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Good Mic for internet Broadcasting


dj106tw

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The thing with technology today, is that it is catching up so fast. I use a cheap dollarstore microphone because 1Radio's stream is only like 64kb\s so I have no use for a high quality mic.

 

Now if I was streaming at 320kb/s then I would want a REALLY REALLY REALLY REALLY REALLYYYYYY high quality mic

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  • 3 months later...

Instead of getting USB microphones, these XLR to USB interfaces could save you from getting stuck with one mic that you can only use with USB.

With one of these, you can use almost any mic with your computer and be ready-to-go portable.

 

 

There's the MicMate from MXL:

http://www.mxlmics.com/condenser_mic/micMate/micMate.htm

 

The Icicle from Blue:

file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/CARLWE%7E1/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot.jpghttp://www.fullcompass.com/product/358839.html

 

The MicPort Pro from CEntrance:

http://www.centrance.com/products/mp/

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Just because you have a 64kbps stream doesn't mean you don't need a high quality mic. Most of the cheaper mics cut in and out and make super loud hissing sounds that would sound terrible even on a 24kbps mp3 stream.

 

A good sond card is also very important. With a cheap one that comes with your computer, it is going to cause hissing, squeeling, distortion, etc. Don't go to a computer store and pickup the most expensive one you can find though. Most of those are meant for playback, not recording. The cheapest ones you are going to find are USB/Firewire devices (nomrally available at music sotres or online). The Line6 Tone Port series has amazing quality and is easy to install. Ranges anywhere from $150 to $600 I believe. The more expensive ones don't have better quality, they just have more inputs and outputs.

 

My recommendation is what James said, try a Behringer product. Their C-1 is $49 USD and is amazing for the price. Their B-1 is $100 I think and sounds even better.

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Instead of getting USB microphones, these XLR to USB interfaces could save you from getting stuck with one mic that you can only use with USB.

With one of these, you can use almost any mic with your computer and be ready-to-go portable.

 

 

There's the MicMate from MXL:

http://www.mxlmics.com/condenser_mic/micMate/micMate.htm

 

The Icicle from Blue:

file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/CARLWE%7E1/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot.jpghttp://www.fullcompass.com/product/358839.html

 

The MicPort Pro from CEntrance:

http://www.centrance.com/products/mp/

 

Hmm never seen one of those before. I guess it ends up serving as your sound card?

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Just because you have a 64kbps stream doesn't mean you don't need a high quality mic. Most of the cheaper mics cut in and out and make super loud hissing sounds that would sound terrible even on a 24kbps mp3 stream.

 

A good sond card is also very important. With a cheap one that comes with your computer, it is going to cause hissing, squeeling, distortion, etc. Don't go to a computer store and pickup the most expensive one you can find though. Most of those are meant for playback, not recording. The cheapest ones you are going to find are USB/Firewire devices (nomrally available at music sotres or online). The Line6 Tone Port series has amazing quality and is easy to install. Ranges anywhere from $150 to $600 I believe. The more expensive ones don't have better quality, they just have more inputs and outputs.

 

My recommendation is what James said, try a Behringer product. Their C-1 is $49 USD and is amazing for the price. Their B-1 is $100 I think and sounds even better.

Thanks for the info! You just spit out all the right stuff and i love it! REP added!

Studiio - All-In-One Radio Communication Platform
SMS | Phone Calls | Social Media | Content

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Hmm never seen one of those before. I guess it ends up serving as your sound card?

 

That's the premise. Any mic, any USB port...no installation. Why get a whole extra mic?

Plus, 48v phantom power via the USB!

 

The only reason I didn't pick one up is because I often use a Shure SM7B, which needs extra gain.

I use an ART TUBE MP Project Series USB which is still very portable and requires no drivers, no installation. This allows for a great deal of flexabily if you do anything remote work outside the confines of your studio.

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Just because you have a 64kbps stream doesn't mean you don't need a high quality mic. Most of the cheaper mics cut in and out and make super loud hissing sounds that would sound terrible even on a 24kbps mp3 stream.

 

A good sond card is also very important. With a cheap one that comes with your computer, it is going to cause hissing, squeeling, distortion, etc. Don't go to a computer store and pickup the most expensive one you can find though. Most of those are meant for playback, not recording. The cheapest ones you are going to find are USB/Firewire devices (nomrally available at music sotres or online). The Line6 Tone Port series has amazing quality and is easy to install. Ranges anywhere from $150 to $600 I believe. The more expensive ones don't have better quality, they just have more inputs and outputs.

 

My recommendation is what James said, try a Behringer product. Their C-1 is $49 USD and is amazing for the price. Their B-1 is $100 I think and sounds even better.

 

I've got a good quality microphone for my studio, however my sound card's microphone input has got damaged recently, I'm now looking for a replacement/upgrade so my show currently has no voice. :/

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Plus, 48v phantom power via the USB!

 

You brought up another point I meant to mention.

 

If you get a decent mic it is most likely going to have phantom power which will require either the sound card I recommended, a mixing board with it built in, or that USB device you recommended Carl.

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I'm a firm believer in the standard shure sm57 amd sm58s. Industry standard and they last forever. I actually got mine used on ebay for a song. I agree with kwdservices .. you gotta have a decent soundcard or whatever you plug in won't help. I used a $20 headset for a year and as soon as I changed to a shure I got feedback, all positive. I told them they shoulda said something before.. lol. Bare in mind as someone said above.. gain. Get a mixer board, even a Radio Shack one will do (ebay again). You get a much more pro sounding output.
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You can have a $3,000 microphone or a $100 mic.

It could be a condenser or dynamic, generic or boutique.

They are not a one-size-fits-all type of hardware.

 

What makes or breaks vocal transmission starts with the source, your voice. What's recommended is investing TIME into learning proper microphone technique.

Familiarize yourself with pick-up patterns, proximity effect, 'plosives' (popped "P's), sibilance, off-axis rejection, room tone, voice, diction, mic placement, interference, spl's.....I can go on and on (and gladly will if requested).

 

Your voice is as unique as you are and the microphone that you feel best reproduces your voice is the one to go with.

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You can have a $3,000 microphone or a $100 mic.

It could be a condenser or dynamic, generic or boutique.

They are not a one-size-fits-all type of hardware.

 

What makes or breaks vocal transmission starts with the source, your voice. What's recommended is investing TIME into learning proper microphone technique.

Familiarize yourself with pick-up patterns, proximity effect, 'plosives' (popped "P's), sibilance, off-axis rejection, room tone, voice, diction, mic placement, interference, spl's.....I can go on and on (and gladly will if requested).

 

Your voice is as unique as you are and the microphone that you feel best reproduces your voice is the one to go with.

LOL Carl .. But most internet broadcasters are hobbyists and want a one size fits all solution. For that I still think the shures are best suited. Just my opinion.

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LOL Carl .. But most internet broadcasters are hobbyists and want a one size fits all solution. For that I still think the Shures are best suited. Just my opinion.

 

Well, you'll get no argument from me there!

I LOVE my Shure SM7B. It's one of the most "all-purpose" pro audio mics out there and a broadcast standard. I use it for just that kind of flexibility that you spoke of. I dig the whole Shure product line!

 

But even if you're using a SM57 or SM58 or their clones from Radio Shack or a cheap karaoke mic, knowing and utilizing the above mentioned tips on microphone technique are what can help a hobbyist turn pro.

The digital age has granted media access to so many people that it pays to stand apart by demonstrating professionalism.

 

Who doesn't want to make income doing what they already enjoy? They're only suggestions (the kind I wish I'd received when I was a "hobbyist") so take what you need and leave the rest.

 

______________________________________________

To everyone seeking a good mic for internet broadcasting, go for the highest levels of reliability and versatility that suit your budget. Shop around, read reviews, learn how mics work, see what models have endured the test of time. Ask me...I'll try to help. I don't know everything, but I know what works.

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  • 2 weeks later...
Ever made a visit to this site ? .. it offers a high quality mic for lesser than $100

http://www.zzounds.com/item--MSEMXL770

all details (also technical) are mentioned on this page

Yes! zZounds is a very decent retail site with lots of specs posted for the products they offer. Conducting a "microphone shootout" before ordering your selection is advised though.

 

That seems like a good deal for a brand new MXL 770, but bear in mind that retailers do not take returns on mics (something to do with its having been in proximity to a mouth) so if it turns out you don't like it, you'd likely have to resell it on eBay, but at a loss. On that note, there are a bunch of MXL 770 up for auction (one as low as $9.99) and no one is bidding on them. Not very encouraging investmentwise, but decide for yourself.

 

Some condensers are so superb at capturing sound, often to the point of being too sensitive for a working environment, such as a broadcast studio.

 

For voice overs, I love a condenser in an acousicly treated vocal isolation booth, but not near a clacking keyboard, computer fans or interference from a CRT. Though there are a few broadcast condensers, high-end dynamic mics are what you will usually see in use.

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Haha I have a cheap microphone for my station, I got it as a present from a friend to help with the station so I have no clue how much it cost. It isn't bad, but if definately isn't one of these top of the line ones you guys talk about. It doesn't really matter to me though becuase the mic was easy to hook up to SAM and turns on and works no problem, and plus I only use it Wednesdays every other Monday and weekends anyway.

:)

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It doesn't really matter to me though becuase the mic was easy to hook up to SAM and turns on and works no problem.

:)

Well that goes without saying then.

If whatever you have is working, great!!

If I had told myself "I'm not doing voice overs from home until I have a private vocal booth set up" I'd never have gotten started. Don't postpone productivity waiting for that certain brand or model of gear!

 

By the way...what kind of mic is it?

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  • 2 years later...

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