Grateful Dead Music Forum

Anybody know of some? I recently invested in a new laptop and some recording software but, as with all built-in mics, the microphone is pretty worthless beyond a telephone call.

I know some very nice (and expensive!) ones exist, but they are well out of my current budget. It'd be used almost exclusively for putting down acoustic and vocal tracks. I've been doing some research online but figured I'd toss the question out to the knowledgeable folks out here before making a decision. So, anybody ever used one or know anything about them?? Any help is much appreciated.

I read good reviews on the Blue USB mics. But no experience!

strumminsix wrote:I read good reviews on the Blue USB mics. But no experience!

These ones, yeah? http://www.bluemic.com/store/index.php?crn=205

I've also read a little about them. My problem is that I'm currently residing in a place where stores with this type of equipment aren't exactly commonplace (and if they were, I think I'd need to brush up on vocabulary in order to have a meaningful conversation concerning the stuff). Because of that I'm relying solely on what information I can find on the net. Not exactly the best way to go about making a purchase, but I haven't really got a choice.

The reviews do sound good though!

I had a blue snowball for 2 days....tried recording and it always came out sounding like...sh%%%T...

Bought a Tascam DR-7 portable recorder to record with and then transfer to the computer .....works very, very well....even good enough to record live music in a small club venue.....

my 2 cents

Pistol

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Thanks for the input. I've been a bit hesitant about getting one, guess rightfully so.

In looking at what you guys recommended and what I've got available, the Tascam seems it'd be a good choice. I've been reading about it though and I've come across a few times already people saying that on low volume recordings, a hiss can be heard. Pistol, have you had any problems with that? Since it will primarily be used (for now at least) to record an acoustic guitar and vocals, do you think this would be an issue?

On my computer I've got Logic Express 9 and planned on using that to tweak the recordings. The benefit of a mic that actually hooks straight in is that I could lay one track down then go back for a lead or two and not need to worry about matching starting times. I assume with a portable recorder such as this I'd record, say, rhythm and vocals in one go then transfer that track to the computer. Play it back on the computer through headphones and then record a lead track, transfer that to the comp and try to match up the timing. I must say, I'm quite new to using more advanced recording programs, so I could be completely wrong assuming that's how I'd have to do it. As it's not the cheapest of purchases, I'd like to make sure I've got everything covered before going ahead with it.

I like your recommendation as well, riverrat. Thing is, I'll probably wait until I'm stateside again late summer to do something like that. What I'm looking for now as a (fairly) inexpensive piece of equipment that I can use to record myself with good sound quality.

Zoom H2 seems to do the trick for me. I use it as a usb mic, an interface for mixers etc, and to record live shows. The SD card makes it easy to record and then get it to your PC/laptop for editing w/ your software of choice.

Hi Steve.......I haven't had any problems with the Tascam DR 7.....never had the hiss issue but am recording electric with my band..2 guitars, drums, bass, vocals...I like it a lot...it has a screen I can see with out a magnifying glass...very user freindly....easy to work and transfer to the computer...it is portable...I set it up on a microphone stand in the middle of my music room and let it go....once you set the levels it is pretty simple...plays back in the car on the radio with a jack for mp3's......the only negative thing I will say about it is that it eats batteries......that said I love this toy....I am the chef in a restaurant/bar/venue that does a lot of intimate live music events....this thing records as good as or if not better than a lot of the audience tapes I used to have....I also had the Zoom H2....it worked well also but I hated the small screen and how you had to move through different screens to change things....I also went blind trying to use it.....other peeps here like the Zoom so thats my 5 cents...good luck...

Pistol

After a solid bit of research I ended up going with the Edirol R-09HR. I'm quite excited to give it a whirl, but think I'll be waiting at least three week until I get it. Thanks to those who posted for the info; I wouldn't have arrived at my decision without your input (and I think the portable recorder option is far better, and more useful, than the USB mic which I was originally thinking about). Thanks!

steve wrote: My problem is that I'm currently residing in a place where stores with this type of equipment aren't exactly commonplace (and if they were, I think I'd need to brush up on vocabulary in order to have a meaningful conversation concerning the stuff).

Yeah, Pittsburgh is one dodgy place, I've been there enough times to know THAT for certain. I get this recurring nightmare too, where I am shopping for gear, and keeping one eye over my shoulder (as one should always do in the greater P'burg area), when all of a sudden, I catch a glimpse of mttourpro sneaking up behind me! The next thing I know, I'm sitting up in bed screaming in terror.......shudder

Mick wrote:

steve wrote: My problem is that I'm currently residing in a place where stores with this type of equipment aren't exactly commonplace (and if they were, I think I'd need to brush up on vocabulary in order to have a meaningful conversation concerning the stuff).

Yeah, Pittsburgh is one dodgy place, I've been there enough times to know THAT for certain. I get this recurring nightmare too, where I am shopping for gear, and keeping one eye over my shoulder (as one should always do in the greater P'burg area), when all of a sudden, I catch a glimpse of mttourpro sneaking up behind me! The next thing I know, I'm sitting up in bed screaming in terror.......shudder

Haha. Guess I should eventually update my location. In Slovakia at the moment. Hilarious thoughts on the 'burgh though, and mttourpro.