In need of a multipurpose mic, $100 budget

[Acknown3]

So I'm been looking around for a good mic to record both vocals and instruments. I don't need a super good one, just one that has good bang for the buck. I've been directed towards the Audio Technica AT2020 USB, but I've also noticed that there is a non-USB counterpart for a significantly lower price. Would the USB be worth the extra money? Because from my knowledge of computers, a USB would not be able to take advantage of the soundcard, although I'm not sure if that matters for recording. I have an ASUS P8Z68-V Pro Gen3 mobo and an ASUS Xonar Essence STX for reference.

Additionally, if you have any other suggestions for ~$100, that would be awesome

[Versilaryan]

The thing about the non-USB mic (Did I really pay $40 more for mine that I could have!? GRAGH!) is that it uses XLR, which your sound card doesn't support. You can get around that by buying an XLR to 1/4" converter, though, because it looks like your soundcard has a 1/4" mic jack. If it doesn't, then it's definitely not worth getting the XLR version unless you also plan on investing in an audio interface. You'll lose so much audio quality going from XLR to 1/4" to 1/8" that it's not even worth buying more than a shitty $20 USB dynamic.

The only problem with that is that I'm not sure how good your soundcard's preamp is, or if it even has one. On top of that, because the AT2020 is a condenser mic, your soundcard might not supply phantom power. If that's a problem, then something like this would be a good investment: http://www.musiciansfriend.com/pro-audi ... mic-preamp

For the most part, though, an XLR mic is the way to go, if you can make that work. If you decide to upgrade and get a real audio interface, then the XLR mic will stay with you, while all your USB mics will lag behind.

The AT2020's a good all-around condenser. It's really bright, but that's great for a lot of acoustic instruments and vocals. Another one you might want to look into is the Shure SM57 -- it's a dynamic mic, so you don't have to worry about phantom power. I have next to no experience with the SM57, though, so I can't really say much about how it sounds. It's just the go-to all-around good mic that most people recommend.

[Acknown3]

So you're suggesting that I get the XLR 2020 with an XLR-to-1/4" converter as long as my soundcard has a good preamp?

I don't believe it has a pre-amp, although it would be about the same price for the XLR with the preamp and converter as it would be for the USB mic. If I were to get the SM57, would I just need to buy the converter?

[Versilaryan]

No real mic will have a 1/4" out. You might be able to find one or two, but they're typically cheap things meant for karaoke and stuff. The SM57 won't require phantom power, but you'll still need preamplification to make it sound any decent.
The other alternative is to use your DAW to amplify the signal digitally, but that will result in sound quality loss.

Go USB if you want something you can just plug in and not have to worry about.

[vladnuke]

I use a blue snowball. It's in that price range. It's pretty cool.

[Acknown3]

No real mic will have a 1/4" out. You might be able to find one or two, but they're typically cheap things meant for karaoke and stuff. The SM57 won't require phantom power, but you'll still need preamplification to make it sound any decent.
The other alternative is to use your DAW to amplify the signal digitally, but that will result in sound quality loss.

Go USB if you want something you can just plug in and not have to worry about.

I have a DAC, although I'm not sure if that would help.

So are you saying that, with my current equipment, 2020 (USB) > Shure (XLR) > 2020 (XLR)?

[Versilaryan]

Yeah, that about sums it up.

[Facade]

i have a 2020 usb its great and works nice
i would recommend it