaoke recordings.  It is a condensor mic & as Eban said, will pick up everything - as that is exactly what it's designed to do, essentially a studio grade vocal mic.  It's not a handheld, you will want a shock mount on a mic stand & a wind screen in front of it.

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Thanks guys:)

Well, I have found that cheaply everywhere... I was just afraid to BUY it.

Any thoughts on the other mic I mentioned? That weird white Blue snowball one? I am assuming it as about the same idea.... but, it is much more costly, so maybe not....

But, I will trust you guys, and make my hubby looking into the Samson...

Hmm, usb.. why isn't there the same idea, but firewire?

They make Firewire mic preamps for standard mics.

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Hi Gilly!  The Samson USB mic in question is indeed very good and would be perfect for your home recordings.  I know two people who are using it with much success. Also the Behringer mixer that Timberlea is talking about is also the best $40 mixer I've seen around if you want to go that route.  I have one of those myself.

Gilly, I use a Shure SM58 for recording and it's great for live performances, too.  I spent the extra $10 and got the one with an on/off switch.  $110 altogether.

Thanks you guys!! Now, I copied and pasted this entire thread into a sticky, and then, I am going to print it off, and stick it on the fridge, and hope the husband takes note! (Unless I have any volunteers for a sugar daddy?:) I am still unsure whether to take the mic/mixer route, or the usb mic route... but, at this point, with these suggestions, i will leave it up to the husbands wallet!  Thanks again, it means a lot that you took your time to help me out!

Now one advantage of going the Shure SM58/Mixer route is that if you ever did need a microphone to sing live music away from the computer you would have one.

Gilly, one more thing. I saw this at the MacWorld and thought it was the coolest mixer I have seen. It's USB so it will connect to your Mac and works with your iPod as well. It's reasonable and cool looking. I am not sure about the sound quality, but given that Belkin is well know for a good quality product, it shouldn't be at the bottom. At $179, may be worth checking it out.

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Seize the day and SING!!!