News from Voice One

Home Recording - Part 2

Now that you've got an audio program like Audacity, Sound Forge, or Adobe Audition on your computer, you need a microphone. USB condenser mics allow you to plug your mic directly into your computer without the need for middleware such as a mixer. The BLUE Snowball sells for around $100 and comes bundled with a table stand and USB cord. Out of the box, you're ready to go! ALESIS also has a USB-Microphone Podcasting Kit for around the same price. For around $20 more, the SAMSON C01UK USB Mic comes with a Shock Mount and Stand.
Two other mics for under $150 include the SAMSON G-Track USB Recording Microphone with Line/Instrument Inputs and Direct Headphone Monitoring and the MXL USB.006 Large Diaphram Condensor Microphone with USB Connector.
In the $230 range, the RODE Podcaster USB Broadcast Microphone has excellent reviews. For $400, SE-Electronics has the USB2200a Studio Condensor Microphone with Headphone Monitoring. The advantage of all of the above mics is that you can plug them into your computer and you're ready to go. No conversion, no additional hardware - just really simple.
If you want to connect an XLR condenser microphone to your computer, you'll need a converter. Try the CEntrance, Inc. MicPort Pro USB Microphone Preamp [$150) or the Blue Icicle [$60] and you're ready to go.
Got a larger microphone budget? Try the Neumann U87, Sennheiser 416, AKG 414, or the JZ Black Hole. What ever your budget, choose a microphone that best suits your voice. Go to Guitar Center or Leo's Pro Audio and try out a few. Or, contact Brad at Sweetwater as their prices are low and we've found their service to be excellent. Tell them you are a Voice One student and Elaine sent you.