New Breed of USB Microphones
Oh USB, Oh USB...A Microphone For You And Me! or... Which mic should I get for my first home recording studio?
Hey Master VO,
I wanted to write with a question regarding the new breed of high quality, studio USB microphones.
Since I'm contemplating how to set-up my first 'studio', I really like the idea of going digital from the outset. And now comes the decision... which mic?
Both of these new studio USB microphones look really cool! ( MXL and Samson - Both are available on amazon.com too.)
The MXL .006, in particular, seems like a good deal to start with. The specs look comparable to the MXL mic mentioned in the ebook, The Definitive Guide to Voice Over Success.
Any ideas or insights? You think these mics are quality units, suitable for VO's?
Many thanks!
Happy Holidays,
Thadd Coates
And Happy Holidays to you Thadd!
My thoughts on USB Mics and starter mics in general.
How a microphone "looks" has nothing to do with how well it converts your voice into a clean electrical signal. I was always thrilled to key up that big RCA ribbon mic on my first radio job. (The classic one that looks like a Contact capsule) It made me sound ten feet tall!
When starting out, do some research on studio condenser microphones. Those are what are truly required for professional voice over work. Each manufacturer makes a model that is a good starter mic. Even a $100 Audio Technica condenser is better than that dynamic mic you get with a Karaoke machine. (With the American Idol logo on it)
USB mics... I bought one last summer. $79 for a Samson C01U. I've used it once while on the road in a far off land to record a radio commentary. I was impressed with the quality I got, and you can hear for yourself:
Audio commentary recorded using a Samson C01U.
To me that is what a USB studio mic is for; portability, and I suppose convenience. Now for a beginner, thats a whole nother ball o' wax. If you're just starting out, one of these new breed of USB studio mics makes sense, depending on what recording program you are using. They come with software mixers so you can control the input levels. This eliminates a great deal of what we call "The Audio Chain," the mic, mic Pre-amp, mixer, and a digital interface like an M-Audio Mobile Pre-USB or a Presonus "Firebox," to name a few.
With digital recording these days, its pretty hard to sound "cheap." Basic electronics make everything sound better than yesteryear, merely by being digital.
So, as a starter mic, I guess a USB unit isn't such a bad idea. It will get you used to using a input mixer which will allow you to attenuate your microphone, or adjust its sensitivity and equalization to your voice and studio. When you invest in higher-end equipment later on after you book that first $2000 job, you'll understand the concepts of how to set your mic up.
Which model of USB mic should you choose?
I'm sure purists will hang me but I think that with the control one now has over the dynamics of a recorded track (Eq, compression, band compression, Noise gates etc.) you can make the most basic of condenser mics sound very good. It takes practice and there are other factors involved such as the acustic set up of your new sound playroom.
Thats a topic for another question.
Don't buy a pig in poke. Ask your mic dealer at Guitar Center, electronics store or online catalog customer service person what the ratings of each mic are. Internet research is always a smart idea too. Obviously there are going to be a bunch more coming out from the other major manufactures in 2007. With people going nutso with podcasting, Shure, Electrovoice, Audio Technica and the others will have a USB product to compete with Samson, MXL and Blue. There was an issue discussed last week on this blog regarding Blue's USB "Snowball" mic, A Snowballs Chance.
Thank you for asking me to elucidate on this subject as I think it will be a factor for many beginners like you.
((((GONG))))
Master VO out.
Comments
Hi Master VO, I also have a question regarding mics. For studio quality do I need a class A large diaphram condenser mic? If so what do you suggest? Also am I right in saying that you can combine a preamp and sound card in one unit like the RME fireface 400, thus needing only a basic firewire card to get the signal into your PC?
cheers
Mairead
Posted by: Mairead | April 27, 2007 9:48 PM
Hi Master VO,
I'm emailing from Lagos, Nigeria.
I just got an Audio Technica AT2020 and would love to know how effective you think it is for voice over and singing.
Thanks,
Sanjo
Posted by: SANJO OGUNSEYE | May 4, 2007 2:12 PM
Sanjo,
The AT2020 is a fine condenser mic. I'm quite impressed with all of Audio Technica's mics. They are rugged and no matter what model, from high-end to their lower priced models, all sound great. I still use my AT3035.
The AT2020 doesn't have any switches for bass roll off or pattern changes. Those need to be controlled by your voice proximity to the mic and the rooms acoustic signiture. Hence the lower cost, but still a great sounding mic!
If you are using the AT2020 for recording singing, I'd say its fine, compared to any dynamic mic which are used primarily for live, on-stage performance.
The AT2020 is designed to get you a lot for the money. I recommend you use a pop screen and a pre-amp.
Any professional rated class A condenser will do the job until you can afford to upgrade. The differences between grades of microphones can be slight. However, that "slight" gets amplified the more you process the signal, so the less processing the better.
Use your AT2020 in good health Sanjo!
Master VO out
Posted by: Master VO | May 16, 2007 5:52 PM
THANKS MASTER VO! HELPED A GREAT DEAL.
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;)
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Posted by: Pauline | October 17, 2007 11:30 PM
Hi, I can´t recommend an USB-Microphone for your general business in voice recording as a voice talent. I´ve got 2 of them, the "Rode Podcaster" and the "Samson" and I only use it for auditioning when I´m on the road. There are just too many good reasons for buying a Neumann, Brauner or else. Compare the sound - and you´ll know what I´m talking about. Remember - your clients deserve pristine audio quality for their money, especially when you´re recording for broadcasting. USB Microphones can´t keep up on that.
Greetings from Munich, Germany.
Posted by: Doris Lauerwald | November 29, 2007 5:58 PM
Hallo Doris!
I couldn't agree more with what you say about USB mics. While they are certainly convenient, sound pretty good, and are easy to use on the road for auditions, no way would I use it for formal production. For a beginner though, the cost, quality and ease of use make it a good choice to start out with.
You don't start driving with a BMW Z-4 when a Volkswagen is much easier to use.
Stimmen Sie zue?
MASTER VO
Posted by: MASTER VO | December 1, 2007 7:22 PM