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Joined: Nov 2010
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Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 349 |
Looking at an "AKG PERCEPTION 120 Professional Studio Microphone for general purpose" on amazon for my home studio.
Trying to keep it under $100, to be used for vocals and with USB interface.
Any opinions on this or other similar vocal mics in that price range?
Thanks
Carkins
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No experience with the mic mentioned. I will say, though, that if you have another mic the $100 *may* be better spent on a decent preamp. StudioProjects VTB1 comes to mind. An average mic with a good preamp sounds better than a good mic with average preamp.
Yes it's true... another 'something to consider' from rharv. Of course the LDC through a nice preamp is even better, but I bought mics before preamps and realized my mistake later (when I got better preamps).
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
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if you don't need a diaphragm or ribbon mic, don't overlook the shure sm57 and sm58. they are virtually indestructible and time-tested. about us$85. otoh, my son bought the AKG PERCEPTION 120 about a year ago and is thrilled with it. slightly less rugged but a great mic nonetheless.
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think twice about a USB mic. the XLR connection is a Standard and will in the long run find much more versitility of use.
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Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 349 |
Actually am running an old Shure 5655D Unisphere 1 Dynamic plugged into a into a Toneport UX1 then into my old Dell desktop.
The Toneport has a Gearbox program with it with instrument and mic settings so I guess that's considered a preamp?
It accepts the old plugs but USB might be good for my laptop.
Wondered if the AKG or newer mic would be better.
Thanks for any input.
Carkins
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Your toneport does function as a mic pre-amp. Keep in mind that your software can only use one USB audio interface at a time.
What is it about the Shure/UX1 combination you don't like? Unless you can clearly state what that is, don't bother going shopping.
This past weekend I did a mic shootout on 3 of my mics, simultaneously recording some clarinet for an audition recording my son was putting together.
CAD M-177 LDC, Samson SM-58 knockoff, ElectroVoice PL80a. EV won the shootout.
I didn't buy the 2nd two because I needed them. The Samson came in a killer combo deal with some half-decent headphones (total of $40), and I won the EV from a local music equipment shop. The CAD was fine, I just like the slightly more mellow tone of the EV.
Spec-wise, the CAD should have won, but my ears told me something else.
So, what is it about the Shure/UX1 that you don't like? If I recall correctly, the UX1 even has some modeling of different mic pre-amps available in the software. Have you tried all of those?
-Scott
Last edited by rockstar_not; 11/14/11 07:52 AM.
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. I have an Alesis MultiMix 8 USB. Do y'all know about this unit? Does it have good mic pres? Should I connect to soundcard mic in or to USB? http://www.alesis.com/multimix8usb
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Journeyman
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Hi Flatfoot,
I've used this same mixer for a couple of years and it sounds great. I love the sound of these mic preamps much more than my old Mackie.
After a flood we just went through, I saved the mixer but I the power supply was drowned. I called Alesis and they were no help and wanted over $40 bucks for another one.
After almost 2 months of laying out and drying out, the power supply works. Good thing I didn't throw it away.
I've loved this mixer since the first time I plugged it in. I never bother with the USB. I use the line in on my old PC and now on my new one and it sounds excellent. Dead quiet and I like the onboard effects too.
I have 2 mics and they sound excellent with this mixer. Way better than my friend's much higher priced board. One thing though, keep it on a hard surface with good air circulation. The bottom can get pretty hot. But it's never failed me yet in over 2 years.
Wayne,
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Journeyman
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Journeyman
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Since I finally forced myself to take the time away from my art to get back to my song writing hobby I've realized how little I know about using all these new fangled amazing tools at my disposal.
I've used the Shure 5655D, which I bought 2nd hand, back in the 80's, along with my then new Ovation Legend and used Yamaha SBG 500 guitars and a little Casio keyboard to ping pong tracks on 2 cassette decks to create some crude but fun filled renditions of the songs I was writing.
BIAB/Realband has opened up a whole new way for me to express myself but with the accompanied info overload I rely on the opinions of more qualified musicians in this and other forums to try to find the best and most affordable options for my hobby.
Figured since the mic was over 20 yrs old, there may have been some improvements since then so figured I might treat myself to a new one for Xmas.
Whether it will improve my vocals any has yet to be heard.
More than likely the old Carnegie Hall, practice,practice, practice adage will make the most difference.
Then again, looking through a Musicians Friend, Sweeetwater, Amazon website is like walking through a musical candy shop, would like to have it all, YUMMMMMMMMM!
Thanks for the sugar rush,
Carkins
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My opinion is that the Shure 565 should work just fine for you. If it's still functioning, there's no reason to switch horses unless there is something particular you don't like about the sound. I would fully explore the options you have available with the UX1/Shure 565 combo you currently have in hand. On this page at the Line6 site, it talks about all the different modeled microphone pre-amps that are available - that's some cool stuff to play with right there. http://line6.com/toneportux1/vocals.htmlThis is what you currently own from a mic pre-amp modeling standpoint. If you can't get a decent sound using the Shure with the UX1 and tweaking one of these mic pre-amp setups, the AKG isn't going to help either. -Scott
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Journeyman
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Ahh, the voice of reason.
Good point.
Will explore the UX1 settings and see what that does.
Now what else can I buy myself for Xmas?
Have a great one,
Carkins
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