|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 19
Enthusiast
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 19 |
Hi All
Question for You All,I know zip on microphones ,What I would like to do
is have a set up that I can play my Backings from my computer, play my Chromatic
Harmonica or Guitar and sound Good ,would like a usb Microphone if possible to go in to my Computer,use the computer video, record both and sound decent ,not Canny am I dreaming ?
I would like to set up for $ 150 or less.
Open for info if You have any to share .
Rich
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,607
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,607 |
Hi Rich. I recommend against a USB mic. I haven't heard anything good about them in comparison to a regular mic through a regular preamp.
Do you already have any kind of music interface to your computer, like a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 or such? That would be all you need plus a mic. In my experience, a cheaper mic through a preamp will be better than putting all your money into a USB mic.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,888
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,888 |
Well, I got caught up in a refund battle with a local music store. To make a long story short, I didn't win the refund battle and like Matt, I had never heard any good reviews of USB mics. However, I ended losing the refund battle and had a choice of receiving a very good value of merchandise to dollar compromise with the local music store by accepting a Blue Microphone Snowball. I lost the battle and won the war. I have been completely satisfied with the sound, ease of operation, build quality and absolutely seamless setup and operation of the unit with Windows 7 and every DAW I have. I have used it with Audacity, BIAB, RealBand, Studio One 3.5 Professional without a hitch or complaint. I have had many interfaces and they all require drivers and setup. Not a big deal but not always seamless setup and playing in the beginning. Not every recording I make is a serious, commercial release. In fact, that's fairly rare. I do spend several hours each day using my computer for audio production whether it's developing chord progressions, playing along to accompaniment tracks I've input, trying some new technique I've learned here on the forum or with Studio One Pro, songwriting or just recording guitar riffs and chord progressions. I've also been working on learning better guitar and also playing with recording 'quality' User Tracks recently. This Snowball Mic is absolutely marvelous for these tasks. I do not keep an audio interface connected all the time and have several different interfaces that I use for different projects according to the number of inputs necessary for my project. The Snowball allows me to plug it in, it's powered by USB so I am up and recording as quickly as my DAW or BIAB starts up. I can mic my acoustic guitar or do vocals without any hassle and on these non-critical projects, I spend my time in my DAW recording and not over on the drivers page or in Windows Audio trying to get everything working together. I have a decent mic closet that has Wireless Mics, dynamic mics and condenser mics including Shure SM58, SM57, Sennheisers, AKG and other name brand mics as well as more than a few off brand models. I have a fairly expensive large condenser mic but unless I'm doing serious recording, I always just plug this Snowball in and spend my time making music rather than frustrations. I use it 90% of the time and 5% of the time I'll use a Zoom H5 interface leaving only 5% of my time needing serious higher end hardware and mics. So, unless you have need for broadcast quality, mastered recordings for commercial releases, I recommend: Blue Microphone Snowball Matt, Here's your first positive review..... ;=)
Last edited by Charlie Fogle; 03/25/18 11:57 AM.
BIAB 2026:RB 2026, Latest builds: Dell Optiplex 7040 Desktop; Windows-10-64 bit, Intel Core i7-6700 3.4GHz CPU and 16 GB Ram Memory.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,231
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,231 |
Our first BiaB projects were with a USB Blue mic. I've owned a LOT of mics over the last 50 years and I thought the results for Janice's vocals were quite good given the ease of use and cost but I never recorded an instrument with it. I later got the Scarlett 212 Matt mentioned to run our trusty old Rodes NT1 through. And that's what we still use.
Bud
Our albums and singles are on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Pandora and more. If interested search on Janice Merritt. Thanks! Our Videos
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,607
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,607 |
Charlie, I'm actually glad to read a good review of these. Thanks.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,074
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,074 |
I have a Samson Go USB microphone that I really like. Like a proper audio interface it even has a headphone jack so you can listen to your Band-in-a-Box backing tracks while recording a great sounding vocal. I find I don't have to equalize what gets recorded on the Go microphone like I do with some of the other microphones I have. The microphone just sounds good. Samson has a complete line of USB microphones including USB versions of their top of the line multi pattern condenser microphones. +++ THIS +++ webpage describes all their USB microphones. Most microphone companies seem to have USB microphones. Many take the approach of replacing the XLR connection with a USB connection that is Windows compliant so equipment specific drivers are not needed. It is getting easier and easier to find a USB version of whatever microphone is a favorite. My complaint is every USB microphone I've looked at uses 16 bit depth analog to digital conversion. While that matches the CD audio quality of RealTracks and RealDrums the extra headroom provided by 24 bit depth when mixing makes me wish more 24 bit USB microphones were available.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,382
PG Music Staff
|
|
PG Music Staff
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,382 |
Hi Rich,
It might end up costing a bit more, but I prefer using a USB audio interface and normal mic, rather than a USB mic. Driver setup is easier (since you're using the same USB device for both input and output), and the interface will be able to handle input monitoring (which Band-in-a-Box doesn't provide).
Blue's USB mics are actually very nice, and have a solid reputation, but driver setup and monitoring would still be easier with an interface like a Focusrite Scarlett and a normal microphone, especially for a beginner. You'd just select the Focusrite's ASIO audio driver and leave it selected, and just plug the mic into your interface when you're ready to record, without having to switch audio drivers.
If you ever want to record other instruments, like a keyboard or guitars, they can be recorded through the interface as well, without having to purchase additional equipment.
Thanks
Kent
PG Music
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,973
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,973 |
Indeed, the consensus seems to be "don't buy/waste your money, on a USB mic" and I agree 100%.
Instead, spend the money to get a decent USB interface with audio preamps and phantom power built in. The inexpensive ones are 2 channels..... aka: stereo. You will spend up to $150 or so.... I prefer the Focusrite interfaces and the Scarlet seems to be the popular one now and it's in that price range.
Next.... buy a good condenser mic. Lots of options and a wide price range. Figure up to $400 for the mic.
Reasons why you want to spend $550 or so on these 2 things. The interface is your studio's heart. Everything goes through it..... audio and midi in both directions. A good interface running ASIO drivers will give you very low latency.
The mic is your studio's ears. Better mics hear better. I have heard some good quality from mics under $100 so look around and go to the store to try them out.
Pick up a decent pair of self powered studio reference monitors for listening. That adds another $150 to $300 but again..... worth the cost. You can use a set of decent headphones for a while if needed.
I generally tell people to figure on spending $1000 on these items..... if there's anything left, buy dinner and some guitar strings.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both. The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,231
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,231 |
Dunno Herb....there are some really good $150 condenser mics around nowadays. MXL has a line of them starting at 99 bucks and they get some great reviews. Chinese knock offs but good. All of our vocals are done with a MXL or a Rodes NT1. I sometime wonder in this day and age whether or not the difference between a good and a great mic is worth it given the amount of vocal processing that is done.
Bud
Our albums and singles are on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Pandora and more. If interested search on Janice Merritt. Thanks! Our Videos
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913 |
Look at the online sites that have disassembled a Snowball mic. The capsule is an electret condenser.
However, if it works for you, so be it.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,936
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,936 |
I second Charlie’s post except I use a Samson meteor usb mic if I only have vocals to record. And I have been very satisfied with both the ease of use and the quality of the vocal. I also have a scarlet Focusrite which I use for recording guitar and ukulele (using the direct in as well as a mic at the same time recording to different tracks).
I tried comparing the quality of the vocal between the usb mic and the interface with a rode NT3 condenser mic and I cannot for the life of me tell the difference and will continue to use the usb if I only have vocals to record.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913 |
The Samson Meteor uses a large diaphragm (1”) condenser capsule rather than an electret condenser like in the Snowball.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,520
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,520 |
I have an MXL 2010 and I LOVE it. It's freakin' awesome.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,888
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,888 |
According to Sweetwater specs, the more expensive Snowball model has a Pressure Gradient Condenser capsule rather an electret condenser type of the lower cost Snowball Ice. I watched some breakdown videos this morning. I'm a bit wary of the online breakdowns I saw on YouTube. The 'engineers' were true amateurs.
At any rate, for the cost, ease of setup and performance, it works for me better than I expected from any previous review I had seen.
The Sweetwater package ships with Presonus Studio One Artist and various templates. Great for beginners.
It's truly plug and play and does not require installing drivers. A comparable stand alone audio interface will require drivers plus the added cost of a microphone and mic cable and possibly a mic stand and boom and pop filter. It trumps the audiobox/scarlet type entry audio interfaces hands down with ease of set up and use and parts count.
To anyone that's simply a hobbyist or beginner and playing for study, fun and friends, this mic will satisfy your needs. It will not break your budget so that when and if you do want better equipment, you won't have a problem making up the cost.
Last edited by Charlie Fogle; 03/30/18 03:33 AM.
BIAB 2026:RB 2026, Latest builds: Dell Optiplex 7040 Desktop; Windows-10-64 bit, Intel Core i7-6700 3.4GHz CPU and 16 GB Ram Memory.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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
Topics86,433
Posts805,040
Members40,123
| |
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