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  #1  
Old 09-27-2016, 08:28 AM
golfnut golfnut is offline
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Default USB microphone

I'm looking for a recomendation on a USB recording microphone. I like to keep the setup simple as I'm not recording savvy but just want to concentrate on getting good vocals and acoustic guitar recorded on to the computer. So looking for a recommendation for the best sounding USB mic I can get.
Right now I have an Apex 440 that cost me $100 several years ago. Its ok, better than a cheap computer mic but I'm looking for something that surpasses it by a huge margin.
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  #2  
Old 09-27-2016, 12:44 PM
JohnDWilliams JohnDWilliams is offline
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You didn't mention budget but these two are pretty good. In addition to USB they can also use Lightning (iOS) connectors:

https://www.amazon.com/Apogee-MiC-Pr.../dp/B00HHEVL3C

https://www.amazon.com/IK-Multimedia.../dp/B011Q3DD2Q

I've had good results with an MXL 990 USB with a replacement capsule from Microphone-Parts.com. Ends up about the same price as the above but you need to be able to solder. It won't do iOS either if that's important.

https://www.amazon.com/MXL-990-USB-C.../dp/B000P5LWQG

The Zoom H-series recorders can act as a USB microphone and they give you the ability to record without connecting to anything else. They can also do stereo but I wouldn't give that a higher priority than good sound.

I've used all of the above and none of them give you any excuse to make a bad recording.
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Old 09-27-2016, 02:10 PM
Rudy4 Rudy4 is offline
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Since you're wanting to get "good vocals and acoustic guitar" into your computer it sounds like you're contemplating doing 2 separate mics or doing overdubs. In either case I'd nix the USB mic and get any one of the 2 or 3 dozen usb interfaces that have 2 inputs and phantom power so you can plug standard mics in.

You can choose whatever mic you want and arrainge them in whatever configuration you want.

The interface is going to do other things that are really essentials for working with a computer. On top of having built-in preamps for your microphones it's going to take that recorded wav file and convert it to audio by means of it's digital to analog circuitry and provide you with a nice way of actually hearing what you've recorded by means of headphones or a separate pair of powered monitor speakers.

Do a bit more research before purchasing a usb mic to figure out exactly how you're going to use any of the hardware you buy.
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Old 09-28-2016, 07:24 AM
MikeBmusic MikeBmusic is offline
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I'll second Rudy's suggestion - get a USB audio interface with (at least) 2 mic preamps, and then get non-USB mics. This will allow you to use 2 (or more) mics at once, and upgrade/change mics as you see fit.
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Old 09-28-2016, 08:37 PM
DupleMeter DupleMeter is offline
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I'd check out the Audio-Technica AT2020 USB. I recently set one up for a friend & the sound is very good.
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  #6  
Old 10-05-2016, 06:41 AM
wildpikr wildpikr is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DupleMeter View Post
I'd check out the Audio-Technica AT2020 USB. I recently set one up for a friend & the sound is very good.
I also used this mic directly into my laptop...it worked well.
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  #7  
Old 10-05-2016, 03:19 PM
Andreas Fischer Andreas Fischer is offline
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I recomend a Blue Yeti
I have one and love it
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