Mic for iMac/Garageband

JannieA · #1 11-24-2011, 06:14 PM

All I'm trying to do is get a good enough recording of my practice sessions with my nylon strung classical to play back and hear better what it sounds like. I have been doing this by placing my iPhone on my knee and recording and today I started trying to figure out Garageband, using the mic's built into the computer but it sound like I'm playing in a box. I'm just looking for a clearer representation of what I'm doing to help me improve. At least I hope I'm not playing so it sounds like I'm in a box.

Can I get a mic and what do I need to go with it - that will plug into my iMac? Don't intend to do any finished work but just to help my playing so would love to keep the costs minimal, just enough to sound like I'm in the same room.

I do have Bose playback speakers that sound pretty good for that part.

moon · #2 11-24-2011, 07:26 PM

The Zoom H1/H2 etc have decent sound quality but aren't too expensive, particularly if you can find one second-hand on ebay.

ataylor · #3 11-24-2011, 08:47 PM

Blue Snowball. USB microphone that is ready to go right out of the box and is plug-and-play with Garageband. Or I think Blue makes a new model called the Yeti that might be a little nicer. Can't go wrong with either.

Ty Ford · #4 11-25-2011, 06:23 AM

Get this...http://www.centrance.com/products/mp/

and that...http://www.pssl.com/MXL-SP1-Condense...hone-With-Clip

Regards,

Ty Ford

GibbyPrague · #5 11-25-2011, 07:19 AM

Try a Snowball condenser mike, which my wife bought for vocal recording plugging direct into Garageband. Im pretty happy with this tone.

Here is a one track recording we did with a cople weeks back on a sat nite.

http://soundcloud.com/euroaussie/hom...r-with-the-mrs

wcap · #6 11-25-2011, 09:24 AM

I don't have any experience with the AudioTechnica mics, but this post from another thread suggests the AT 2020 might be worth considering:

http://www.acousticguitarforum.com/f...5&postcount=11

alexevans917 · #7 11-25-2011, 09:45 AM

I'd second the AT2020USB recommendation and the Blue Snowball recommendation. Both are great mics.

If you did want to go the standalone stereo recorder route, Zoom H2's are way on sale today on Amazon and at Sam Ash.

sachi · #8 11-25-2011, 09:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ataylor

Blue Snowball. USB microphone that is ready to go right out of the box and is plug-and-play with Garageband.

I just got one of these two. Very nice, although I have trouble getting a clean recording of my playing with all the barking and meowing going on from our household of animals!