USB Microphones

Andrew Broughton

Andrew Broughton

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Feb 2, 2011
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A musician friend of mine wants a simple USB mic to allow him to easily record "ideas" as they come to him while travelling, without having to pull out a proper interface, mic cable, etc. etc.

I know nothing of USB mics, except that we have one for the wife to play rock band on the PS/3.

Are there actually decent USB mics out there? Anyone had any experience with these and confirmed that they can sound good?

Thanks!
 
Re: USB Microphones

Dick Rees said:
Maybe a small accordion.......
Click to expand...

He said "musical." Oh, wait... that was in quotes. NM

That said, there are lots of little pocket recorders that range from voice grade to "bootleg the show" quality. What does the user need of these recordings, and what platform does he develop material on?
 
Re: USB Microphones

Tim McCulloch said:
He said "musical." Oh, wait... that was in quotes. NM

That said, there are lots of little pocket recorders that range from voice grade to "bootleg the show" quality. What does the user need of these recordings, and what platform does he develop material on?
Click to expand...

I agree with Tim.


While it can be nice to record straight into a DAW for editing/whatever.... most USB microphones have a set bit depth and a set sample rate which can make overdubbing into other sessions or working with other artists/material more difficult.

If they still REALLY want to go the built in USB route I would recommend the AT2020 USB though.
 
Re: USB Microphones

Tim McCulloch said:
What does the user need of these recordings, and what platform does he develop material on?
Click to expand...
Just to record raw ideas, vocal and guitar when traveling, on the bus, in the hotel, in the dressing room, or wherever... Stuff that can be overdubbed later with proper quality when somewhere that he can set up the rest of his gear.

Mac based recording.
 
Re: USB Microphones

Andrew Broughton said:
Just to record raw ideas, vocal and guitar when traveling, on the bus, in the hotel, in the dressing room, or wherever... Stuff that can be overdubbed later with proper quality when somewhere that he can set up the rest of his gear.

Mac based recording.
Click to expand...

Zoom H4. Can be used stand-alone or as an input to the Mac.
 
Re: USB Microphones

Blue snowball is what I would recommend if he wants to involve a laptop. Its a genuinely good and flexible microphone with USB connectivity.

That said, the suggestion of a decent quality handheld recorder is a good one. Then there is no computer at all!

If he loves iOS, then I have heard good things about the Blue Mikey.
 
Re: USB Microphones

Yea for quick USB mic's the Blue brand is pretty nice. I have a few friends that use them for podcasts/recording some garage stuff they send to other musician friends they collaborate with. Works decent enough from the recordings I've listened too.
 
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