What Mic do you use?

I use a MXL 990, it's a condenser microphone and it requires +48V phantom power. I use it with a Yamaha MG82cx mixer.

Joe

just stay away from usb hook up! my personal advise
you won't be able to hear yourself in your headphones unless you have a usb external soundcard as well
so stay with a dynamic or get a mixer to handle the condensor mic with the xlr plug :) hope this helps i am sure many will comment for you

me yamahA mg82cx mixer and a RODE NT-1A MIC RUNNING IN TO A ART TUBE AMP AND A 7 BAND SAMSON EQ,

just stay away from usb hook up! my personal advise
you won't be able to hear yourself in your headphones unless you have a usb external soundcard as well
so stay with a dynamic or get a mixer to handle the condensor mic with the xlr plug :) hope this helps i am sure many will comment for youSimplyBabette

With a USB mic can't you plug the head set into the speaker out jack?

So, I'm curious what people use. I currently have a cheap plastic thing that came with a Karaoke! Looking to get a better one, maybe a Shure PG58 or SM58 or maybe a Rode NT1a.

So what do you use? Please leave the make/model, your experience of using it and maybe a link to a song recorded using that mic. Might help people choose!

Thanksch70

This is a copy from the other Mic question

For all of you that think the mic and mixer don,t make too much of a difference please listen to my first two songs with a inexpensive mic. Dry (no enhancement) Blue Member.
I Love You For Sentimental Reasons with a Shure SM58 and Hello Again with a SM 58 in both these songs the voice processor (Not a Mixer) was set to the type of song notice the Niel Diamond sound and more of a crooner sound for I Love You For Sentimental Reasons
For a women singer the Samson G track or the Samson CO1U are excellent Mics. These mic are crisp and has lots of presents, both these mics can be had for about 50-80 dollars on "Craigslist" if you have it in your area, The SM 58 are the industry standard for their rugedness and sound quality great for live shows

Aloha Bert

just stay away from usb hook up! my personal advise
you won't be able to hear yourself in your headphones unless you have a usb external soundcard as well
so stay with a dynamic or get a mixer to handle the condensor mic with the xlr plug :) hope this helps i am sure many will comment for youSimplyBabette

With a USB mic can't you plug the head set into the speaker out jack?SFJCC

Here is the issue that is common with USB microphones on singsnap

USB microphones work on a digital signal
Your soundcard works on an analogue signal
In order to hear your USB microphone in your headphones(which will be plugged into your analogue soundcard)Your soundcard has to be capable of converting the digital sound into an analogue sound.(not all soundcards have the driver software available to do this)
This results in not being able to get your voice to cross over to your soundcard and out to the headphones.
This is a common issue with USB microphones on singsnap

USB mics are awesome for digital recording with programs such as Cakewalk,sonar,cooleditpro,but not as compatible when using a set of headphones into an analogue soundcard.

i like that explanation great to know.......... myself i don t use a usb mic cause i think there not useful to me a regular mic i can use it two way with my pa system when i get together with guitars and all i can use the same mic for singing why buy 2 lolllllllllllllllll but i m using a mixer that plug in the pc trough usb port which as the capability of doing what your say about the soundcard needing software anyway just to say that there is equipement for that purpose

I use an AKG Perception 200 condenser microphone (now replaced by the Perception 220) $105.

Here's a link to a recording using this mic:

http://www.singsnap.com/snap/r/b8e893d1

~ Chris

i use a apex 460 mutli-pattern tube condensor mic and a behringer 1204fx mixer here is a link to how it sounds i put alot of reverb on mine cause i like it that way and i use the mmsb so here is a sample

http://www.singsnap.com/snap/r/c1b12aaa8

just stay away from usb hook up! my personal advise
you won't be able to hear yourself in your headphones unless you have a usb external soundcard as well
so stay with a dynamic or get a mixer to handle the condensor mic with the xlr plug :) hope this helps i am sure many will comment for youSimplyBabette

With a USB mic can't you plug the head set into the speaker out jack?SFJCC

Here is the issue that is common with USB microphones on singsnap

USB microphones work on a digital signal
Your soundcard works on an analogue signal
In order to hear your USB microphone in your headphones(which will be plugged into your analogue soundcard)Your soundcard has to be capable of converting the digital sound into an analogue sound.(not all soundcards have the driver software available to do this)
This results in not being able to get your voice to cross over to your soundcard and out to the headphones.
This is a common issue with USB microphones on singsnap

USB mics are awesome for digital recording with programs such as Cakewalk,sonar,cooleditpro,but not as compatible when using a set of headphones into an analogue soundcard.barrybailey40

Is that true of all computer that USB recognize analog sound only?. Shure makes a xlr to usb converter and it said it takes analog sig. turns it in to digital so the computer can recognize the signal. I guess then you must have a program that converts digital to analog befor it is sent to the sound card?
I wonder why I could not plug in my SM58 into the Mic input I did have a 1/4 to 1/8 jack

The SM-58 requires phantom power. You'll need a special adapter for that such as the "Shure X2U XLR-to-USB Signal Adapter". This will provide the phantom power it needs to operate.

~ Chris

I wonder why I could not plug in my SM58 into the Mic input I did have a 1/4 to 1/8 jack SFJCC

The SM-58 requires phantom power. You'll need a special adapter for that such as the "Shure X2U XLR-to-USB Signal Adapter". This will provide the phantom power it needs to operate.

~ Chris

I wonder why I could not plug in my SM58 into the Mic input I did have a 1/4 to 1/8 jack SFJCC

k2501961

SM 58 dose not require phantom power it is hot a condenser mic

Shure SM58 mics have been around forever..I think there is a Beta model available now too...they are mainly used for live/stage performances...BUT.....they are great for recording too :)
They produce a very warm...rich..sound..which I really love...and you could drop it off a two story building and it would probably still work 100% lol.....
you may all laugh if you want at my next sentence...BUT....WALLMART...sells a look-a-like SM58 for about $20...its a dynamic mic as well...same as the SM58....and it sounds great...I use it every day....I have 4 mics...the most expensive cost about $200...I use the $20 Wallmart one...lol......just my 2 cents!!

ps...I run it thru a Yamaha MG82cx mixer...which you could probably drop off the same building along with the Shure SM58..and they would both still work!!!

Hi there.....I have a plain old SoundBlaster Audigy soundcard...nothing fancy at all....I am running Windows XP.

if you want a mic you coud drop of a building then your talken about the AUDIX OM2.. CHECK THIS OUT http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHgVQh0EgW8

I stand corrected SFJCC, the SM-58 does not require phantom power, if supplied it will ignore it. Thank you.

However it still needs an adapter to work properly if plugged directly into a computer, please see the following article:

http://shure.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/38/kw/sm58%20plugged%20into%20computer/session/L3RpbWUvMTI4NjYxNDM2Mi9zaWQvbURCbksxY2s%3D

~ Chris

The SM-58 requires phantom power. You'll need a special adapter for that such as the "Shure X2U XLR-to-USB Signal Adapter". This will provide the phantom power it needs to operate.

~ Chris

I wonder why I could not plug in my SM58 into the Mic input I did have a 1/4 to 1/8 jack SFJCC

k2501961

SM 58 dose not require phantom power it is hot a condenser micSFJCC

if you want a mic you coud drop of a building then your talken about the AUDIX OM2.. CHECK THIS OUT http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHgVQh0EgW8singen_for_you

I hope you don't mind me picking your brain and I appreciate your comments very much, I'm presently using the shure SM58 and plunging it into a (DBX pro vocal) processor then from there into the mic input on my computer I dont have a line input on my computer. I find that when I record I must bring the volume of the music low and bring the mic volume almost to distortion , because when I use the SSmixer the mic volume is so low that I must slide the slider almost to the extreme left to get a good balance of voice to music any sugestion?

I stand corrected SFJCC, the SM-58 does not require phantom power, if supplied it will ignore it. Thank you.

However it still needs an adapter to work properly if plugged directly into a computer, please see the following article:

http://shure.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/38/kw/sm58%20plugged%20into%20computer/session/L3RpbWUvMTI4NjYxNDM2Mi9zaWQvbURCbksxY2s%3D

~ Chris

The SM-58 requires phantom power. You'll need a special adapter for that such as the "Shure X2U XLR-to-USB Signal Adapter". This will provide the phantom power it needs to operate.

~ Chris

I wonder why I could not plug in my SM58 into the Mic input I did have a 1/4 to 1/8 jack SFJCC

k2501961

SM 58 dose not require phantom power it is hot a condenser micSFJCC

k2501961

Thanks for your help I think the Shure SM58 does not have enough output signal for my computer It is the same with some other equipment that I have pluged in the SM 58 into the other mic wiould work but not the SM58

if you want a mic you coud drop of a building then your talken about the AUDIX OM2.. CHECK THIS OUT http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHgVQh0EgW8singen_for_you

I hope you don't mind me picking your brain and I appreciate your comments very much, I'm presently using the shure SM58 and plunging it into a (DBX pro vocal) processor then from there into the mic input on my computer I dont have a line input on my computer. I find that when I record I must bring the volume of the music low and bring the mic volume almost to distortion , because when I use the SSmixer the mic volume is so low that I must slide the slider almost to the extreme left to get a good balance of voice to music any sugestion? SFJCC

use your compressor set to fast atack at a 3.1 ratio and try that shoud boost your mic level ..

soory to say that if were talken about the shure sm 58 it needs no phantom power it is a dynamic microphone it may need a mic preamp yes but since it is not a condensor mic adding phantom power to a dynamic mic may damage the unit providing the phantom power, now mics needing phantom power are mics like the shure ksm 32- rode nt-1a .... here is the pdf on the shure sm58 hope it helps... http://www.shure.com/idc/groups/public/documents/webcontent/us_pro_sm58_ug.pdf nighthawk

Hi, I use a samson usb microphone, I have nothing to compare it with, when I sing live with the Hokianga Country Music Club they have Shure58 mic's.

i use a usb mic....no probs with it really...works well...most usb condenser mics come with thier own drivers(all that ive seen) so it shouldnt be too much of a problem...the only problem lies with the pc u r using really...not the mic...the pc not set correctly can have latency issues...but if you tweak it correctly, they work like a charm...probably not the best choice for a beginner...but if u have some experience, they are pretty good....only prob is, u cant plug it into yer amp if you wanna play in the living room etc lol....

sm57 or 58 is the bestest, for all around recording and singing..BUT try a pg-58 for around half the price...its the same mic as the sm but has a plastic body instead of metal....also, to fix a crap ton of recording noise with any mic...dont hold it...use a mic stand...just trust me on this one.

..wanted to add...I have never used any widgets or mixers on any of my recordings here...and they all sound as good as anybody elses ive heard ( the sound, not the singing hahaha)

....heres an example of how good just a plain old 99 dollar usb mic plugged into a pc can be....no mixer or nuffin

http://www.singsnap.com/snap/watchandlisten/play/b37342456

i am playing the guitar very very lightly, without a pick...and the mic is about 3 feet away from me....cant do that with an sm58...it picks up everything and no need for a mixer or to boost anything and dont need any 48v phantom either. When i sing directly into it...its crystally clear....it has a huge range, thats why i like it...it doesnt distort, whether i whisper or shout...it compresses well

I have a USB condenser microphone (Samson C01U) but with singsnap's mixer, I can't hear myself sing in my headphones. Without a vocal monitor, it makes it really tough to sing! I've tried headsets with built in microphones but they are not good quality and there is a big delay in what I hear in the headphones. Any suggestions you have, I'd greatly appreciate it! I bought a mixer at one time and tried plugging in through that but was utterly confused and couldn't get the sound right. I imagine if I want to hear my vocals with a USB, I'll need an external mixer? Thanks for your time....it's much appreciated! Robin

Robin, last time i used my regular mic, i couldnt hear a monitor either...so not sure if its the usb or not tbh...at least thats how it was about a year ago when i tried it....and at my gf's house she has a knock-off sm58, and i cant hear a monitor...so i am thinking you need an external mixer to hear yerself...but maybe Im wrong...and if thats the case, it wouldnt matter if its usb or not right?

I have a USB condenser microphone (Samson C01U) but with singsnap's mixer, I can't hear myself sing in my headphones. Without a vocal monitor, it makes it really tough to sing! I've tried headsets with built in microphones but they are not good quality and there is a big delay in what I hear in the headphones. Any suggestions you have, I'd greatly appreciate it! I bought a mixer at one time and tried plugging in through that but was utterly confused and couldn't get the sound right. I imagine if I want to hear my vocals with a USB, I'll need an external mixer? Thanks for your time....it's much appreciated! RobinRobiFriend

to hear yourself with a usb mic you will need a usb external soundcard
the usb sends a different signal than the soundcard can pickup inside the pc
this is why i stay away from usb mics unless you have a usb external soundcard not a mixer
hope this helps

here is better detail of this subject robifriend

just stay away from usb hook up! my personal advise
you won't be able to hear yourself in your headphones unless you have a usb external soundcard as well
so stay with a dynamic or get a mixer to handle the condensor mic with the xlr plug :) hope this helps i am sure many will comment for youSimplyBabette

With a USB mic can't you plug the head set into the speaker out jack?SFJCC

Here is the issue that is common with USB microphones on singsnap

USB microphones work on a digital signal
Your soundcard works on an analogue signal
In order to hear your USB microphone in your headphones(which will be plugged into your analogue soundcard)Your soundcard has to be capable of converting the digital sound into an analogue sound.(not all soundcards have the driver software available to do this)
This results in not being able to get your voice to cross over to your soundcard and out to the headphones.
This is a common issue with USB microphones on singsnap

USB mics are awesome for digital recording with programs such as Cakewalk,sonar,cooleditpro,but not as compatible when using a set of headphones into an analogue soundcard.barrybailey40

Can u hear yerself in the headphones while singing( a monitor) with a regular plug in mic? cuz i cant....i didnt think u could

any newer pc should have a soundcard with a dac anyhow...a digital to analog converter....because when u record onto a pc or anywhere else(ss), it isnt analog...it gets digitized...there is no tape in the pc....what really matters is the bit rate conversion of the card...not whether its analog or digital...it all gets digital anyways on a computer...

Okay. I tried to get a new sound card today and the guy at Best Buy (who said he was a technician) said that wouldn't help me :( Even plugging in a regular mic today, I can't hear myself either. Although, when I've used a headset with built in mic, I can hear my vocals. This is so frustrating! When I record on Ksolo (Myspace), I have no problem with any type of microphone. I just like the community on singsnap better :) Thanks for trying to help!! P.S. I don't understand how to check settings on a sound card anyhow. I'm a bit confused in general LOL

well ss records on 2 channels...music on one side and vocals on the other, so i dont think it mixes live when u sing without an external mixer

Okay. I tried to get a new sound card today and the guy at Best Buy (who said he was a technician) said that wouldn't help me :( Even plugging in a regular mic today, I can't hear myself either. Although, when I've used a headset with built in mic, I can hear my vocals. This is so frustrating! When I record on Ksolo (Myspace), I have no problem with any type of microphone. I just like the community on singsnap better :) Thanks for trying to help!! P.S. I don't understand how to check settings on a sound card anyhow. I'm a bit confused in general LOLRobiFriend

sent you a pm for more info

I always promote this mic:

http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/product/Nady-SPC25-Condenser-Microphone?sku=277522

Why? It's cheap, it's a condenser, doesn't require battery power, and it sounds great 'clean' (plugging it straight into the comp). It also has a double pop screen built in, helping to eliminate those 'PUH', 'TUH', 'DUH' sounds (technical term is 'plosives'). Go ahead and listen to my recordings. Some of the early ones are with a cheapie dynamic mic, but the rest of them are all done with the Nady.

Piano, thanks so much....I think I might have to get one :) Thanks everyone for the help. Still haven't figured it all out yet LOL ;)

I use a Behringer C-3 condensor microphone, Phonic AM44OD mixer, Behringer Autocom Pro-XL MDX 1600 and/or a Behringer Tube Composer T1952.

Piano, thanks so much....I think I might have to get one :) Thanks everyone for the help. Still haven't figured it all out yet LOL ;)RobiFriend

No problem. I need to correct something. This mic DOES require battery power. However, it does NOT require phantom power.

Either way, it's still a great sounding mic for such a low price.

Also, the great equalizer in my setup is my sound card. X-fi Elite Pro. Expensive bugger of a card with some great sound. But I've used my Nady mic in other setups and it still sounds great.

I asked about my sound card making a difference and was told it wouldn't matter by a technician at Best Buy. So, I'm confused.... :(

Robi,

The sound card (but most especially the sound chipset/driver used in them) used makes an important difference in how your voice sounds but what's most important is the microphone that's used.

I have three sound cards in my computer, the RealTek AC97 (already built onto the motherboard), the Turtle Beach Santa Cruz sound card and the Turtle Beach Montego sound card and I can say without a doubt that out of the three, the Santa Cruz is by far the best one.

~ Chris

Chris,
Thanks so much! I will look into that for sure :)
Robin

I asked about my sound card making a difference and was told it wouldn't matter by a technician at Best Buy. So, I'm confused.... :(RobiFriend

Hey Robi. The only reason I bring up my sound card is it has all the bells and whistles that a lot of the external equipment has. I only plug my mic in and I'm all set.

If you use a phantom powered condenser, you need an extra box to power it before you plug it into the sound card.

Also, external effects generators tend to work better on Singsnap. With my card, I have to mess around with the surround settings to make my effects show up on my recordings, but not show up on anything else. It's kind of confusing to get into, but it's worth it for the effects that my card is able to produce.

However, if you're Gold, you really just need to plug the mic in, click on the MMSB button, and you're pretty much good to go. That's why I recommend that battery powered condenser that I use. It sounds great, doesn't need the extra power box, and you probably just need that 1/4" to 1/8" mono adapter.

Of course, that's another plus on my card. It has 1/4" jacks on it so I don't need an adapter.

While I LOVE my sound card, I tend not to recommend it because it is very pricey. As a side job, I do audio editing and various other projects and it fits my needs quite nicely since it is a very versatile card. But there are cards out there that will do what you want for much less, like the ones Chris recommended.

Are these external sound cards? I think that was mentioned before. My gold is about to run out so having effects might be nice :)

Are these external sound cards? I think that was mentioned before. My gold is about to run out so having effects might be nice :)RobiFriend

There are external sound cards which are usually USB. Some of these cards have effects, but they might not be processed properly with how Singsnap is setup.

My card has what is called a "Breakout Box" that attaches to an internal card. It's just a fancy-schmancy way of making all the plugs accessible by putting them into a box that you can place on your desk or wherever they are accessible. It's kind of a hybrid, but you can't use the external box without the internal card that comes with it:

If you use something external, you want it to process the effects in the device before it sends the sound to your computer, which is why a lot of the tech guys will recommend you get a mixer with sound effects onboard. Not only do you get the extra goodies, but you also get a board that has phantom power if you want to get a condenser mic.