[Launchbackwards]

I still use the AudioTechnica AT2020 USB. It's a great mic, and the quality is fantastic. It is harder to properly adjust than the Blue or the Samson though, because it doesn't have an onboard gain level setting switch.

I can give you clip examples. What kind of sound tests would you like?

-David

[xChristineee]

I can sing low notes comfortably, but I sound better singing high. I can't really explain what I mean...
Like... I can do vibratto on high notes... but not low notes. Like my stomach goes in when doing vibratto? I don't think its supposed to...

Am I using head or chest voice when I'm singing? I really can't figure it out..

[Jaeho]

I still use the AudioTechnica AT2020 USB. It's a great mic, and the quality is fantastic. It is harder to properly adjust than the Blue or the Samson though, because it doesn't have an onboard gain level setting switch.

I can give you clip examples. What kind of sound tests would you like?

-David

Really? Some short singing perhaps, with difference in loudness? lol I'm not really sure.

Btw,
if anyone can answer:
Is it better to get a cheap dynamic mic (like the MX8500) with a pre-amp ($79+) or just a $100 usb mic? I found this question on another board and was wondering myself.

[Fook You]

Really? Some short singing perhaps, with difference in loudness? lol I'm not really sure.

Btw,
if anyone can answer:
Is it better to get a cheap dynamic mic (like the MX8500) with a pre-amp ($79+) or just a $100 usb mic? I found this question on another board and was wondering myself.

100$ USB mic. But just my opinion. Cheap mics can be really...crappy...for a lack of a better description. IMO non-usb mics don't break the "good" limit until about $120. NOT a definite rule, just a rough trend.

Btw, why dynamic? Just out of curiosity. Vocals sound better with Condenser mic...unless you're talking about live performance.

BTW also if you're talking about the BEHRINGER MX8500 i strongly suggest AGAINST it. I bought a Behringer Audio Console once and ended up returning it the next day.

[Jaeho]

100$ USB mic. But just my opinion. Cheap mics can be really...crappy...for a lack of a better description. IMO non-usb mics don't break the "good" limit until about $120. NOT a definite rule, just a rough trend.

Btw, why dynamic? Just out of curiosity. Vocals sound better with Condenser mic...unless you're talking about live performance.

BTW also if you're talking about the BEHRINGER MX8500 i strongly suggest AGAINST it. I bought a Behringer Audio Console once and ended up returning it the next day.

Dynamic, because I read they capture less background noise... and I like the classic mic feeling in my hand. lol
Yup, I mentioned the Behringer because hmaster recommended it, and I read good reviews on it as well. I also read about a lot of other good dynamic mics.
Everywhere I look, it's always purists recommending newbies with budgets to buy pre-amps and cheap mics instead of usb mics. ^^;
Thanks! btw which mic do you use?

Actually, I'm wondering what a lot of Soompiers are using... Some have some pretty good sound quality.

edit - I wanted to monitor through headphones, but I can't do that with most usb mics... But I usually let one ear free (lol) and record, so it's not that big of a deal. Ahaha, why am I rambling so much
Ahhhh... I need to hurry up and get a mic :[

[hinsaru]

USB Mics are the way to go for me in my opinion. Plus majority of USB mics are condenser microphones which are essential if you are doing vocal recording. That there is a fact not an opinion.

Dynamic Mics around the price range you have given us won't capture the sound of your desire though, their frequency levels are usually and generically in the mid-treble range which makes you sound dull. If you wanna go for those sounds, feel free to go for it, but I personally like brighter sounds. I do recommend purchasing a Shure Beta 58 though. Now if you had loads of cash, Shure SM7B is one of the best vocal mics out there~! Makes me sound like a molester haha.
I usually use dynamic mics for 1) live, 2) guitar cabinets and amps, 3) as a 3rd mic on the guitar soundboard. For example this song I just recently released: http://www.soundclick.com/bands/page_songI...;songID=7447468 I used a Audix I5 on a guitar amp and that came out as a result.

But honestly if you are recording vocals, I'd go for a USB Mics. It all depends on really what sound you want, it could vary from resulting in a dynamic mic or a condenser. As for mic choices, I'm a rapper so I thought the Blue Snowball was a good idea. It definitely was a good buy but it was not a suitable mic in my opinion. The first original song I ever released was recorded on a Snowball and you can hear it here:
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/page_songI...;songID=6303289 (1st Verse)
I got old of the Snowball sound, so I made my next purchase of a Samson C01U which I heard a lot of soompiers use. It made my sound a lot rounder and I had a lot of good results with it. Here are couple of demos of me using the Samson C01U
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/page_songI...;songID=6372602 (1st Verse)
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/page_songI...;songID=6503402
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/page_songI...;songID=6503411 (2nd Verse)
Before I went to music school, I decided to switch to an analog setup since I wanted to learn more about home recording, so I made my purchase of an AT3035 mic along with a Edirol UA4FX connected via RCA cables to a Soundcraft Compact 4 Mixer. I love AT mic sounds since it gives me that nice warm smooth sound and it made me sound a lot better in my tracks like this for example:
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/page_songI...;songID=7051043 (1st Verse) [The guy on second verse was using a Samson C01U so you can hear the difference)
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/page_songI...;songID=7052854 (Intro, After 1st Chorus)
and as my mixes gotten better: http://soulent.net/media/whatifi/
Currently, I usually record in professional project studios now (ahaha I'm being cocky x.x).

In terms of gear, I suggest at least spending $150 on an Audio Interface not a Pre-Amp. Audio Interfaces include Pre-Amps and they often will help you ease learning about home recording and equipments. Behringers are a cheap solution but they will not last long, they break like toys given from McDonalds. And majority of programs like Cool Edit Pro will allow you to monitor, it's called software monitoring (make sure your buffer settings is set to low or else you'll get delay). Also Dynamics and Condenser but use cardioid pattern so sound pickup varies on the frequency it picks up the most. Plus background noises are never a problem if you use Gate plugins and strip silence your regions. Unless you record next to a highway or in a freaking bathroom you won't have an issue with background noise!

When choosing mics, choose the one that makes YOUR EARS RING, not because the majority has it or it's able to survive from being flushed down the toilet. Microphones will be recording your voice so keep in mind that a DAW can only do so much to produce the sound you want. If you have the ability to listen to demos (which I have provided above) or even better test them out live, DO IT. It's the only way to know for sure you have the right choice for the mics.
And I know, home recording and equipment is never easy, but if you have any questions even about Neve, SSL boards, or how fat my dog is, feel free to ask me any more questions .

[Jaeho]

^ Damn. Thanks SO MUCH!
I listened to the examples (great stuff btw) and I can definitely hear the differences.
Now I'm leaning towards the AT2020usb... Probably like 80% on getting it. lol (Would still like some examples from someone though... not to be too naggy )
I mean, it would be awesome if I got awesome quality with a more classic setup, but I'm not trying to become a pro singer, nor do I have tons of $$$$ right now.
Sometimes I wish I went to music school. My interest in music has gotten really big lately. My brother wants to go to music school, so by me learning all this I hope it can be beneficial to him as well.

[hinsaru]

No problemo~! Just trying to share my knowledge to the people who need to know!

I'll definitely ask my friend if she can provide me some demos of the AT2020USB mic .

I know quality is an orgazzmic feeling that everyone wants, but honestly me cherishing and honing my musical talent is a lot more important than purchasing studio equipment. I work as an A&R for multiple record companies usually in the International Collection side, and I have auditioned Bi / Rain's song before for Sony. From what I hear people even use mics built into their laptops or digital cameras which in my opinion as an audio engineer I would never ever record in even if it's the last device on the planet. I wouldn't even record my songwriting ideas on them either. Since you are a singer, you'll be better off recording in at least decent quality setups, cause as a businessman and a musician myself, a lot of people look for singers for them to record demos on and those are your chances to record in those huge half a million studios. It just depends on what resources and connections you have and how you handle them.

And as for music school. Ugh xD I'm sorry if I'm lecturing you guys, but I want to give you guys some sort of direction especially from a student like myself. Music School is just a school for music. It's not designed to help you get into the industry, but they at least provide some foundation such as your reputation (For example, if you put that you have a degree from a music school or saying you graduated from a music school helps, but from experience, you're gonna need to prove your talent majority of the time because talent > degree in music). You learn all the boring music theory, ear training, basically honing your musical talent. But once again it doesn't put you in a position, music school is resourceless from all I know unless you do something about it. Your life is only changed by your actions, and every move you make counts. It creates a new pathway for you to walk on, so I suggest if you rely on music school or some music program to get you somewhere it won't. I have loads of friends who are graduates from all types of music school like Berklee and Julliard, yet they are still on their bicycles delivering pizza every evening. But it's not like that for music, I know bunch of peeps who graduate from all sorts of majors and they haven't done anything.

[Launchbackwards]

edit - I wanted to monitor through headphones, but I can't do that with most usb mics... But I usually let one ear free (lol) and record, so it's not that big of a deal. Ahaha, why am I rambling so much
Ahhhh... I need to hurry up and get a mic :[

If you want zero-latency monitoring and go usb:
Samson G-track ($130)
Shure PG42USB ($250)
sE electronics USB2200a ($400)

I tried all kinds of crap (asio4all, tweaking pc/priorities, etc) to get zero-monitoring latency through software with the AT2020USB, and I came pretty close, but not enough to not be distracted/disoriented.

Real time monitoring helps tremendously in improving your vocals imo...and far more efficient than recording...listening...tweaking...recording...listening...and right now I just use bud earphones to listen to my instrumental (and it works fine)...but...

I WANT monitoring! I'm planning on selling my AT2020USB after I pick up either the Shure or the sE ($50+shipping for those interested...), but it won't be for a while.

Here are two examples of the AT2020USB. First song is the cross - don't cry, i have a mix of low, med, loud, and freakin scary loud notes (the at2020usb doesn't have a 10db cut and i sing a lot of loud songs) in there, and the second is sgwannabe - get along together, where it's fairly medium (short clip). btw, i suck at mixing. i'll get some dry clips up for you.

http://www.mediafire.com/?sharekey=eb7a639...621d66e282a0ee8

[imperial13]

hmm....any pointers on which you would prefer between the Samson G-Track and AT2020USB? (Launchbackwards, hinsaru..anyone?)

i'm kinda leaning towards g-track for monitoring and also the extra line-in for instruments...

[Jaeho]

If you want zero-latency monitoring and go usb:
Samson G-track ($130)

I found a example of the G-Track here - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CYhQ7iAKXNs
I gotta say, the sound is not any better than my laptop mic. A lot of noise and sounds very tinny.

And thanks for the examples. I've already heard them on your Youtube page (great Don't Cry cover!) but it's nice to hear them in mp3.

[sarangJ]

which software is best for recording sounds???
so that it sounds more clear....

[hinsaru]

Honestly sound quality wise I think the AT2020USB is a lot better. Once again I'm a sucker for Audio Technica mics for it's warm and smooth-like sounds. But then again it depends on the singer.

Samson usually make their mics very generic sounding which means it isn't bad at all. That's why a lot of people here in soompi have the Samson C01U. I do really suggest the Samson G-Track because it's overall an all-in-one package for real cheap price at $130. Usually a microphone like that (For example a Samson C01 and Samson C03 [NOT THE USB Versions] ) plus a decent sounding audio interface with all those features will be about $300.

I do suggest purchasing a mic boom stand or some sort of desktop stand with a pop filter. Samson's tend to pop a lot and they get really sensitive without the pop filter. If you need any tips on mixing with any Samson mic feel free to ask me, cause I've had my Samson C01U for at least two years and I've known had to really make them sound good on them.

[imperial13]

i've gone for the g-track. thanks for the advice, i'd love to get some mixing tips from you will be in contact through pm.

[Reverse]

Hi : )
i've been trying to improve my singing forever now xD
i was wondering if anyone would be kind to be my vocal coach over internet?
my mom is looking for one, but i guess its hard?
so i was wondering if anyone was interested?
PM me please.
thank you.

yuhi

[Fook You]

Hi : )
i've been trying to improve my singing forever now xD
i was wondering if anyone would be kind to be my vocal coach over internet?
my mom is looking for one, but i guess its hard?
so i was wondering if anyone was interested?
PM me please.
thank you.

yuhi

This would be extremely difficult as a big part of being a vocal coach is giving advice based on what he/she hears.

You would never be able to get the best feedback possible through a microphone live over the internet. No matter what someone tries, a live voice and a computer processed voice are still miles apart.

In fact getting a vocal coach over the internet may even be detrimental to your singing. I suggest you just practice the simple things on your own and continue looking for a real vocal coach.

[pietree]

I have a problem...

My external mic jack stopped working for some reason... So yesterday, I bought a USB sound card so that I won't need to buy a new mic anymore.. but when I tried to record using my laptop, the sound is static-y.. but when I try to record using our desktop computer, It sounds just fine.. I don't want to record publicly for all of my family members to see & hear..hehe.. ^^ Is there any way to fix this?? =[

[lovetosing43]

What program do you guys use for recording?

[pietree]

What program do you guys use for recording?

I use audacity..the latest beta version..

[lovetosing43]

I use audacity..the latest beta version..

is it good? o.o (and thanks for replying ;D)