Looking at getting a microphone

Lethaargic · **Joined:** 07 Jul 2011 13:15 **Posts:** 233

I want to pick up a reasonably priced mic. If I was just planning on using it for Skype or whatever I wouldn't worry but since I plan on also using it to record vocals I'd appreciate any input.

Radio shack has a house brand Mic for like $20 that comes with a cord and mini stand, is it total crap or not anyone know.

If I don't get that then I'm going to browse the pawn shops for a used, good quality mic. Can anyone suggest brands to look for?

Thanks a bunch

DerpyGrooves · **Posted:** 09 Aug 2011 00:25

Get a condenser mic. I can assure you you will not find a good mic for 20$

Whitetail · **Joined:** 29 Jun 2011 17:04 **Posts:** 432

DerpyGrooves wrote:

Get a condenser mic. I can assure you you will not find a good mic for 20$

Yeah unfortunately nothing music related is cheap, a condenser mic is the cheapest all around useful mic for your purposes, you can probably find one somewhere around $40-50

Versilaryan · **Joined:** 03 Jul 2011 17:58 **Posts:** 463

I agree wholeheartedly with both Derpy's. You're either going to spend some money on a mic, or you might as well go get a $5 computer mic and save yourself a lot of time and money.

If you're looking to use it as a recording mic, get a USB condenser mic. Just a warning, though, condenser mics are /really/ sensitive -- they'll pick up everything. You'll either have to position the mic differently (aimed at your throat or off to the side) or get a pop filter, or you'll get a lot of whoosh from breathing and popping from p's and b's.

But, yeah. Do some shopping around online. Read reviews, figure out what mic is best for your purposes, and see if any local stores have the mics you're looking for.

EDIT: That's assuming you don't have an external sound card set up with an XLR input. That opens up a whole new realm of possibility -- if you do, be extremely careful that you don't buy a mic that relies on phantom power unless you know for sure that your sound card can supply it.

Mox · **Joined:** 10 Aug 2011 01:06 **Posts:** 11

USB condenser with pop filter is really the best way to go. I picked both up for 70$ on amazon. Watch the video reviews on the mics there.

Lethaargic · **Joined:** 07 Jul 2011 13:15 **Posts:** 233

Thanks, I ended up getting this Audio-Technica mic from my local pawn shop. It's used but sounds good still, and they seem pretty legit. The Guitar shop down the street from me had pop filters too so that worked out well. Hopefully I can put this thing to use soon.

Versilaryan · **Joined:** 03 Jul 2011 17:58 **Posts:** 463

Nice! Do you know what model? Audio-Technica makes some pretty amazing mics.

Lethaargic · **Joined:** 07 Jul 2011 13:15 **Posts:** 233

Unidirectional Lo-z dynamic 75D Japan : )

Was $25 a good deal for this mic?

I work at a thrift store, I rarely buy anything new

Pickslide1992 · **Posted:** 20 Aug 2011 15:40

My mic is a Samson R11, and it is pretty good for what it is. I looked at the prices and it's around $50 bucks new but can be $30 if you shop around. Put a pop filter in front of that bad bot and it's so good, your head will roll.

IndustrialBreeze · **Posted:** 21 Aug 2011 00:49

If you know anypony with a full-on rockband/guitar hero set or kareoke game for video game consoles (ps2/ps3/360), they are generally all usb-based and it might be possible to borrow one.
I have one, but I haven't tested it's ability and quality. I doubt it's professional quality, but if it's good enough, you can pick them up cheap at EB Games/Gamestop for about 10-20 bucks a piece used.

Versilaryan · **Joined:** 03 Jul 2011 17:58 **Posts:** 463

For vocals, the Rock Band/Guitar Hero mics aren't the greatest -- you'd be better off looking for a used mic better suited for vocals.

They actually sound pretty good for electric guitars, though. Just have to make sure you up the reverb a little bit on your amp and mess with the settings a bit, because what it picks up won't be exactly what you hear.

Looking at getting a microphone

Who is online