|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,174
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,174 |
Hello folks, I have a basic shure 606 such as this, http://www.djsupplies.co.uk/shure-c606-microphone-623-p.aspSome reviews have compared it favourably with the sm58. Thinking I would get a better mic I bought the AKG 120, http://www.amazon.co.uk/AKG-Perception-120-Diaphragm-Microphone/dp/B00160PRBUWhen I went to use the AKG (and it really looked the part) it seems it was picking up a lot of unwanted sound in the room and the basic shure was far clearer on vocals. Anways I am lucky that I bought the AKG from amazon and even though its almost a month later they will take it back no problem I realise that the AKG is probably a decent entry level condenser but beginning to realise that a condenser mic is not suitable for me atall, as I record in my living room and the condenser mic is more suited to a more studio like enviroment, with proper sound proofing in room etc. Am I right in this and just wondering if you are using a condenser mic do you have to do much sound proofing etc? (I have read online about people putting up duvets to dampen the sound but I don't want to go down that route) Or do a lot on here just prefer a dynamic mic for recording? Thanks very much, musiclover
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,641
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,641 |
Condensors will be more sensitive, so it is very good you noticed the difference. If an SM58 (or similar) works for you GREAT! In my opinion, every track has different needs. I like a condensor for vocals when my daughter is singing (nice female voice with all the nuances) but prefer an SM 57 or 58 when Barry is singing (rock vocal type usually) or for my own voise on backups.. Each application is different. There's a topic around here that links to Harvey Gert's famous mic thread; a search will likely yield more info on this than you care to know 
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
|
Anonymous
Unregistered
|
|
Anonymous
Unregistered
|
It was the best of sounds, it was the worst of sounds......
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,492
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,492 |
It really depends on what you want. You were comparing two totally different things: 1. A dynamic microphone with a medium sized diaphragm, 2. A condenser microphone with a large diaphragm. FWIW, in general *) large diaphragms are noisier than small diaphragms. In general condenser mics are more sensitive than dynamic mics. It really depends on what you want. An omnidirectional small diaphragm condenser mic of good quality will probably deliver a more natural sounding recording than a cardioid **) microphone of similar quality. Here is some literature that provides information delivered by microphone-pros***): http://www.microphone-data.com/media/filestore/articles/Techno-physical-10.pdfEnjoy the reading. Guido *) I do know that there is the exception to the rule, but I don't care about it here. **) I don't care which cardioid characteristic. This is just general. ***) Depending on how you want you use the site www.microphone-data.com it requires registration. No problem, no cost. Lots of information about microphones.
Desktop; i7-2600k, 8 GB mem., Win 10 Pro, BIAB 2017; RB 2017 - latest build
Laptop: i5-2410M, 4 GB mem, Win 10 Pro, BIAB 2017; RB 2017 - latest build
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,086
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,086 |
Hi Musiclover, My room is too noisy for a condenser and sound proofing is not an option. I do use comforters (duvets) thrown over a couple of plastic garment racks on wheels to reduce some room reflections but I can roll them out of the way when not in use. I use my Shure SM58 for some things. I also use a Blue Encore 200 which is a dynamic mic with phantom power. For my situation, I think it's a great sounding mic for my voice. The lead vocal on my latest song on the users showcase is done with the Blue. http://www.musiciansfriend.com/pro-audio/blue-encore-200-dynamic-live-vocal-microphoneMy Blue is best used on a stand to avoid handling noise. If you have a hard floor put a small rug under the stand. It does use a bit of gain even with the phantom power. It has a majority of great reviews and is very inexpensive for the sound. I think it's great to learn about mics. I've read tons of stuff. But in the end it's whatever works for your voice, your room and your budget. The mic preamps on your interface also affect the sound you get.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,174
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,174 |
Thanks for replies, I'm learning something new every day on here. @Eddie, Quote:
It was the best of sounds, it was the worst of sounds......
Unfortunately the best of sounds sometimes sounds like the worst of sounds in my case
Musiclover
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 50
Enthusiast
|
|
Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 50 |
Quote:
A condenser microphone with a large diaphragm.
FWIW, in general *) large diaphragms are noisier than small diaphragms.
In general condenser mics are more sensitive than dynamic mics.
Actually, the 120, despite being side-address, is a small diaphragm mike. AKG lists it at two-thirds of an inch, so I suspect it's the same Chinese-made capsule found in the ubiquitous inexpensive pencil microphones out there.
the Insolent LadEnough small empty boxes thrown into a big empty box fill it full. ~Carl Sandburg
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913 |
I have two different dynamic mics that I use when I'm not recording in my semi-treated 'studio'. One is an ElectroVoice PL80a http://www.electrovoice.com/product.php?id=769$80 at musician's friend: http://www.musiciansfriend.com/pro-audio...ktid=37-3871607I won this mic in a drawing from a local music store. It's a great alternative to an SM58, sounds about the same, a little more gain in my opinion. I actually use it to mic my acoustic guitar with great success. The second dynamic mic I got at Target in Minneapolis, on the clearance shelf. It's actually both a dynamic mic and 16 bit USB mic. Has an XLR connection as well as USB. I've really only used it as a mic. Q2U is the model, and it came with a decent set of circumaural headphones as well. $39 on clearance at Target. It's also a great alternative to an SM58, but slightly bulkier. http://www.samsontech.com/samson/products/microphones/usb-microphones/q2u/Here's a link to a forum post I did at the Larrivee guitars forum showcasing a stereo micing I did with these two mics, then using the two recordings I made, to simulate a double track situation. Living room recording, no room treatment, no effects, no eq, nothing. http://www.larriveeforum.com/smf/index.php?topic=39074.msg353852#msg353852The real key here is that the recording interface has really clean pre-amps with plenty of gain. Some of the old salts on here used to say something along these lines and I can speak from personal experience that it is true: "You can make a crummy mic sound decent with a nice preamp, and you can also make an expensive mic sound crummy with a crummy preamp." -Scott
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PDT today!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.
Another exciting new addition is the amazing new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. View the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to transcribe an entire track or transcribe specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Mac® to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.
If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!
Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 is packed with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can transcribe an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PDT on May 31st, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Check out the Band-in-a-Box® for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.
Holiday Weekend Hours
It's Victoria Day Long Weekend in Canada. Our Customer Service hours are:
Saturday, May 16: Closed
Sunday, May 17: Closed
Monday, May 18: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Regular hours resume Tuesday, May 19th!
Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!
Order before 11:59pm PDT today (May 15, 2026) to save up to 50% off your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrade and receive a FREE Bonus PAK loaded with great new Add-ons to use with this new version!
Don't wait - order today!
Check out all the new features in the redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
Order before 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th and SAVE up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 for Mac Upgrade packages... and that's not all! With your version 2026 for Mac purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks... that's 222 NEW RealTracks available with version Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac!
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® today for as little as $49! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all available purchase options.
Learn more about the Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK here.
If you have any questions about which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We're here to help!
202 New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2026!
With Band-in-a-Box® 2026, we've released 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 468-488) in a variety of genres—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Funk & World (Sets 468-475):
Our new jazz, funk & blues RealTracks include a groovin’ collection of RealTracks and RealDrums! These include more requested “soul jazz” RealTracks featuring artists Neil Swainson (bass), Charles Treadway (organ), Brent Mason (guitar), and Wes Little (drums). There are new “smooth jazz” styles (4), which include a RealTracks first: muted trumpet, as well as slick new smooth jazz brushes options for drums. Blues lovers will be thrilled—there are more “classic acoustic blues” styles, including guitar (5), bass (4), and drums (10) with blues master Colin Linden, featuring understated and tasty background acoustic soloing, plus brushes drums and acoustic bass. There are also new electric blues RealTracks, including electric blues with PG favorite Johnny Hiland (3) and soulful electric slide guitar from Colin Linden (4). If you love funk & gospel, there are great new options this year, including gospel organ (3) from Charles Treadway, as well as new funk, tango, and rock ’n’ roll drums (3) and bass (1). And for big, bold arrangements, we have uptempo soul horns (4) featuring a three-part hip horn section with options for a full mix or stems of each individual horn — plus an accompanying rhythm section (4) of drums, bass, guitar, and electric piano!
Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
Our new rock & pop RealTracks bring a powerful mix of requested favorites, fresh genres, and modern chart-inspired styles! We have more of our popular “Producer Layered Acoustic Guitars (15)” featuring Band-in-a-Box favorite Brent Mason. We’ve continued our much-requested disco styles (10), and added new Celtic guitar (5) with a more basic, accessible approach than our previous Drop-D or DADGAD offerings. There are also highly requested yacht rock styles (17), inspired by the smooth, polished soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s — laid-back grooves, silky electric pianos, warm textures, elegant harmonic movement, and pristine production aesthetics. Fans of heavier styles will love our new glam metal (13), capturing the flashy, high-energy sound of ’80s arena-ready guitar rock. We also have a set of rootsy modern-folk rock (18), with a warm, organic sound combining contemporary folk textures and driving acoustic strumming. And we’ve added lots of new modern pop styles (16) — the kinds of sounds you’re hearing on the radio today, featuring exciting new drums, synths, and cutting-edge RealTracks arrangements.
Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.
Check out all the 202 new RealTracks (in sets 468-488)!
And, if you are looking for more, the 2026 49-PAK (for $49) includes an impressive collection of 20 bonus RealTracks, featuring exciting and inspiring additions to add to your RealTracks library. You'll get new country-rhythm guitar styles from PG Music favorites Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason, along with modern-pop grooves that capture today’s radio-ready sound! There are also new indie-folk styles with guitar, bass, 6-string bass used as a high-chording instrument, acoustic guitar, and banjo. Plus, dedicated "cymbal fills" RealDrums provide an added layer that work very well with low-key folky styles with other percussion.
The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
With your version 2026 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons for FREE! Or upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!
These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!
This Free Bonus PAK includes:
- The 2026 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 25 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 12 new RealStyles.
- MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 46: Piano & Organ
- Instrumental Studies Set 24: Groovin' Blues Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 19: Songs with Vocals 9
- Playable RealTracks Set 5
- RealDrums Stems Set 9: Cool Brushes
- SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
- iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
- 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
- FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
- MIDI Styles Set 93: Look Ma! More MIDI 16: SynthMaster
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 47: More SynthMaster
- Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 20: Songs with Vocals 10
- RealDrums Stems Set 10: Groovin' Sticks
- SynthMaster Sounds & Styles Set 2 (sounds & styles with audio demos)
Learn more about the Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,404
Posts804,448
Members40,113
| |
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean