Anybody into USB Mics?

[toronado]

You might also want to look at RØDE or SE Electronics. The latter even claims to have a zero latency monitoring.

Personally, I had very good experiences with the RØDE NT2-A. IMO unbeatable for that price. (I usually use a Neumann U87 at work - go figure...)

On the 16 vs 24bit discussion: I'd use 24bit any time if I have the feature (better headroom, better SNR). However, unless you're recording for Broadcast/Video/etc (standard here: 48kHz), stick with 44.1kHz sampling rate. It will end up on CD at 16bit/44.1kHz anyway.
But: it is not just the gear. It's also a lot of technique that is involved. You can still end up with awful recordings if the mic is not placed well, or if the room brings out undesirable characteristics etc etc. despite using fancy equipment.

 

[nathan a]

For the record, I am often doing multi-tracking, and have never had any lag issues with my USB mics (have only used Samson's)

 

[mayfly]

For the record, I am often doing multi-tracking, and have never had any lag issues with my USB mics (have only used Samson's)

excellent - this is just the kind of feedback i'm looking for

 

[mayfly]

You might also want to look at RØDE or SE Electronics. The latter even claims to have a zero latency monitoring.

Personally, I had very good experiences with the RØDE NT2-A. IMO unbeatable for that price. (I usually use a Neumann U87 at work - go figure...)

On the 16 vs 24bit discussion: I'd use 24bit any time if I have the feature (better headroom, better SNR). However, unless you're recording for Broadcast/Video/etc (standard here: 48kHz), stick with 44.1kHz sampling rate. It will end up on CD at 16bit/44.1kHz anyway.
But: it is not just the gear. It's also a lot of technique that is involved. You can still end up with awful recordings if the mic is not placed well, or if the room brings out undesirable characteristics etc etc. despite using fancy equipment.

cool. will check these out  :headbang:

 

[mayfly]

ok, I picked up a USB Mic.  I just happened to be walking by the Ottawa Folklore Center (Hippie haven), and they happened to have one of the Mics I was looking at.

One thing led to another (so they say) and I've got a samson USB mic.  Here's some before and after samples of a demo of a new song I wrote:

http://www.cornflowerbluemusic.com/assets/morning%20with%20the%20young%20man.mp3

http://www.cornflowerbluemusic.com/assets/morning%20with%20the%20young%20man%202.mp3

can you tell which one was the Samson, and which one used the on-board mics on the laptop?  :icon_biggrin:

 

[toronado]

well, I guess the second listening example is the Samson. But I somehow liked the lo-fi vibe of the first song's vocals  :icon_tongue:

 

[Super Turbo Deluxe Custom]

I have not understood a single word of this nerd talk, but I'll agree with Luke's agreement with Mr. Farnsworth.

 

[kboman]

can you tell which one was the Samson, and which one used the on-board mics on the laptop?   :icon_biggrin:

I can hear some difference, but with these low sampling rates it's hard to be sure...

 

[yesak67]

Mics aside, any DAW recording, you're gonna want a unit (mic pre / etc) with A/D converters that can do at least 24-bit, 44kHz.

If you don't have that minimum spec, it won't matter even if you plunk down a grand for a mic - your recordings will sound like @$$.

hes right,, you can acquire a  simple interface (usb or firewire) pretty cheap i have two at2050 mics in my studio they are solid mics and quite versatile if your heart set on a usb mic just based of reputation id go with blue (snowball, fireball or whatever they call them)