Which mic

The Shure SM 57 is the one I am planning on getting to go with the M-Audio PreUSB and mixer that I am also getting ready to buy. I have listened to some of what Tracker recorded with it and it sounded pretty good.

Which mixer are you going with? What exactly does a mixer do for me? Will it help control the audio levels? Right now, its really tough to keep everything at the right volume.

Geoo

The mixer I am planning on getting is the Behringer Eurorack UB1002 Mixer. about $60. The mixer will give you better control over the input volume and tone etc.

For those on a budget the Behringer XM8500 mic is really good as well. I mic my amps with it and run it through my Behringer UB802 mixer. Sounds pretty good to me. I posted a clip in my Squier thread which was recorded using the above equipment. Those Shure's are like $100, so they aren't all that cheap, IMO.

Off topic a little, but do you like the UB802? My buddy wants to get one for the band for home recording and some little projects of his own, and we dont need anything with a lot of inputs or outputs right this second.

Off topic a little, but do you like the UB802? My buddy wants to get one for the band for home recording and some little projects of his own, and we dont need anything with a lot of inputs or outputs right this second.

I like it, but my needs are very simple. It still has enough inputs and outputs for a small band though. It's very quiet and you can't beat the price. I know a guy who uses one live for his acoustic solo stuff and is very happy with it.

Cool, thanks!

And now back to your regularly scheduled thread.

For the mic, I would suggest the MXL 990 & 991 Package. I own it and really like the quality of it. I am shocked that they sell it for $99. I would invest in a good pop filter, too.

As for mixers, yes they will give you more control over your sound. They will allow you to control your line level, high-mid-low in (3-band) EQ and your trim level. The Behringer mixers are a good bang for the buck.

If you decide to go with the mixer, you can go – Mixer output > MobilePre “Stereo Mic”. From there you use both Channel 1 and Channel 2 to balance the left and right, which gives you better control of your sound. You will need a RCA to 1/8in cable to do that.

Mike

I forgot to mention, the Shure SM57 (dynamic mic) is a great instrument mic. It says, instrument/vocal but, I've tested and always heard its better for instruments.

I also have the Shure SM57, but in your case you want a quality vocal (condenser) mic.

Mike

For a *First* mike, I'd recommend you get the SM-57. It's a good general purpose mike, it's rugged, not horribly expensive and it's one you'll be able to keep and use for years and years.

Once you have more funds, and are Gassing, I'd add a large diaphragm condensor, and a matched pair of small diaphragm condensors

You will not be able to find a professional studio without an SM57. They are an old standby and for good reason.

That MXL package looks pretty neat. I was thinking of getting the 991 for acoustic guitars (we have an AT 3035 for the large diaphragm sound), but the package looks sweet for $99.

I've never used or tried the 57. It is one of the standards and I hear it's a great all around utility mic. Really durable and stable. We've got a couple of 58s left over from the '80s, and they've got a similar sound I understand - more proximity effect used close up. Real sturdy too. But the top end is what - 18khz or so? I like condensers for recording because they (most times) go up to 20khz and down to 20 or 30hz depending. Not that you'd always use all that frequency band, but it's nice to have.

I might go for the 993.

And then now I've read that omnidirectional mics (like the Nady CM100) are also good for acoustics. I don't know if that would be the greatest thing given the noisy environment I record in, but now I'm thinking about those too!

Forgot to mention that most condenser mics require power, either battery or phantom through the board, whereas the dynamics (the 57 and 58) don't. I don't know if your rig has mic powering capabilities or not. It might be something to consider.

Take care.

I can't remember what it was that the UB802 lacked, that made me go for the UB1002 - an excellent piece of kit for a very good price.
I also have a Shure SM57, which is a very good all round mic.