Help with new setup (mic and such)

[Shelene]

I know their are threads on this - I read them through and I want to make sure that my entire setup will go together before I spend six hundred dollars on it. I was more of a producer then anything else in the past, so I never had a fancy recording studio - just a regular ten dollar mic I bought a few years back.

What I plan to buy:
Samson CO3U with (Mic, MD5 desktop stand, PS01 Pop Filfter, SP01 Shock Mount)
M-Audio FireWire 410
Sony MDR 7506 Pro Studio Headphones
Logitech Z-4 Computer Speaker System

My computer:
Windows XP
Graphics Card: ATI Radeon Sapphire HD 3850 AGP
Sound Card: SoundMAX Integrated Digital Audio
167GB
2GIG Ram (Kingston)

Thanks! Let me know what you think. :)

[Seishiro17]

Samson CO3U is basically just a co1u but with switchable patterns, so unless you need that I'd just pickup a co1u.

the m-audio firewire 410 looks like it'll do the job without any issues. EDIT: though I would strongly suggest picking up an FA-66 instead. why are you picking this up anyway? it's not like you're using it for a mic...END EDIT

the headphones are a matter of taste, there is no perfect set for all situations, what's your preference? for a hundred-esque dollars you do have some options so before you pick these up make sure they're what you want.

I will warn you that the logictech z-4 speakers, while a good buy. AREN'T SHIELDED. but the Z-2300 are.

that's all I can say so far on what you've put up. tell me the furthest you'll go with this potential setup and I'll help some more.

[Tony]

Why would you get the C03U if you are getting the FireWire 410? I'd say to ditch the USB mic and go for a regular condenser with an XLR connection. If you want Samson, you can get the C03 or C01. Otherwise, you can find a multitude of approxmiately $100 condenser mics available.

As for the speakers, if you just want sound for your computer, go ahead and get the Logitechs. However, if you're going to use the speakers for mixing, I'd have to recommend getting some cheap monitor speakers. Monitor speakers are made to give even response so you can really tell what's in your mix. You can get a pair of refurbished monitor speakers for around $100.

[Shelene]

Thanks so much for this, I really needed it. I really didn't know what to do - I basically read the microphone thread and other random threads, and I think I was just picking random stuff to go together from what people were talking about. And it looks like I did a bad job. Good thing I asked before I made the purchase!!

As for the Samson, I could go for the CO1U - or for a condenser mic, what should I rather go for? I basically picked that because its what I had hit most in search results from people talking about what mics they own. My budget is basically $600 dollars, that's what I saved up for this, so anything less would be fine but not more lol. ;)

Also picked the firewire because I got that in search hit. But I can go for the FA-66! Or anything else you think would be better suited for the recommended mic.

As for the headphones, for a $100 budget, what should I get on that? I really don't have a preference, I just heard its good to have a headset since you can hear what you're voice sounds like better that way.

I will get the Z-2300 on the speakers... or another. I basically need speakers for mixing. Since I am running a full series fandub production. The speakers I have now is horrible and it can show in my Rosario + Vampire episode one dub, the sound effects here and there were too loud compared to other voices according to other people, but on my speakers, I can't hear it because their @*(#*(#.

Comes down too, name of some stuff and I will go for that. :D Basically want a microphone with the best matching preamp, mixing speakers, and good headphones for my $600 budget.

Sorry for being noob. >.<

Thanks again!

[Seishiro17]

fa 66 - 260
http://www.jr.com/edirol-by-roland/pe/ROE_FA66/

mic, stand, cable, pop filter, shockmount - 260
http://www.zzounds.com/item--RODNT1A (get the bundle)

that gives you $80 to faff about with. the problem now is that you have studio level recording equipment, but no way to hear it!

because we hit the limit when trying to buy both a set of monitors and a set of cans, you're going to have to choose. monitors are good because they don't move, once you have found your sweet spot you're set, while a good set of headphones can be potentially more versitile, the thing you need to think about is what you're going to be doing with this setup (singing, DJing, etc.) and how this choice will impact that. for example a pair of semi open headphones will bleed a lot more than a pair of closed backs. but semi open give a richer, better sound. a set of monitors can be used for backing during a recording (at low volume) and because they don't move, can be easily repressed without to much trouble or impact on the recording. whatever the pick, like tony said a pair of used monitors could run you $100 bucks or so, so shop around. but for headphones here are some options.

http://www.jr.com/grado/pe/GRA_SR80/
http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-AKG-K240-Studio-Headphones-K-240-S-K240S-headphone_W0QQitemZ230272024395QQcmdZViewItem

or of course the sonys you brought up, they aren't bad.
http://www.zzounds.com/item--SNYMDR7506

the choice between the two is yours, but personally if it was mine I usually go for a good set of cans before a set of monitors (but that's just me!) you could still get the z2300 for $80~ http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Z-2300-THX-Certified-200-Watt-Speaker/dp/B0002SQ2P2/ref=tag_tdp_sv_edpp_i

whatever your choice, good luck with this system!

[Tony]

Seishiro, don't you think the FA-66 might be a little bit of overkill? I mean, I doubt she needs SPDIF and MIDI in and out. If she got a $150 USB interface (like the Presonus Audiobox or the M-Audio MobilePre USB), she'd be able to get the 7506s for editing, and some $100 monitors for mixing.

[Shelene]

Wow! It sure does get confusing. ^^ Hopefully I get the hang of this, thanks again for taking the time to work with me, I sure do appreciate it. *hugs*

Seishiro17: The FA 66 and MIC look great! Since that hits close to my budget this round, I think I will go for the Z-2300 next, since I do need good speakers. I will just wait out on the headphones or monitors, that way I can decide on the two and shop around while saving up some money.

Basically, all I record is voice acting, I really don't sing. lol Maybe once or twice, but not enough that I need equipment just for that. I want to be sure I get a good setup where screaming as well won't be a problem. Hopefully the speakers will due and be better then what I have now for mixing.

[Seishiro17]

Seishiro, don't you think the FA-66 might be a little bit of overkill?

oh absolutely. but I never really got a direct answer as to what exactly she was going to be doing. producing can mean composition so I thought I would throw out my favorite workhorse just so that the setup could be used for multiple activities. but if it's just recording that she wants than I'd strongly suggest the ART Tube MP with USB it would do a fine job and would free up the budget significantly.

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/TubeMPpsUSB

[Tony]

... ART Tube MP with USB

Does it have a headphone out? The spec sheet doesn't seem to have one listed.

(Sorry for all the back and forth, but you know how it is when you get two gear sluts in the same thread. :-P)

[Seishiro17]

no, apparently they want you to buy a separate unit for monitoring, all you have is some metering thats built in. huh. never noticed the lack of a headphone port... so instead get the PreSonus AudioBox USB, 50 bucks more, but it still skims a hundred bucks from the fa-66. http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/AudioBoxUSB

so yeah...hmmm, updating the setup here's what we've got:

preamp - 150
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/AudioBoxUSB

mic, stand, cable, pop filter, shockmount - 260
http://www.zzounds.com/item--RODNT1A (get the bundle)

headphones - 100
http://www.zzounds.com/item--SNYMDR7506

monitors - 100

that would give the whole shebangabang Shelene would need for a complete home studio. though if she wanted to, she could only pickup the headphones or the monitors, and use the extra hundred to upgrade the mic to a KSM27.

gearsluts??? we are gear CONNOISSEURS!

[Shelene]

Wow, you two are so freaken awesome taking the time for this thread. ^^

I guess I could go ahead and do the upgrade to the KSM27 if you think that would be a good idea.

Would be:
Mic - $330
Amp - $150
Headphones - $100
Total - $580
Probably a little over $600 with shipping. I guess I could wait till my next paycheck to add that little extra. lol

And worry about the monitors later after I shop around a bit for that.

Sound good as a conclusion?

[Seishiro17]

hey there!, yeah if you're going to do the ksm27 route then heres your shopping list:

first buy the ksm27 for 330. this knocks out the mic, cable, shockmount, and stand in one shot. along with coming with a 25 dollar gift card. and it ships free!

http://www.zzounds.com/item--SHUKSM27

when it arrives use the gift card to pickup a popfilter and the headphones, you'll have to pay shipping but the giftcard should completely cover the shipping cost and the popfilter.
http://www.zzounds.com/item--MUSASVS6GB
http://www.zzounds.com/item--SNYMDR7506

then pickup the preamp from sweetwater because it's free shipping.
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/AudioBoxUSB

that should cover everything and should almost exactly fill the $600 limit. with just enough left over for you to pick up a celebratory piece of cake because you now have a professional quality setup!

[Shelene]

WOOOOT!!! So awesome!!!! I will follow you're steps for the ordering! In fact, going to go and press the buy button now and eat my cake while doing it roflz! Thanks again! *huggels*

[HiLoPe]

Honestly, why use a USB-mic and then attach an interface in order to monitor yourself? A bit clumsy, isn't it? Why not buy a decent regular condensor-mic with XLR-plug and a cheap e.g. Behringer mixer? It definitely has got enough in's and out's for everything needed for voice-recording (including monitor-out);

This way you would have the mic, your headphones and every audio-equipment hung up on one line into the PC. Perhaps you need a little more of cables, but it's way more comfortable, I'd say!

[James_The_Composer]

I agree with HiLoPe 100%.

Seriously, don't get an expensive USB Mic. Buy a cheap Audio Interface or Mixer instead.

I'm pretty sure Professional Studios never use Mics with Interfaces built into them.


To 'Moniter yourself' just buy some good Moniters for your computer. Get a sound card for your computer if you need good quality sound. Unless your on a stage there is no need for an amp.

[Tony]

Honestly, why use a USB-mic and then attach an interface in order to monitor yourself?


Seriously, don't get an expensive USB Mic.

Erm, read the thread.

[Russ]

Tony, could you educate us on the advantages of the kinds of setup you were describing over what many of us seem to have - that is, a microphone of varying quality and computer speakers and headphones?

And I don't know if this is relevant, but one critique I received for my first production was that it was leveled badly. Listening to it on headphones, I could not hear a problem; however, I burned into onto a CD and listened in my car's audio system while driving and the leveling problems were painfully obvious. Is that a problem that separate monitors would have picked up? If so, why?

[HiLoPe]

Okay, I assume that this Shure-mic has XLR-output ;) But still - why use an expensive USB-interface instead of a "cheap" mixer, like this one:

http://www.thomann.de/de/behringer_xenyx_802.htm

Still provides all the functions desired, but for half the price...


EDIT: If the onboard-soundcard does ugly things with the sound-input, okay ... but even in worst case it would be only 10$ or so for a cheap extra soundcard...

[Tony]

Well, I'd say the one of the best things about using an external interface is the fact that you can do zero-latency monitoring of the input signal. So, if you use headphones when you're recording, you can get perfect sync when you're matching up to other tracks for singing, dubbing, etc. You also get around the noisy electronic environment of your computer.

About the headphones and monitors thing: Headphones are also great for editing a single waveform. A pair of 7506s will let you hear everything that's wrong with a track. So, when you're removing breaths, killing plosives, dropping a word from take 3 into take 2, headphones will give you that close-up detail needed to make those edits. However, when you're mixing, you have to realize that the headphones consist of 40mm drivers plastered straight to your ears. So you'd use a pair of monitor speakers in this situation. Monitor speakers are made to have a generally flat response, as opposed to computer speakers with their bass-boosting and treble boosting electronics used to cover up the fact that the speakers themselves are usually pretty low quality. With the monitors it's easier to hear how your tracks relate to one another in the mix. Also, when your mix sounds good on the monitors, it's probably going to sound pretty good on other stuff too. However, it's best to test your mix on as many systems as you have access to. Test it on iPod earbuds, laptop speakers, computer speakers, 7506s, and eventually your car. Something to keep in mind when mixing is to realize that some will be listening with headphones, and that you shouldn't pan a track all the way left or right, as this sounds really unnatural when coming through headphones (even if a sound is directly to our right sides, we still hear it with our left ear as well as our right).

Okay, I've rambled again. :-)
So basically this: headphones for editing, monitors for mixing.

EDIT: The zero latency is for hearing yourself. Hearing yourself even a few ms late is INCREDIBLY distracting. Obviously there will be a few ms latency on the playback, due to USB. All you have to do to deal with that is to nudge the resulting vocal track a little. I realize that using a firewire interface would kill latency problems, but that's at least another $150.

[Tony]

But still - why use an expensive USB-interface instead of a "cheap" mixer

As a personal preference, I like to go digital outside of the computer, so I never even have to deal with interference coming from inside the computer. (For many years, I did all my audio stuff on a laptop. Horribly noisy on the inside.)

The analog mixer would work, but if I'm going to recommend that someone spend $300 on a microphone, I'm going to tell them not to skimp on the interface.

[exdevlin]

Wouldn't the noise be a problem anyway though? I looked at her specs, and she has integrated sound -- notorious for noise since it's mounted on the mobo.

[Tony]

Wouldn't the noise be a problem anyway though? I looked at her specs, and she has integrated sound -- notorious for noise since it's mounted on the mobo.

Yeah. That's why you bypass it entirely with the external interface.

[Sapphire]

I'm sorry, I'm really an idiot when it comes to technical stuff like this. But what do you mean by an external interface? I must have missed a definition somewhere.

[Tony]

It's an external audio input-output device. The ones we've been talking about in this thread are the Edirol FA-66 (http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Edirol-FA66-6X6-FireWire-Audio-Interface?sku=705375), The M-Audio Firewire 410 (http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/MAudio-FireWire-410-Computer-Recording-Interface?sku=701385), the ART Tube MP USB (http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/TubeMPpsUSB/), the Presonus Audiobox (http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/PreSonus-AudioBox-USB?sku=243007), and the M-Audio MobilePre USB (http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/MAudio-MobilePre-USB-Portable-Audio-Interface?sku=701368). They basically act as a high-end sound card by providing high quality audio input and output. They also have XLR connectors and phantom power for driving condenser mics.

[Sapphire]

So this would be pretty awesome for my Samson C01U Mic? I've never heard of anything like that till now. My laptop makes some nasty fanning noises, would something like that block out that noise from my laptop?

[Tony]

No. The C01U plugs into your computer via USB. Those external interfaces connect to a microphone using an XLR (3 pin) connector. As for noise, I was talking about electrical noise as opposed to physical noise. The best thing to do about your situation is to record in a padded closet, and use a really long usb cable such as this (http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=103&cp_id=10303&cs_id=1030301&p_id=2098&seq=1&format=2). If you need more length than that, you'll need to use an active USB extender as well, like this (http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=103&cp_id=10303&cs_id=1030304&p_id=2779&seq=1&format=2).

[Sapphire]

Ah, alright then. Thanks for clearing that up for me. :)

[Seishiro17]

dammit tony! you couldn't have saved a single question for me? bah, curse my horrible sleep patterns.

I agree with everything you said though (and it's weird that we have the same preferences), so I guess in a way you saved me time...

[Shelene]

lol You're silly Seishiro17. ^^

Once I get my setup in, is it pretty hard to put together?

[Seishiro17]

it should be very straightforward I'd be surprised if the manual doesn't cover it, but if you have any trouble just post here and we'll sort you out: )

basically when it arrives you're going to want to set up the stand in the most isolated portion of your place, (closet, bathroom, etc.) then install the shockmount and the mic and attach the popfilter to the stand. then attach the XLR cable to the mic and run it to your interface, attach the headphones to the interface (for monitoring purposes) then use the USB cable to connect the interface to your computer. your computer should autodetect the interface and set everything up in your recording program, then your good to go. after you've finished recording detach your headphones from the interface, and use them to edit whatever you've recorded. ;)

with a setup like this one I wouldn't suggest relying on noise reduction as much as others on this board. the equipment is good enough that instead of trying to get rid of the noise after you've recorded you should do it beforehand. try to isolate your recording space as much as possible, then if it needs it dab a little bit of noise reduction on there. just my two cents.

but yeah, any questions or comments, hell anything is welcome in this slow moving Help forum.

[Shelene]

Seishiro17: Awesome, thanks! You've been a great help. :D I will follow you're steps. I live in an apartment, so I will stick the setup in my walk in closet since my computer is in the den by the door. >_> All my million of clothes should make for a great sound barrier (haha).

Once I get it in, I will let you know if I need help. I should see the results of my new recordings in my productions, so we will see how it turned out!! I am so excited!!! Maybe now I can make a demo reel too. *gasp*

[Shelene]

Well..... I got everything in! I hope I did everything right... If you can, can anyone? please give some input? I went ahead and recorded a sample file you can hear here:

http://media.putfile.com/Microphone-Test-83

I have really, I mean really, crappy speakers (no worries, working on getting new ones!!), sometimes I hear a light buzzing or ringing, and I cannot tell if that is my speakers or coming from the recording. Though, I sometimes hear it coming out from the speakers even though I don't have any sound coming from it.... So if someone can listen to it and tell me what you hear. I am hoping that buzzing/ringing sound is just my speakers and not part of the recording! Ignore my stupid ramblings and my horrible voice, I am still trying to get over a bad fever I had a few days ago and I am still congested.... I had to try so hard not to cough!!!

Also, below are some bad pictures of my setup - I know, I need to save money for a desk now..... I put all my savings to the mic HAHA... The microphone is near the computer right now, which is probably a bad idea, but until I can figure out how to sound proof an area (like clean the closet... organize the apartment actually...) and get a longer extension cord, it will stay put for now. Unless it is fine where its at? Dunno. I am still trying to clean up the area, so their aren't so many cords poking everywhere. I just wanted to get everything setup and tested to make sure it worked. I hope to have a better work area soon! So please be gentle on how it looks. >.<

MANY THANKS FOR ALL YOUR HELP!!!!!!!!!


http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/6783/computerbn4.png


http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/4348/audiovn3.png


http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/8324/mic1lh0.png

[Seishiro17]

sounds (and looks) great! I don't hear any of the symptoms you described, though what you described (light buzzing or ringing at random points) is the definition in my book of an unshielded set. this is strangely common in computer speakers but what you're hearing isn't the recording at all so don't worry. the setup works great (and I hope it wasn't too hard to put together) so all you really need to do now is work on isolation.

let me know if you want help on that demo reel ;-)

[Shelene]

Thanks! I am happy it sounds good! ^__^ And yea, the computer speakers are so whacked. lol Thank god its not the recording though! I feel so much better about that. It took me a few hours to figure out how to work everything, but it was worth it in the end! I def. will need help with my demo reel. Doing some research and listening to others on the boards now and still deciding on what I should record once my congestation is gone.