How To Produce Music In Your Home Studio Part 4 |
|
|
|
|
Aug 31 2022, 01:49 AM
|
|
So far in this series, we have talked about selecting a DAW, selecting an audio interface and selecting audio monitors. These bits of kit are all very important in building a home studio. One last thing to look at is a studio microphone. Why do you need a mic? Well, if you ever plan to record your guitar tone coming through an actual amp (rare as that is these days) you’ll need a good mic. If you ever plan to record vocals, you’ll need a mic. Of course, when first starting out, one has to use whatever is on hand, this can even include the mic built into a pair of earbuds. It’s not ideal of course, so it’s important to have at least one professional mic on hand.
So what is this going to cost, and what mics should I be looking at? Firstly, for this purpose, I’d say avoid mics that have a USB connection for the simple fact that they may not be able to connect to your audio interface. Most interfaces expect an XLR connection (standard mic cable) or quarter inch connection (standard guitar type cable). As such, getting a mic with an xlr connector on it is a good idea. If you are starting off with a smaller interface, you may only have one or two xlr/quarter inch connections to work with. Which means you can plug in your guitar and a mic, if you have two combo jacks (that will take either) on the front of your interface. So which mics might be a good choice? For starters, it’s hard to go wrong with the most traditional choice of all. The battle tested, indestructible, Shure SM57. These mics can be run over by a truck and still work. You can drop it, throw it, etc. It’s built like a tank. These have a slight bump in the vocal range so they make good vocal mics, but they sound pretty good on just about every source you can throw at them. Also, they are fairly inexpensive. You can get a brand new one for about $100. You’ll need an XLR mic cable to connect to your interface. These are great for recording, podcasting, etc. I’ve owned several of these and they are great mics. For about the same price, you can go for a bit nicer though more delicate condenser style microphone like the MXL 990. I’ve have several of these as well and they are a great mic for just about any application. They have a very wide frequency response range and as a condenser mic, they pick very subtle sounds. The only downside is that they don’t like too much sound pressure. If you put it in front of a 100 watt stack and turn the amp up all the way, the mic might distort. At normal volumes this is not an issue. This mic requires phantom power which every modern audio interface should have built in. For about the same $100 you can get the Audio Technica AT2020. This is also a condenser mic. It’s been around for quite a while and has stood the test of time. Like all condensers, it is a bit more picky than using a SM57. Here is a video with some suggestions on things to avoid doing when using this mic, so you can get the best out of it. https://youtu.be/LtYV56oQmXo These are just some budget suggestions for mics. What mic are you using? How well does it work in your studio? *Link to part 1 of this series (Getting started and software) https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_fo...c=63185&hl= *Link to part 2 of this series. (Selecting an audio interface) https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_fo...showtopic=63186 *Link to part 3 of this series (Microphones) https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_fo...showtopic=63223 |
 |
 
|
|
|
|
|
|
Aug 31 2022, 04:50 PM
|
|
Speaking of MXL mics ...
I've been using one of these for the last year ... https://mxlmics.com/products/revelation-mini-fet/ Works on everything and will take high spl. It's a bit more expensive than the typically 'cheap' condenser mics but it delivers potentially "pro" level sound (if you know how to place, EQ and process a mic signal). $230.00 (US) everyday, everywhere: Sweetwater, Thomann, even Amazon. *Just to keep it 'real' - a high quality condenser will run you at the bare minimum $500 US to upwards of $8000 US. $230 is a frigging sick deal on a very good, semi-pro studio mic. I am of the opinion that if you're gonna record stuff with a mic, it's in your best interest to get something decent. One good dynamic and one good condenser. Because the mic makes WAY more of a difference than the pre-amp (hrdwr or sftwr). This post has been edited by klasaine: Aug 31 2022, 09:12 PM -------------------- - Ken Lasaine
https://soundcloud.com/klasaine2/foolin-the-clouds https://soundcloud.com/klasaine2/surfin-at-the-country-hop Soundcloud assorted ... https://soundcloud.com/klasaine3 New record ... http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/kenlasaine Solo Guitar ... https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXZh...5iIdO2tpgtj25Ke Stuff I'm on ... https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXZh...b-dhb-4B0KgRY-d |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Aug 31 2022, 06:23 PM
|
|
I'm cheap I've been using Thomann's Tbone brand, I have their Sm57 clone and a large diaphragm condenser. I'd quite like the Shure Sm7 at some point.
-------------------- My SoundCloud
Gear Tyler Burning Water 2K Burny RLG90 with BK Emeralds Fender US Tele with BK Piledrivers Epiphone 335 with Suhr Thornbuckers PRS SE Custom 24-08 Ax8 Fessenden SD10 PSG Quilter TT15 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sep 1 2022, 06:43 AM
|
|
Super thanks for the recommendation! looks and sounds like a great mic. Killer deal as well. I bought that MXL990 as a budget condenser and it's been great, but for a bit more folks could have this one which sounds darn impressive considering it's price. As you say, these typs of mics can easily hit several thousand dollars.
Also, I think your spot on in saying any home studio really needs one good dynamic mic, like the 57 and one decent condenser, like this one. QUOTE (klasaine @ Aug 31 2022, 11:50 AM)  Speaking of MXL mics ... I've been using one of these for the last year ... https://mxlmics.com/products/revelation-mini-fet/ Works on everything and will take high spl. It's a bit more expensive than the typically 'cheap' condenser mics but it delivers potentially "pro" level sound (if you know how to place, EQ and process a mic signal). $230.00 (US) everyday, everywhere: Sweetwater, Thomann, even Amazon. *Just to keep it 'real' - a high quality condenser will run you at the bare minimum $500 US to upwards of $8000 US. $230 is a frigging sick deal on a very good, semi-pro studio mic. I am of the opinion that if you're gonna record stuff with a mic, it's in your best interest to get something decent. One good dynamic and one good condenser. Because the mic makes WAY more of a difference than the pre-amp (hrdwr or sftwr). good call!! i've got the sm57 and the MXL990 as my two main mics and I spent quite a while trying to figure out how to get the most bang for the buck. The great thing is that both of these mics are still great bang for the buck and still being made. I've not tried the thomann mics, but I have to agree that getting a real 57 is always a good idea.  QUOTE (PosterBoy @ Aug 31 2022, 01:23 PM) I'm cheap I've been using Thomann's Tbone brand, I have their Sm57 clone and a large diaphragm condenser. I'd quite like the Shure Sm7 at some point. |
|
|
|
|
 
|
1 User(s) are reading this topic (1 Guests and 0 Anonymous Users)
0 Members:
