Kyle
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Does anybody have any advice as to a good microphone that they think would suit me? Im looking to spend around 50 bucks maybe. Any suggestions?
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RevMen
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If you can bump your price limit up to $80, you can get a Shure SM57, probably the most popular and versatile mic in the world.
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Kyle
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That is so weird, I was just looking at that mic yesterday. Looks like I got my choice.
http://www.zzounds.com/item–SHUSM57LC
It says it doesnt have a cable to come with it. I know nothing of these kinds of cables. What are they called?
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RevMen
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It depends on what you want to plug it into. Chances are you don’t have a proper pre-amp, you’re only working with the one on your soundcard. While the mic preamps on consumer soundcards are absolutely dreadful, if that’s all you have, that’s all you have.
Your mic input jack is probably a 1/8″ stereo jack. The microphone’s output is XLR. So you’ll need to get from XLR to 1/8″ mono. That probably means you’ll need an XLR to 1/4″ cable, which you can then use a 1/4″ to 1/8″ adapter to plug into your sound card.
I’ll see if I can find you some pictures.
Edit:
Here’s the cable:
http://www.zzounds.com/item–CBIMH
Here’s the adapter:
Click
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Kyle
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Bummer now Im looking at 110 bucks. O well, looks like im saving more.
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Lechnology
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Ah…XLR cables. I worked with those back in the days of high schoole (around a year ago  ). Also the Shure SM57. That cable Rev posted is an XLR to phone cable. I’ve used soundboards that have both XLR and phono cable ports. Pretty, good in my opinion, for stage microphones.
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LowweeK
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Nothing better to advice : the Shure SM57 is THE versatile mic by definition.
If you plan to use it for voice, don’t get too close to the capsule (let 35 inches between the mic and your mouth).
Another point : the SM57 is built like a tank so you can probably find one used without bad surprises. However, even used, the SM57 is quite expensive.
I advice you to save a bit and buy it : this is the kind of gear you keep all your life. Unlike most budget mics…
SM57 and SM58 are part of my “studio lifeguard” kit.
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RevMen
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let 35 inches between the mic and your mouth
35 centimeters, maybe?
If you get up close to a SM57, it has a very noticeable “proximity effect.” It makes your voice sound deeper and boomier.
I have 6 SM57s and I never plan on getting rid of any of them. I bought them all used and they all work just fine.
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CrystalBrick
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Six SM57s? But you have only one voice, don’t you?
I currently use this preamp console:
And I use a quite cheap microphone. The mic and the console give a very high quality sound.
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RevMen
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Six SM57s? But you have only one voice, don’t you?
Yes. But a rock band can contain several guitars plus a drum set. Six SM57′s can be used up very quickly in that situation.
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LowweeK
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Josh, I’m looking now for extraordinary Russian mics of the Brand Oktava model Mk012. These are paired static overheads. All reviewers are extatic about these but I can’t find them in France – seems Oktava has difficulties to export.
Do you find them in the US ?
SM57 can be used for about everything : Brass, Guitar amps, Snare Drum…
BTW : Josh, what are you thinking of the mastering I did. You gave me no feedback (Maybe I should have PMed you for this)…
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sillymonkey
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My 2-cents here, which I feel I must always bring up when we talk of microphones (and I think Lowweek will agree…)
The Sony ECM-MS907 is a GREAT stereo mic that has a mini-jack, so you can plug it into a soundcard without special cables or pre-amps. You can find these on ebay for about $70 u.s.d.
I use mine with a minidisc recorder to capture sound effects, foley, and voices. I also record my bands live gigs.
Even though this is not a “professional” mic, it is awesome.
Like RevMan and Lowweek, I also have a large collection of professional mic’s that I use with my band, and in my home recording studio… SM57′s, SM58′s, Beta57′s, BG4.0, Oktava mics, CAD mic’s, XML etc,etc..Yes, these are all awesome mics. Better than the Sony… but the Sony is very convenient, quick to set up and still gets great results.
In related news, this looks interesting… SoundProfessionals have come up with a mic that is supposed to beat the Sony, while being in the same price range.. Sound Professionals MS907
Later,
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RevMen
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Josh, I’m looking now for extraordinary Russian mics of the Brand Oktava model Mk012. These are paired static overheads. All reviewers are extatic about these but I can’t find them in France – seems Oktava has difficulties to export.
Do you find them in the US ?
Yes, I have a pair of these. I’ve used them for trumpet and for drum overheads so far. I haven’t really tried them for anything else.
Josh, what are you thinking of the mastering I did. You gave me no feedback (Maybe I should have PMed you for this)…
I’m sorry, I’ve been meaning to write. I do like it, but I’ve been waiting for feedback from the band. Currently they are vacationing in Arizona…
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LowweeK
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Yes, I have a pair of these
:twitch:
What other mics do you got ? :drool:
Oh, sh*t, WHY am I not living in the US ?
I recently discovered that the hi-end Sony headphone MDR7509 I LOVE (and was planning to buy) was 60% cheaper in the US ! :evil
Here in Europe, electronics and specially music gear cost you one hand ! 
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RevMen
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I only have the cardioid capsules and the 10dB pads. I don’t know why I don’t have the other capsules. I guess it’s because I bought these used. I’d really like to have the omni capusles, those could come in handy.
One very nice thing about living in the US is that electronics and gear are relatively inexpensive. The next time you’re ready to buy some gear, Lowweek, I’ll check prices for you and if it’s cheaper here I can buy it and send it for you. Also the dollar is at an all-time low right now, over 1.30 euros to the dollar!
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