microphone settings?

[Willie Toth]

Recording directly into your computer using this type of mic is really not the way to go and is most likely your problem … The mic is for podcast not recording vocals for music … Also, you really need a large diaphram mic for recording vocals then I would have that plugged into a tube mic pre from there a compressor limitor which is a must for vocals, then into your computer

incidental poet

[John Ferguson]

Although I appreciate your reply, it also drove home the amatuer I am. Hearing that this Samson was such a good mic from none other than Roger McGuinn himself, I thought it might be ok for vocals too. At 79.00, it was in my range.
All I can say is…DARN 🙁
I wonder, is there any sort of converter to connect an old Bogen mixer I have and then use one of my “regualr” mics?

Either way, thank you for your help.

John

[Willie Toth]

Just run your line out into the line in of your sound card … You will have to build a cable to go from the mixer to a mini phone … Might I suggest looking into a tube mic pre … Presonus makes a very affordable one that is well worth the money … https://www.presonus.com/products/Detail.aspx?ProductId=16

WILLIE

incidental poet

[Emmett Andrews]

While the Samson isn’t the highest quality mic available, I’ve heard acceptable results. Certainly nothing that sounded like a megaphone. That leads me to believe that this is more of a room problem…Or maybe even a faulty product. What type of room are you recording in? Is there any acoustic treatment? How far away from the mic are you while recording? Do you have a sample we could hear?

[John Ferguson]

although the room isn’t setup for acoustics, it’s not echo-ey (?) by any means, like a bathroom. Usually I’m about 6″ from the mic. I’ve thought about maybe turning down the sensitivity and moving to say 1″ ? Sure I can humbly send a sample. Maybe of singing and just speaking? I will absolutely concede that my settings are off. I usually add a bit of highs, and of course, reverb! 😀
Could you tell me how to post or send a sample?

Thanks!

BTW, I’m looking at the site that Willie sent me to. I have to admit that if it meant buying a mic and then other equipment to run everything to my pc, I might have to bow out, seeing I’m not very technical.

…and finally! Should I be getting email notifications of posts? I just happened to check here today and see I have replies.

[Willie Toth]

John,

You can E-mail a sample to me at loganonestudio@aol.com … I have traveled the road from radio shack dynamic mic’s to higher end tube mic’s so I know where you are coming from when you talk about equipment and cost … It comes down to just how good a sound you want to get … For the longest time I used a shure 57 for vocals and did really well with it but once you start training your ear you it’s a natural progression yo start searching out better quality (which doesn’t mean big prices) … If you have any concerns about the room just build a small 3 sided booth with blankets or hang a blanket on the wall and place the mic in front of it … Make sure you are using a wind screen, or pop filter … The reason I suggested using a mic pre is that it will boost your singal to noise ratio … Less gain for a better singal makes for a cleaner sound … I like to record my vocals around -6db … I hope this helps and I am sure Emmett will add his twist to this as he usually does when I respond to a post but remember everyone has their own way of doing things and every idea and or suggestion can only help, I know I have learned a lot and picked up some great idea’s from all who post … Looking forward to getting your clip ………….. WILLIE

incidental poet

[Emmett Andrews]

I actually really like the SM57 on vocals (sometimes). I will stand by my belief that it’s one of the best mics ever concieved.

Lots of good advice from Willie here. As far as the recording level, there will always be an ongoing debate about what’s “best”. I don’t even bother with the debating part of that one because there’s no right answer. My personal preference is to record as hot as humanly possible without clipping. As long as you’re getting a fairly strong signal and not clipping, whatever level you choose should be fine.

I’m still hung up on the megaphone sound…That just doesn’t seem right at all. I hate to ask this and I don’t mean to insult, but are you absolutely sure you’re singing into the correct side of the mic? I’ve seen it before….More than once, where someone will be singing into the back of the diaphragm and, as a result, get a repulsive sound.

Emmett

[John Ferguson]

Not sure why I’m not getting email notification, but…
I hope both Willie and Emmett do not mind me addressing both in my posts? Mostly to help with MY confusion! As far as getting another mic, I guess it’s something to consider if it can be plugged in to my pc? Of course price too! I see the Shure mic you both like is reasonable.When you refer to “clipping” you mean. not going in to the red?
“Singing in to the wrong side of the mic…” Not an insult at all!! It’s actually a strong possibility since I assumed I was able to sing anywhere! I pretty much always sing into the side with the name on it?
“I like to record my vocals around -6db ” I’ll look at the meters in Audition to see if I can decipher?
I will send a sample or two on Tuesday to you Willie.
Thanks to both of you Guys!

[Willie Toth]

John,

I don’t think creative cow has auto notification for anyone other than the forum leaders but I could be wrong … Singing into the logo side is the right direction and clipping is going into the red … The 57 is the workhorse of the industry and I can’t agree more with Emmett on that point … You can plug in directly in but you will need to make an adapter to go from the XLR to your line in of your sound card … WILLIE

incidental poet

[Emmett Andrews]

There’s also a device called CEntrace MicPort Pro. I don’t recall the price, but a Google search should turn up some info. It turns any mic into a USB mic. And it sounds GOOOOOD. Frankly, I think it sounds better than many inexpesive preamps, like the M-Audio USB devices and such. Worth a look!

Emmett