|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 28
Enthusiast
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 28 |
Hi Everyone, I'm looking for a good sounding but inexpensive home studio mic. My budget is below $200. I'm not exactly sure what Audio Interface I will be getting, but I have heard that you need to match your mic with the AI because some GOOD mics can sound really bad when paired with the wrong Audio Interface. Is this correct?
I've done a search on Amazon, just to get an idea of what's around in the way of mics, so I'll mention a few of the ones I'm curious about:
AKG Perception 2020 and 2040 (Condenser mic)
Shure SM57 AND 58 (Dynamic mics)
Senheiser studio mics ... a few to choose from
I know that Shure makes some really great mics as in the SM57 / 58 and 58s, and Rhode make good mics as well, but these are Dynamic mics. Do people use a Dynamic mic in a small home recording instead of a Condenser mic? My recordings will mostly be in the form of R&B, Country and Pop, MIDI and a few acoustic instruments . NO heavy rock vocals.
Is it possible to get a really great sounding mic for under $200? Suggestions most welcome.
Thanks in advance for your input,
Dome
BIAB Audiophile, Reaper, Kontakt Full Edition, Roland A90-EX Master Controller MIDI keyboard, Windows 7 x64
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,572
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,572 |
Dome, what kind of soundcard do you have? And do you own a mixer with phantom power? We need to know what you have before we can best spend your money! I prefer condenser mics, and the best one I have used for around $200 is the Rode NT1a. I also think a separate preamp can work wonders, even on a lesser expensive mic including the Shure SM-58 (a dynamic mic). It will put you over budget, but I really like the performance of this preamp: http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/VTB1/
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 28
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 28 |
Hi Matt, Thanks for the quick reply. At the moment I have virtually nothing in the way of sound recording gear. All I have is my new computer that I built --- it has a couple of PCI slots as well as a couple of PCIe slots. My sound card for the computer at the moment for DVD watching is an Asus DX PCI sound card, which I put in my new computer build just so I could have better sound than the on-board sound on the Motherboard. Now that BIAB is on its way to me (I bought the Audiophile Edition, by the way), I'll be using my new computer exclusively as a DAW. I also have a dedicated Gigabyte video card (not that this matters when it comes to audio gear).
So, basically, as far as hardware goes, I'm starting from scratch except for the following:
- Newly built computer running Win7 64 bit Ultimate
- Roland A90 EX Master controller MIDI keyboard.
Hope this helps,
Dome
BIAB Audiophile, Reaper, Kontakt Full Edition, Roland A90-EX Master Controller MIDI keyboard, Windows 7 x64
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 28
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 28 |
Hi again Matt, Thanks also for that link to SweetWater and that mic pre-amp. Looks like a nice little pre. I'll check it out a lot closer later tonight.
Cheers,
Dome
BIAB Audiophile, Reaper, Kontakt Full Edition, Roland A90-EX Master Controller MIDI keyboard, Windows 7 x64
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913 |
If you're recording space is pretty small and without acoustic treatment I would suggest sticking with an sm58.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,365
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,365 |
Some good suggestions already, here.
I go with Scott on the Shure SM57/58. It's been an industry standard for decades and it can cope with most tasks.
As far as condensers go, Matt's Rode NT1a is excellent and there are some good offerings from Audio-Technica which might come into your price range.
We use Focusrite audio interfaces, basically because we really like their pre-amps, but they can get expensive.
ROG.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 28
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 28 |
Hey rockstar_not and ROG, thanks for the suggestions. I have a small room that I'll be using to record in. At the moment, it has NO room treatment in the way of acoustic foam or anything else. I will however soon be building a small vocal recording booth inside that room, and then eventually padding the room out to make it acoustically viable.
I've read a lot of good things about the Shure SM 58, as well as the Rode mic that Matt mentioned. I kinda had a leaning towards the Shure SM 58, simply because of its long history and great all -round performance. I'll be checking out the Audio Technica mics that you mentioned in the next day or so. Everything was going a bit slow for me for a while there but now I'm going full bore to get what I need by the end of the year and start making some music.
Rog, thanks for the tip on the Focusrite Audio interfaces. I have read many positive reviews on them but the only thing that concerns me is that many users have commented on the latency problem with them. Yet, I have read other users reviews and they are very happy, with no latency issues, with their latency being around 5ms on average. I have a Texas Instrument Firewire port on my Gigabyte motherboard, so I know any Focusrite AI should work with this. ROG, what's your personal take on the latency of the Focusrite interfaces? I'm keen to know before I dive in.
Many thanks again for all your input,
Cheers,
Dome
BIAB Audiophile, Reaper, Kontakt Full Edition, Roland A90-EX Master Controller MIDI keyboard, Windows 7 x64
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,365
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,365 |
Hi Dome.
We've never had a problem with latency on the Focusrites. They all have facilities for direct monitoring, but to be honest we find the latency to be so low that we don't bother with that.
I know that there are a few more Focusrite devotees here and I'm sure some of them will wade in when they see this. The mic pre-amps are simply superb.
ROG.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 8,987
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 8,987 |
Quote:
I go with Scott on the Shure SM57/58. It's been an industry standard for decades and it can cope with most tasks.
+1 The SM57/58 is/are virtually indestructible. Shop carefully and you will be able to own both for under $200.
One caveat...watch out for the ubiquitous counterfeit knock-offs. Check out YouTube for exactly how to identify the fakes. Stay with the well-known retailers and you should be safe.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913 |
The only issue I have with Focusrite that I have experience with, which is the Saffire 24 Pro DSP, is that the mixer applet that comes with it is pretty confusing to me. I basically was allowed to use this for free from my workplace. I had it for a couple of months, with probably 3 or 4 hours of time trying to get it setup properly for my simple monitoring situation. These 3 or 4 hours were probably split into 3 different sessions over those couple of months. That's about the amount of time I have access to my 'studio' at certain times of the year due to family visits to our house. Before I really got the hand of it, my laptop that had firewire capability died and then I couldn't use the Saffire any longer. I'm sure I would have eventually got it working to my satisfaction but I do recall that rather complicated mixer application as a point of frustration. There were some great features that I wanted to take advantage of like the Virtual Room Monitoring stuff and to see how quiet the preamps were. Back to the mic: The reason for my suggestion with the SM58 with the room question is that the SM58 will be significantly less sensitive to off-axis sound than most condenser microphones. Why does this matter at home in a small untreated room? You'll pick up less sound reflected off walls, floor and ceiling than with the condenser - meaning you will have more direct field sound recorded with the SM, and then you can treat it in the DAW software. This has been my home recording microphone journey: 1. First mic I had access to, but wasn't mine: Sennheiser MD-421 dynamic. Loved the mic, had to return it to the rightful owner 2. CAD M-177 Large Diaphragm Condenser: Great mic, still have it - used to be the only mic in my arsenal 3. Cascade Fat-Head ribbon microphone: Thought I would use it for M/S recordings, but I didn't have a pre-amp that could supply enough quiet gain for it, and the whole M/S processing is a hassle in the DAW. Sold it after I won this next mic 4. EV PL80a Dynamic mic: This is designed to be a competitor to the SM58. It has a little more gain than an SM58, built like a tank, and has become my preferred home recording mic. I won this in a local music store drawing. 5. Samson Q2U dynamic mic - looks like an SM 58, but has a 16 bit USB audio interface built in. Got it at Target department store on clearance as part of a recording pack with a set of circumaural headphones. Cost to me was $39 total for the mic and headphones. I will use this mic in concert with the EV for stereo micing of my acoustic guitar. Since I've gotten the EV and the Samson, I haven't used the CAD condenser - I can simply make better recordings with these rather cheap dynamic microphones at home, than I can the CAD - at least on the fly, in whatever room I can use. I will still use the CAD for close-micing my voice in my makeshift booth that I have. Here's some comparisons of the two microphones in a double-tracked acoustic guitar recording I did to kind of do a 'shootout' between them, recorded just sitting on the couch in my living room: http://rockstarnot.rekkerd.org/misc/demos/StereovsDoubleTrackAcousticDemo/
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
|
Anonymous
Unregistered
|
|
Anonymous
Unregistered
|
I have 2 SM58s and 2 SM57s, and I like the sound of the 58 for vocals better than my MXL 990 condenser mic. It just seems "richer" somehow. I will use the condenser and the 57 for "gang vocals" when I want to sing the same parts in unison as if there was a group singing together, just to give the supporting vocals a slightly different timbre. The 57 seems to translate more of the bottom end and sounds deeper, so I get that effect when needed. Otherwise I use the 57s on drums. Watch the resale sites and browse the used gear on Guitar Center's web page. I found the MXL for 39 bucks on Guitar Center.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,492
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,492 |
There is always a selection of mics to choose from.
At first it doesn't matter which mic you will use -- if you use it right.
Any microphone that is not omni directional, in other words any microphon that has a directional effect (mostly one form of cardioid), will pick up lower frequencies more the closer the source of sound is to the diaphragm. Some will say (as Eddie for instance) it has a richer sound. There is nothing wrong with that.
In the end: if you have chosen a microphone use it with somebody else evaluating the sound of your natural voice and your mic'd voice. When the other person says that both sound the same then you have your settings right. These settings include equalizer settings and -- very important -- the distance of your lips to the micrphone. If you're getting too close to the mic it will create sort of a booming sound on the recording, a quality that you probably don't want to have.
Before messing with equalizer settings, start with the distance mouth to mic.
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
|
|
Anonymous
Unregistered
|
|
Anonymous
Unregistered
|
Good points as far as the distance from mouth to mic. Also important is technique. It is important that as you sing you keep that distance consistent or you will be doing gain leveling across sections of the track. I speak from experience. When I do a reference vocal track I do it sitting at the keyboard holding the mic. That can make for variation of up to an inch here and there and it makes the levels go up and down like a roller coaster. When I do the real vocal take I am in a booth and there is nowhere to move so I am able to keep a consistent distance. Make sure as you test mics you apply all of the above. It is great advice to have another set of ears test you natural voice vs the way it sounds coming out of the mic.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,724
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,724 |
I love this company and their mics. CAD Later,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 28
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 28 |
WOW! What a GREAT response. Sincere thanks to everyone for the excellent tips and suggestions. And Elvis made it all look so easy!..... Yeah, right! Looks like I have my mission cut out for me. If I can manage it financially, I would like to get two mics. Guess I'll be visiting the music stores and testing a few and scouring the re-sale sites for a cheaper option than buying new. Whichever mic I decide to buy, I'll make certain it's authentic and not a knock - off. Thanks for the tip on fake SM58's, Don.
ROG, just a question on the Focusrites: From a few user reviews I've read about the Saffire Pro 26 / Pro 40, it seems that a lot of users run into trouble and can't get enough gain without pushing the preamps to the max (well above 7 and to around 9) when using Dynamic microphones like the Shure SM58, Rodes et al. According to those users, there seems to be not enough dB pad for the gain. Have you had this kind of problem using the Saffire Pro series while using a Dynamic mic like the SM58, for example? The thing is that I have limited amount of $$$$$ to spend on studio gear, and I don't want to blow a wad of bills on an Audio Interface, for instance, and then find I'm running into trouble with it because the gain is inadequate and the preamps are too noisy because I have to increase the gain. I just want to buy something that is rock-solid and stable with very good preamps that will last me for many years to come. Any input on this is most welcome.
Cheers,
Dome
BIAB Audiophile, Reaper, Kontakt Full Edition, Roland A90-EX Master Controller MIDI keyboard, Windows 7 x64
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,365
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,365 |
Hi Dome.
No problems with gain at all. If anything, we find that there's almost too much gain with some condenser mics. The noise performance is so good in any case, that running the gain up high wouldn't be a problem either.
Of course, a lot will depend on the mic and how it's used. Having a decent signal to start with is all important.
ROG.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 28
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 28 |
His Sundance, thanks for you microphone suggestion. I added that to my list. Heard one of your songs on youtube the other night. Lovely voice and beautiful graphics. Hope I can find more of your songs to listen to. ROG, thanks for that extra input regarding the gain on the Saffire. I was ready to slap down the cash for a Saffire two days ago, but the sales guy told me point - blank that it ain't gonna work with a PC. Disappointed? You bet! I'll be posting my question regarding this "No go" in another thread.  - Dome
BIAB Audiophile, Reaper, Kontakt Full Edition, Roland A90-EX Master Controller MIDI keyboard, Windows 7 x64
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913 |
Dome, regarding the interface, if you are in the US, I highly suggest buying it from Sweetwater. Ask to speak to a PC recording specialist when you call. They normally will not steer you wrong and their return policy is nearly bulletproof for the customer.
The local salesperson may or may not know what they are talking about. Ask for very specific details when they tell you something like that.
Which Saffire model was it - a firewire model or a USB model? Not too many PC laptops these days come spec'ed with firewire ports.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 86
Enthusiast
|
|
Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 86 |
All of my reading tells me that almost any mic can produce good sound if you know how to use it. Something I am still learning a lot about. I personally right now am using the AT2020 based on a recommendation from one of the online sound tutorial companies and have found it to be a pretty good mic especially for the money. Of course when it comes to recording good is in the ear of the beholder. I am running through a Tascam US-1800 and have been pretty pleased with it. I can get the gain I want without creating alot of noise.
You may want to look at some of the Roland USB interfaces as well. They normally do a good job with keeping their drivers up to date.
In regard to the interface you have already seen mention of pre-amps and the importance of those but also make sure you do your research on drivers. Some companies do a much better job of supporting their drivers than others. The equipment becomes almost useless if you don't have drivers that will work with it. I have several PCI cards but have definitely found I like the external USB interface better.
I have also found it very helpful when researching to go to the big online sites, look up the device I am considering and read through the user reviews to see how other people have liked devices after purchasing.
Good luck, you already have made a good decision with your purchase of BIAB.
TerryB
Windows 10, Dell 8700 XPS i7, 12MB Ram.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
XPro & Xtra Styles PAK Sets On Sale Now - Until May 15, 2026!
All of our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs are on sale until May 15th, 2026!
It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® offer a wide range of genres designed to fit seamlessly into your projects. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.
What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?
XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-10 includes 1,000 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 includes 3,700 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!
The XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs are not included in any Band-in-a-Box® package.
The XPro Styles PAKs 1-10 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
The Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the Xtra Styles PAK Bundle for only $199 (reg. $349)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
Note: XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version as they require the RealTracks included in the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac Videos
With the release of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac, we’re rolling out a collection of brand-new videos on our YouTube channel. We’ll keep this forum post updated so you can easily find all the latest videos in one convenient spot.
Whether you're exploring new features, checking out the latest RealTracks or Style PAKs, this is your go-to guide for Band-in-a-Box® 2026.
Check out this forum post for "One Stop Shopping" of our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Videos!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac is Here!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac is here and it is packed with major new features! There’s a new modern look, a GUI redesign to all areas of the program including toolbars, windows, workflow and more. There’s a Multi-view layout for organizing multiple windows. A standout addition is the powerful AI-Notes feature, which uses AI neural-net technology to transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI—entire mixes or individual instruments—making it easy to study, view, and play parts from any song. And that’s just the beginning—there are over 100 new features in this exciting release.
Along with version 2026, we've released an incredible lineup of new content! There's 202 new RealTracks, brand-new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two new RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Special Offers
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac and save up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special offer—available until May 15, 2026. Visit our Band-in-a-Box® packages page to explore all available upgrade options.
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
Our Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK are loaded with amazing add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is included with most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac packages, but you can unlock even more—including 20 unreleased RealTracks—by upgrading to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49.
Holiday Weekend Hours
As we hop into the Easter weekend, here are our holiday hours:
April 3 (Good Friday): 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM PDT
April 4 (Saturday): Closed
April 5 (Easter Sunday): Closed
April 6 (Easter Monday): Open regular hours
Wishing you an egg-cellent weekend!
— Team PG
Update to Build 10 of RealBand® 2026 for Windows®!
If you're already using RealBand 2026 for Windows, download build 10 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® users: Build 904 now available!
If you're already using Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, make sure to grab the latest update! Build 904 is now available for download and includes the newest additions and enhancements from our team.
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® users: Build 1237 is now available!
Already a Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows user? Stay up to date and download the build 1237 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,211
Posts801,975
Members40,071
| |
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