Accessories Microphones

[Mix O Lydian]

I am looking for a mic to record myself on my PC over a backing track using Audacity. I have been recommended the Audio Technica AT2020 and the Rode NT1.

I know nothing about mics or recording, so please, keep it very simple - no long technical words😛

So far I have imported an iReal Pro backing track and recorded over it, using headphones and a regular usb mic but the sound quality is not great on this mic for music.

What mics would be best? I will be recording soprano and alto sax. I don't want to spend megabucks either.

 

[Pete Thomas]

I don't want to spend megabucks either.

Unless it’s a USB mic you will also need an analogue to digital interface

 

[Mix O Lydian]

Can I not just plug it into my PC like I do with the headphones. There is a hole on my PC with a mic sign on it.

 

[Pete Thomas]

Can I not just plug it into my PC like I do with the headphones. There is a hole on my PC with a mic sign on it.

Small computer mics do plug in but the more pro mics would be wasted plugged into low quality converters in the PC, and many pro studio mics like the ones you mentioned need phantom power (48volts) which are usually included in an interface.

 

[Mix O Lydian]

Small computer mics do plug in but the more pro mics would be wasted plugged into low quality converters in the PC, and many pro studio mics like the ones you mentioned need phantom power (48volts) which are usually included in an interface.

Ok, so i would need another thing to plug the mic into to then plug that thing into the PC... I think I will just get a USB mic for now that is better than the brand (Fifine) that I'm using now. I see Rode do USB mics as does Audio Technica. I don't really want to spend more than £120

 

[Pete Thomas]

Ok, so i would need another thing to plug the mic into to then plug that thing into the PC... I think I will just get a USB mic for now that is better than the brand (Fifine) that I'm using now. I see Rode do USB mics as does Audio Technica. I don't really want to spend more than £120

At this stage that sounds like a good plan.

 

[Colin the Bear]

The little Yeti usb gets good reviews.

I started off with a tie clip mic in the mic hole of the laptop

These days I stick the SH55 in the mic socket. Seems to work fine for my uses. I'm not trying to sell records. My laptop does have a decent sound card in it.

It will take you a while to find how to make Audacity give you the sound you like. Prepare to be horrified by your first attempts. Mine varied from kazoo in a coal mine to goat in a duffel bag. 😉

 

[atwl77]

Ok, so i would need another thing to plug the mic into to then plug that thing into the PC... I think I will just get a USB mic for now that is better than the brand (Fifine) that I'm using now. I see Rode do USB mics as does Audio Technica. I don't really want to spend more than £120

Depending on which specific Fifine you're talking about, it might just be just decent enough that you may find more value in improving your room instead (assuming you haven't already). Or at least do some rudimentary room treatment to see how much that improves your recording, before spending money on a new mic that may or may not be that big of an improvement.

For example, hanging a heavy curtain or blanket behind you, or record with the mic inside a closet, etc... After all, even the most expensive mic in the world will sound bad if your room is "bad".

 

[mizmar]

I know in often post this - I've found the Zoom H2 to be great for this. The mics are pretty good by all accounts, it can record with backings etc. and can just sit on the music stand - no PC required.
Then you also have a handy recorder - useful for other jobs.

 

[Pete Thomas]

and many pro studio mics like the ones you mentioned need phantom power (48volts) which are usually included in an interface

I jusdt noticed there is a bundle avaialble from G4M:

Rode NT1 Signature with Focusrite Scarlett Solo (3rd Gen) at Gear4music

Rode NT1 Signature with Focusrite Scarlett Solo (3rd Gen) at Gear4music

www.gear4music.com

 

[kamak]

Where are you recording? Is it a loud room with lots of reflecting surfaces?

I actually tried doing some recording a few weeks ago to test it out using Audacity. I have a Blue Yeti USB mic set to cardioid mode and that captures the sax pretty well. I just had to reduce the input volume in Audacity and the gain on the mic otherwise it was really bad. Kazoo indeed!

Was even able to use it to record a duet with my wife on violin and me on Cmel.

Let us know how it goes and what works! I am wanting to learn more myself in this area.

 

[mizmar]

I just had to reduce the input volume in Audacity and the gain on the mic otherwise it was really bad. Kazoo indeed

Indeed. Audacity is quite capable of recording an ok mic badly!
Really worth checking you've got the gain set well.

 

[PigSquealer]

Ok, so i would need another thing to plug the mic into to then plug that thing into the PC... I think I will just get a USB mic for now that is better than the brand (Fifine) that I'm using now. I see Rode do USB mics as does Audio Technica. I don't really want to spend more than £120

Look at Goodwill or Salvation Army’s auctions or equivalent . Local secondhand sites. The Sure Snowball or Yeti with cord, stand and accessories are common sub $40. Will plug into your phone or computer. There is a jack for headphones.
The user app is free.
I have a Snowball I acquired with cord only (no stand) for $7.

 

[kamak]

Indeed. Audacity is quite capable of recording an ok mic badly!
Really worth checking you've got the gain set well.

I should try that tonight and see if turning gain down more helps

 

[mizmar]

I should try that tonight and see if turning gain down more helps

There's an audio meter toolbar which will show how close to the top (yellow or red) you are. Keeping green. You can see in the waveform if it's clipping as well. And someone will surely be along shortly to suggest the best dB to aim at.

Meter Toolbars - Audacity Manual

manual.audacityteam.org