High-quality microphones? - Hardware & Software

I'm looking for a high quality microphone that I can hook to and record from my computer. I'm mainly looking for one to use with voice acting and the like, just recording my voice, not really for gaming. I may be willing to go to $100 for one, but I won't go over $150. Thanks

[url]http://www.zzounds.com/item--AUTAT4050[/url] The studio I worked for had these... Little pricey though.

Yeah, $550 is a tiny bit more than $100

[url]http://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-AT2020-USB-Condenser-Microphone/dp/B001AS6OYC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=musical-instruments&qid=1269759970&sr=1-2[/url] There is a video review, and the guy uses the mic, and it sounds incredibly clear. THough he's a soft spoken guy. If have a rougher voice you could do sex chat. I'm looking to get one when I get a little more money. Comes to 101 dollars on amazon. You might want to consider getting a inexpensive shock mount and a small desk mount for full use. Or: [url]http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0015MJE22/ref=s9_simv_bw_p267_t3?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-3&pf_rd_r=1GN18B46EZKQ0TY1HNXY&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=44691062&pf_rd_i=11973111[/url] For about 50.

If you are good at electronics, you can mod a Behringer B2 Pro - The capsules in them mics are known to be much better than the price and name suggests, the onboard electronics let it down. Even then they don't sound THAT bad from stock - they just have a slight brittleness. (I Think it's that 5Khz shelf built into it) If you can save more, the NT1A Vocal pack has everything you need except the audio interface: [url]http://www.thomann.de/gb/rode_nt1_a_complete_vocal_r_b_stock.htm[/url] Or if you had money to burn, An SM7B: [url]http://www.thomann.de/gb/shure_sm_7b_studiomikro.htm[/url] But I am guessing you don't have an audio interface and preamp with phantom power? - USB it is then - of which I am not aware of any decent ones withtin such a price range that are any better than what brt suggested. Also get a pop shield: [url]http://www.thomann.de/gb/km_23956_plopkiller.htm[/url]

Might have a look at some T.Bone models. They're relatively cheap but i haven't heard anything bad about them. They also have USB models. For example, the Sc440 [url]http://www.thomann.de/gb/the_tbone_sc440_usb.htm[/url] Get a decent plop shield with that as above poster suggested and you should be all set. What is important when buying a microphone is reading a lot of reviews and comparing shit. Also look for some audio samples. You might also consider that you can't just put a condenser mic on your desk and start doing voice recordings. These things are rather sensitive to background noise so i don't recommend you actually record right next to your computer. Also, you might wanna think about room acoustics, but that shouldn't be very important at this point if you don't live in a metal shed.

[QUOTE=OhSnap!;21007308][url]http://www.zzounds.com/item--AUTAT4050[/url] The studio I worked for had these... Little pricey though.[/QUOTE] That thing is sexy

I'm in the US, the European links aren't exactly helping me out.

[url]http://www.amazon.com/MXL-990-991-Recording-Microphone/dp/B0002GJI3C[/url] I have this

[url]http://www.amazon.com/MXL-Condenser-Microphone-Shock-Mount/dp/B0002GIRP2[/url] [editline]10:36PM[/editline] It's actually a really nice mic. [editline]10:37PM[/editline] Wow, ninja'd... Sort of. [editline]10:38PM[/editline] Go with mine, it is nearly the same quality wise and is cheaper.

[QUOTE=lemonlimecom;21026420][url]http://www.amazon.com/MXL-Condenser-Microphone-Shock-Mount/dp/B0002GIRP2[/url] [editline]10:36PM[/editline] It's actually a really nice mic. [editline]10:37PM[/editline] Wow, ninja'd... Sort of. [editline]10:38PM[/editline] Go with mine, it is nearly the same quality wise and is cheaper.[/QUOTE] go with that one I wish I had a shock mount :(

I'm not sure if you guys realize that he probably doesn't have a preamp and wants something to connect it directly to his computer. A condenser that will even require phantom power won't help him. Also, you don't have to buy the things from the links you get sent. You could always like, search for the type you like and find a good store.

[QUOTE=Tu154M;21030131]I'm not sure if you guys realize that he probably doesn't have a preamp and wants something to connect it directly to his computer. A condenser that will even require phantom power won't help him. Also, you don't have to buy the things from the links you get sent. You could always like, search for the type you like and find a good store.[/QUOTE] True on both counts.

Shure SM57 or SM58 They are the most sold mics in the world and the SM57 can be used as a Instrument and Vocal mic. Every single studio owner has a few of these mics and they are the most common mics in the world. (did i mention the sell for around 100€?) [img]http://www.kneeslider.net/sm58.jpg[/img] Does not require phantom power. And can even be plugged in using A jackplug.

Yeah, good job reading the post just above you.

Just buy a good headset that's used for gaming. Most of them have good microphones and I believe they're enough for you needs.

[QUOTE=taipan;21118539]Shure SM57 or SM58 They are the most sold mics in the world and the SM57 can be used as a Instrument and Vocal mic. Every single studio owner has a few of these mics and they are the most common mics in the world. (did i mention the sell for around 100€?) [img]http://www.kneeslider.net/sm58.jpg[/img] Does not require phantom power. [B]And can even be plugged in using A jackplug.[/B][/QUOTE] The signal will be extremely weak and when you amplify it with your computer, it will generate a lot of noise. You need an external amplifier for this, preferably also with an audio interface. Very good microphones though, I got an SM57 and got some really nice results.

[QUOTE=taipan;21118539]And can even be plugged in using A jackplug.[/QUOTE] Well if you did that you could as well donate the money you just spent on a nice Shure to children in Africa.