INTERACT FORUM

Devices => PC's and Other Hardware => Topic started by: DarkPenguin on January 29, 2010, 10:22:31 pm

Title: Relatively cheap usb mics
Post by: DarkPenguin on January 29, 2010, 10:22:31 pm
Anyone have any suggestions for a relatively cheap usb microphone?  Preferably one that can be used to record instruments and voice.  (Not singing.)
Title: Re: Relatively cheap usb mics
Post by: newsposter on February 01, 2010, 09:20:30 pm
If you already own conventional (XLR) mics, there are a number of <$100- mixers that have usb audio out.

Otherwise, go look at www.bluemic.com for their stuff.
Title: Re: Relatively cheap usb mics
Post by: glynor on February 02, 2010, 01:07:18 pm
Another good suggestion for existing XLR input devices is the Shure X2u (http://www.shure.com/ProAudio/Products/Accessories/us_pro_X2u_content).  It works with any XLR device and uses very high-quality Analog -> Digital circuitry.  We have a bunch of them that we use at the office for recording web demos and whatnot.

If you need a mic too, Shure sells a package bundled with the old, reliable SM-58 mic.  B&H Link: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/598412-REG/Shure_SM58_X2U_X2u_XLR_to.html
Title: Re: Relatively cheap usb mics
Post by: DarkPenguin on February 02, 2010, 01:46:02 pm
I sold my SM57s a while ago.  So I have no mics.  Oddly, I still have a mic stand.  (I like to clip reflectors to it for photography.)

After waffling all over the place I decided the Blue Microphones snowball was the way to go.  Samples seemed good.  Has a few nice features.  (The blue icicle xlr to usb adapter seemed pretty good, too.)  It just had the best reviews at its price point.

Title: Re: Relatively cheap usb mics
Post by: glynor on February 02, 2010, 02:25:55 pm
Yeah... The snowball looks pretty good.  I haven't had the chance to play with one at all though...
Title: Re: Relatively cheap usb mics
Post by: DarkPenguin on February 03, 2010, 06:01:11 pm
Was not prepared for the size of it.  It has to be 4 inches across.
Title: Re: Relatively cheap usb mics
Post by: JimH on February 03, 2010, 06:22:33 pm
Coffee table?
Title: Re: Relatively cheap usb mics
Post by: DarkPenguin on February 03, 2010, 09:25:51 pm
This thing is huge.  If this was a real snowball and I was hit with it I would be irritated. 

It looks like the severed head of a robot.  I almost expect it To start lumbering towards me on its little stand.   

(Pardon the word salad.  I'm using speech recognition.  You know how I speak.  I'm impressed it has done this well.)