Author Topic: USB or mic with cheaper interface? (Read 51665 times)

Scooter Trash · « **Reply #50 on:** December 12, 2014, 11:41:14 pm »

Quote from: Hollywood on December 12, 2014, 11:13:00 pm

I've got a Takamine EF341SC. My only musical splurge so far. (And I LOVE it.)

That's a beautiful guitar!

With the pickup and pre on that guitar you should be able to get some good recordings plugging the guitar directly into the instrument input of an interface. I'd be tempted to start recording with a 58 and an interface, and just plug the guitar directly into the interface. Then when you start doing live stuff you can just add a DI, or mic your amp with a 57.

Hollywood · « **Reply #51 on:** December 12, 2014, 11:48:54 pm »

Okay then. I looked on Guitar Center's site and found these. Would any of these be recommended?

1) http://www.guitarcenter.com/Peavey-PV11-Microphone-with-Stand-and-Accessories-Pack-110334182-i3766885.gc

2) http://www.guitarcenter.com/Shure-SM58--Stand---Cable-Package-H91368-i2822109.gc

3) http://www.guitarcenter.com/Shure-PG48-LC---Stand---Cable-Package-H91371-i2822112.gc

4) http://www.guitarcenter.com/Audio-Technica-PRO-31QTR-Cardioid-Dynamic-Microphone-108858226-i1126683.gc

Or something else?

I'm looking up videos for these now, but I personally have a hard time figuring out which one sounds the best.

Scooter Trash · « **Reply #52 on:** December 12, 2014, 11:53:15 pm »

Quote from: Hollywood on December 12, 2014, 11:48:54 pm

Okay then. I looked on Guitar Center's site and found these. Would any of these be recommended?

1) http://www.guitarcenter.com/Peavey-PV11-Microphone-with-Stand-and-Accessories-Pack-110334182-i3766885.gc

2) http://www.guitarcenter.com/Shure-SM58--Stand---Cable-Package-H91368-i2822109.gc

3) http://www.guitarcenter.com/Shure-PG48-LC---Stand---Cable-Package-H91371-i2822112.gc

4) http://www.guitarcenter.com/Audio-Technica-PRO-31QTR-Cardioid-Dynamic-Microphone-108858226-i1126683.gc

Or something else?

I'm looking up videos for these now, but I personally have a hard time figuring out which one sounds the best.

I would avoid ANY microphone with an on/off switch, and definitely wouldn't buy a PeaVey microphone.
Of the four options, I would definitely go with the 58. (all the rest have on/off switches)

TB-AV · « **Reply #53 on:** December 13, 2014, 12:51:44 am »

http://www.ebay.com/itm/On-Stage-Stands-MS7701B-Euro-Boom-Microphone-Stand-/261686398919?pt=US_Stands_Mounts_Holders&hash=item3cedb98fc7

There is one on ebay used for $16 shipped. Sam Ash also sells them if you have any sort of coupon. I have a couple of those. They are ok.

... and I'll tell you... after watching that guys comparisons I would buy that Behringer mic he uses.. the expensive one was $29.

So that's $60 for a mic and stand. Used interface for $120. $5 guitar cable, Reaper

Here is my deal provided you are willing to buy used.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/On-Stage-Stands-MS7701B-Euro-Boom-Microphone-Stand-/261686398919?pt=US_Stands_Mounts_Holders&hash=item3cedb98fc7

http://www.reaper.fm/

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Focusrite-Scarlett-2i2-USB-Audio-Interface-Mint-original-pkg-1-year-warranty-/191335220214?pt=US_Computer_Recording_Interfaces&hash=item2c8c77c3f6

http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Behringer-ULTRAVOICE-XM8500-Dynamic-Vocal-Cardioid-Microphone-Music-Karaoke-/231389995180?pt=US_Karaoke_Microphones&hash=item35dfeb20ac

So what are we up to
Mic - 28
Stand - 25
Interface - 120
DAW software - Free
Guitar cable - looks like the going price is $9 on ebay
Mic cables - 12
Extra one of those cheap mics for $12

$210 roughly --- all shipped to your door.

Or

$50 for Snowball

I wouldn't waste your money on an expensive mic yet. The only difference will be those mics can't be used as hammers. When you get ready to upgrade to something really nice put those on ebay for half price and get a few bucks back.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNPXCf8vSpM

Scooter Trash · « **Reply #54 on:** December 13, 2014, 01:04:20 am »

Don't neglect to consider shipping costs. Personally I'd go with the Guitar center SM58 package and an interface.

TB-AV · « **Reply #55 on:** December 13, 2014, 01:25:17 am »

All had free shipping.

TB-AV · « **Reply #56 on:** December 13, 2014, 01:37:50 am »

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8kQjRjOM8c

I can hear the difference but I wonder if that is her technique. The guy didn't have that problem, but he didn't drive it like she did. Where it got saturated. Other than that, I really can't hear anything that would concern me. to get up and rolling with anyway.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ky7f9bz2ihA

not the greatest recording but...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gdiuq8dRQJc

Seems to work great with this vocal formant synth......
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yWPCOT3tWrE

Here's a guts shot -- no transformer? -- or at least I didn't see one
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2kC4s_89ENw

Hollywood · « **Reply #57 on:** December 13, 2014, 01:47:46 am »

Well, the good news is, of the 2 in that video, I thought the SM58 sounded better. THe other one had a few weird spots in the sample that I'm not sure how to describe. Kind of static-y, maybe?

At least that will get me going, yes. I can get a nicer one once I'm actually making money off of music and/or are really starting to get somewhere with it. For now, $80 plus the interface is fine. (THey have a $20 off promo right now as well as a $10 mail-in rebate, so actually it's $70.)

So, the other question now: Which interface(s) do you guys recommend that is around or under $100?

TB-AV · « **Reply #58 on:** December 13, 2014, 01:54:38 am »

An SM58 for $70? ... yes that is a good price..

Quote

THe other one had a few weird spots in the sample that I'm not sure how to describe. Kind of static-y, maybe?

The girl? ... yes... I think she was driving it too hard... the SM58 did should better ... but it is a viable budget option if use properly.

But yeah. The SM58 is better.

GC has new arrival 2i2 used for $99. I don't know why that one is $99 and the other is $118 but ....

But that is decent one. The Focusrite Scarlet 2i2. You will just have a hard time finding one for $100.

You might can win this one... it looks clean and the seller has high sales count with over 99% feedback
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Focusrite-Scarlett-2i2-Digital-Recording-Interface-/351248703550?pt=US_Computer_Recording_Interfaces&hash=item51c80de03e

Actually ebay says they are trending at $105 and there are several in list. I think you get one for $100... watch the shipping though... should be able to get it $100 with shipping if you find the right one.
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw=scarlet+2i2&_from=R40&_osacat=0&_from=R40&_trksid=p2045573.m570.l1313.TR1.TRC0.A0.H0.Xfocusrite+scarlet+2i2&_nkw=focusrite+scarlet+2i2&_sacat=0

Hollywood · « **Reply #59 on:** December 13, 2014, 02:01:48 am »

Guitar Center has a lot of used interfaces... are there any particular brands that are better? Or any to avoid?

Scooter Trash · « **Reply #60 on:** December 13, 2014, 02:05:47 am »

Quote from: Hollywood on December 13, 2014, 01:47:46 am

So, the other question now: Which interface(s) do you guys recommend that is around or under $100?

For a two input interface in that price range that would work for your recording needs I'd recommend a Steinberg UR22 or a Focusrite Scarlet 2i2.

Drubbing · « **Reply #61 on:** December 13, 2014, 02:09:47 am »

Quote from: Hollywood on December 12, 2014, 08:57:07 pm

Yes, I have a Mac. But beyond that... I have no idea what you just said.

I think you should all take note. Like Hollywood, I have zero idea of what most of you are on about, and was following this thread for some useful info. While you're trying to help, you all seem to be more having a discussion among yourselves than solve her issues.

She has a small budget and wants simple, not a full program on how to do audio recording. Once she's started I'm sure she'll pick stuff up. A lot of the gear and techniques you're talking about take time and practical experience in learning to do doing this.

Just get her started.

TB-AV · « **Reply #62 on:** December 13, 2014, 02:15:16 am »

We are giving her the exact things to buy and letting her make her own decisions. The inserts comment was basically between me and scooter and anyone else that may be listening that does know what it means.

this looks interesting... Scooter do you know those mics? Some MXLs are fine but i don;t know that number.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Focusrite-Scarlett-2i2-USB-Recording-Interface-w-MXL-440-441-Mics-2-XLR-Cables-/371195110706?pt=US_Computer_Recording_Interfaces&hash=item566cf3e532

Hollywood, that Scarlet 2i2 that both of us recommended is hard to beat. I think several people here have it as well.

TB-AV · « **Reply #63 on:** December 13, 2014, 02:17:57 am »

Quote from: Drubbing on December 13, 2014, 02:09:47 am

While you're trying to help, you all seem to be more having a discussion among yourselves than solve her issues.

You mean like when she clicks the links, hears the blind examples, picks the correct mic? You think that's a bad thing?

Scooter Trash · « **Reply #64 on:** December 13, 2014, 02:21:45 am »

Quote from: TB-AV on December 13, 2014, 02:15:16 am

Scooter do you know those mics? Some MXLs are fine but i don;t know that number.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Focusrite-Scarlett-2i2-USB-Recording-Interface-w-MXL-440-441-Mics-2-XLR-Cables-/371195110706?pt=US_Computer_Recording_Interfaces&hash=item566cf3e532

No. I have no first-hand experience with those particular mics.

Quote from: Drubbing on December 13, 2014, 02:09:47 am

I think you should all take note. Like Hollywood, I have zero idea of what most of you are on about, and was following this thread for some useful info. While you're trying to help, you all seem to be more having a discussion among yourselves than solve her issues.

She has a small budget and wants simple, not a full program on how to do audio recording. Once she's started I'm sure she'll pick stuff up. A lot of the gear and techniques you're talking about take time and practical experience in learning to do doing this.

Just get her started.

Personally I've tried very hard to determine what Hollywood's needs are and to help her decide what equipment would be most suitable. If I got off-track it was in an effort to clarify something or to help her avoid making a poor decision. Any elaboration was meant to explain the reasoning.

TB-AV · « **Reply #65 on:** December 13, 2014, 02:23:25 am »

Quote from: Scooter Trash on December 13, 2014, 02:05:47 am

I'd recommend a Steinberg UR22 or a Focusrite Scarlet 2i2.

Is Steinberg ok on a Mac? I get worried buying hardware with a software company name on it... especially when they compete with Logic on a Mac.

Hollywood · « **Reply #66 on:** December 13, 2014, 02:25:07 am »

I really appreciate all of your help so far, guys!

Okay, that will probably work! One question: Is it bad to buy a used interface, or are they generally alright? GC has a used Scarlet 2i2 for $90 at the moment. Is it worth it to spend the extra and get it brand new, or is used a good way to go?

The other interface - the Steinberg - says it works on Mac 10.5.5 and 10.6. I'm not sure whether or not that includes 10.6.8, which is what I have.

Scooter Trash · « **Reply #67 on:** December 13, 2014, 02:27:01 am »

Quote from: TB-AV on December 13, 2014, 02:23:25 am

Is Steinberg ok on a Mac? I get worried buying hardware with a software company name on it... especially when they compete with Logic on a Mac.

Yes, it's USB 2.0 and is compatible with all Common DAW software. I've heard very good things about the pre's in the UR22. http://www.steinberg.net/en/products/audio_interfaces/ur_serie/modelle/ur22.html

TB-AV · « **Reply #68 on:** December 13, 2014, 02:27:15 am »

Quote from: Scooter Trash on December 13, 2014, 02:21:45 am

Personally I've tried very hard to determine what Hollywood's needs are and to help her decide what equipment would be most suitable. If I got off-track it was in an effort to clarify something or to help her avoid making a poor decision. Any elaboration was meant to explain the reasoning.

Agree, damn we are trying to cover every possible aspect from cash outlay, to future proof, to audio quality, to stage vs home, AND let her make the decision from a rather complicated but narrow list that works as well as it can under all those criteria.

That's not exactly an easy task.

Hollywood · « **Reply #69 on:** December 13, 2014, 02:28:55 am »

Steinberg is owned by Yamaha?

Scooter Trash · « **Reply #70 on:** December 13, 2014, 02:31:23 am »

Quote from: Hollywood on December 13, 2014, 02:28:55 am

Steinberg is owned by Yamaha?

I'm not sure if the companies are related, but the Steinberg interfaces use Yamaha preamps.

TB-AV · « **Reply #71 on:** December 13, 2014, 02:32:01 am »

Quote from: Hollywood on December 13, 2014, 02:28:55 am

Steinberg is owned by Yamaha?

Yes, I think Gibson bought Cakewalk and Yamaha bolught Steinberg( Cubase )... Yamaha is very very good at digital audio.

---- I was not familar with that box but that is probable a very good choice. I have a Yamaha digital mixer and their software control is great. Those preamps are probably even better than what is in my board. they were the first company to put out a MIDI keyboard the DX7

I would have no qualms buying that interface. Little harder to find at $100 but I'm sure there i sone out there.

Used vs New... GM / MusiciansFriend sesm to have good descriptions... Look at MusiciansFriend too. I bought a used acoustic guitar and it looks like new. Had a smudge on the back.

Electronics... I would stay away from the ones with no boxes, manuals, software, etc.. I bought a B-Stock laptop that aside from some rough finish is perfect and was way over a hundred almost 200 cheaper.

I have bought used off ebay and while everything worked good, one piece had a bent knob shaft that made it turn funny. It doesn't hurt to ask if it came from a smoke free environment... I had a hell of time getting the stench out of an eDrum.... oddly sunlight helps with that ...

GC, SamAsh, MusiciansFriend(same as GC) will give a warranty but you have to pay return. You can however talk to them on the phone and have them check it out... Turn the knobs, insert plugs, etc...

But MusiciansFriend ratings are conservative if anything I would call their VG pretty much near new.

It's usually cosmetic. and to be honest for an interface there is little there to check. Two channels that should work exactly alike.

Hollywood · « **Reply #72 on:** December 13, 2014, 02:33:37 am »

So is it better to buy a new interface or is used okay?

Scooter Trash · « **Reply #73 on:** December 13, 2014, 02:37:24 am »

Quote from: Hollywood on December 13, 2014, 02:33:37 am

So is it better to buy a new interface or is used okay?

I think with an interface it would be best to buy new. The pots can wear out on them and you never know what kind of environment they came from. Even with a used gear warranty I would buy new. The price difference to me isn't worth the hassle of having to send something back and wait for it to be exchanged or repaired. And there are often shipping charges involved with repairs or exchanges.

Hollywood · « **Reply #74 on:** December 13, 2014, 02:38:57 am »

Awesome! Alright, well, I think that's all of my questions at the moment. Thanks a ton for your help, everyone! I really appreciate it.