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How to record electric guitar or acoustic guitar with only one USB microphone

By bestmicrophones.net

While it may not be the ideal method of recording electric or acoustic guitar, you can do it with just one USB microphone.

To do it, an audio interface might be helpful, but depending on the USB microphone you are using, it would not be absolutely necessary.

What you would need is:

  1. A USB microphone that has a gain control. An example of this would be the Blue Yeti USB microphone. This will allow you to control the gain of the microphone so that you do not get distortion that will ruin your recording. Normally, you would control the gain on your audio interface.
  2. A long enough USB cable that you can connect the microphone (when placed in front of your amp or acoustic guitar) to your computer.
  3. A DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) installed on your computer. Examples of DAWs are Apple Logic Pro, Garage Band, ProTools, or Ableton.

After you’ve connected the USB microphone to your computer, the DAW should recognize the mic and allow you to use it to record your track. One of your main focuses again, will be to ensure that you are not getting audio clipping from the microphone signal being too loud from the recording. This is easier on an audio interface as many of them visually show there is too much gain. But you will need to make sure that the gain control on your USB mic is set to a level that will not produce too much gain resulting in distortion on your audio track. This is something you may need to do by test recording then turning down the gain, and repeat.

Note: USB mics are very convenient but are usually not used as much for recording as XLR microphones, especially for instruments, so most of the top microphones used for recording electric guitar are usually not USB.

Does the Shure SM57 Microphone Need Phantom Power

By bestmicrophones.net In , ,

Are you considering the Shure SM57 microphone and wondering whether it needs phantom power? That is a good question to consider before purchasing a microphone like the SM57.

The answer is that because the Shure SM57 is a dynamic microphone, and not a condenser microphone, the Shure SM57 DOES NOT require phantom power.

What is phantom power?

Certain microphones, such as condenser microphones, need external power to work.

Phantom power is the name for the process of providing DC (direct current) power to microphones which require it.

Phantom power is provided to a microphone by a audio interface or a mixing board via the microphone cable.

You will often see phantom power labeled as 48V or +48V on audio interfaces such as those made by Focusrite. To use phantom power, simply connect the mic to the cable and the cable to the interface, then push the 48V button on.

Dynamic microphones such as the Shure SM57, unlike condensers, do not have the same type of active electronic circuitry inside, and therefore do not require phantom power in order to work.

Originally condenser microphones had to get their power from an external, stand alone power supply unit.

Later on, manufacturers such as Neumann wanted to eliminate this extra, often bulky power supply and created a new way of providing it: through the mixing board and via the mic cable.

Because there was no longer a visible extra power supply unit that people could see, they named the new way of providing power “phantom power.”

Additional related information about the Shure SM57 Microphone, and types of microphones:

Be sure to check out our full review of the Shure SM57 microphone

Learn whether the Shure SM57 is good for vocals (you might be surprised)

Find out the difference between condenser and dynamic microphones

Can the Shure SM57 Microphone be Used for Vocals?

By bestmicrophones.net In , ,

The iconic Shure SM57 dynamic microphone is best known for its use as an instrument microphone as it is one of the top microphones for recording electric guitars, snare drums, and acoustic guitars. The SM57 is also well known for its use as a live microphone in both musical and speaking settings.

With this as its primary reputation, it is a very reasonable question to ask whether the Shure SM57 can also be used for vocals.

Shure SM57 microphone for vocals

The answer may surprise you, but perhaps shouldn’t, given the SM57’s further reputation as one of the most versatile microphones in history.

The answer is that yes, the Shure SM57 can be used for vocals, and you, much like we were, might be even pleasantly surprised by how it does.

Firstly, before we get to our test results for the Shure SM57’s abilities when recording vocals, it’s important to mention that the SM57 has something of an established history for use in live, on stage vocals.

Many famous artists have used the Shure SM57 while performing live and these are artists who certainly could have had their choice of any microphone they wanted. So it’s safe to say that they were pleased with its results for live vocals. Additionally, the SM57’s hard earned reputation for ruggedness and dependability makes it a great live microphone in general.

Want to check out an example of the Shure SM57 getting used in live performance? Here is Brad Delp of Boston using one in this performance of “A Man I’ll Never Be”

Now on to our test results for recording vocals using the Shure SM57. We had tested top vocal microphones to determine our Best Microphones for Recording Vocals recommendations. During this testing, we were very pleasantly surprised by the performance of the Shure SM57. So much so that the SM57 ended up making the list!

The Shure SM57’s crisp midrange and pronounced presence provide it with a unique character which does wonders for certain vocal performances, particularly in rock, punk, or blues genres.

In our testing, which we conducted by running the SM57 through a Cloudlifter CL-1 mic activator to add clean gain, we found that the Shure SM57 did very well on vocals. While it was occasionally a little darker sounding and slightly lacking in high end detail, most of the time, there was not a significant difference between the SM57 and the Shure SM58, which of course is used primarily for vocals. Overall, the SM57 did a very nice job on vocals, and you would not know that it was not something that it was not known for. We do not think it would do quite as well, however, if not being run through a mic activator.

Similar to how the Shure SM57 has been used by many famous artists when performing live, there have also been many famous artists who recorded vocals with it. For example, Anthony Kiedis of the Red Hot Chili Peppers has recorded entire his vocals on entire albums by using the Shure SM57. It was actually considered to be part of his distinctive sound.

So if you are considering an Shure SM57, perhaps because it does so well recording instruments and you wanted to know if it can be used for vocals, and wanted to know whether it can also be used for vocals, the answer is that while there are better mics that are specifically designed for vocals, this one can do both live and recorded vocals, and it does them quite well. Just one more reason why some people believe it is the “one mic to rule them all.”

Does the Shure SM58 Vocal Microphone Need Phantom Power?

By bestmicrophones.net In , , ,

This is a question that people considering a Shure SM58 microphone sometimes ask. And it is definitely a good idea to know whether this iconic vocal mic requires phantom power before you make a purchase.

The answer is that the Shure SM58 is a dynamic microphone, rather than a condenser microphone, and therefore it DOES NOT require phantom power.

One caveat, which would apply only to a smaller group of SM58 users, is that if you plan to use the Shure SM58 in conjunction with a mic activator such as the Cloudlifter-CL, then you would need phantom power as the Cloudlifter does require phantom power. A mic activator adds clean gain.

Most users of the Shure SM58 do not use it with a Cloudlifter-CL, so this would not apply, and as said above, no phantom power is needed. That said, we do think the mic sounds a little bit better with a mic activator. But it is a great mic no matter what, which is why the Shure SM58 made our list of The Best Microphones for Recording Vocals

Also, be sure to check out our review of the Shure SM58 dynamic microphone

Bonus info: How do you use phantom power for a microphone on an audio interface?

If you do ever need to use phantom power for a microphone, it’s easy to do.

First, connect the microphone to the mic cable and the mic cable to the audio interface.

Most audio interfaces have a button to turn on the phantom power. It is usually labeled something such as 48V or +48V. Most of the time, if you activate the phantom power, the button will then light up to show it is turned on and active. Depending on the number of inputs on the audio interface, there may be more than one phantom power button and you have to have the correct one turned on. Often times, each phantom power button provides phantom power for a certain number of the inputs.

If you are using a mic that requires phantom power, you will not get any sound out of the mic until it is turned on. Once the phantom power is turned on and active, you will be able to hear sound coming through the microphone.

Mixers can also provide phantom power.

How to Do High Quality Recordings of Acoustic Drums at Home

By bestmicrophones.net In , ,

The good news is you can achieve high quality recordings of acoustic drums in your home studio.

However, you may need to increase the number of microphones you own in order to do so.

Miking a drum set is the number one thing that might cause someone to significantly increase the number of microphones they own.

Other Factors to Consider

Before we get to the microphones, let’s first mention a few other factors.

  1. Does your drum set sound good? You may need to put on new drum heads or tune up your existing drum heads. Adjust whatever you are using to dampen drum heads and your kick drum to your liking. Make sure your kick drum pedal is working well. Overall, make sure your drum set is sounding good on its own.
  2. Does the room you are recording in have good acoustics? It will certainly be better if it does.

Audio Interface

One of the primary constraints on how many microphones you can use is your audio interface. How many microphones can it record at the same time? Many audio interfaces have only 2 or 4 inputs for microphones that can record at the same time.

If you have an audio interface that can record 4 microphones at the same time, then you can do the most basic drum mic set up that will sound good, the “Glyn Johns Method.” We will discuss this technique shortly.

If you have an audio interface that can record 8 microphones simultaneously, such as the Focurite Scarlett 18i20, then you will be able to do a more comprehensive job of miking your drumset. Professional music studios will use even more microphones to mic the drums, doing things such as miking the top AND bottom of the toms and snare drum.

So before you start buying microphones, you should consider what your audio interface can accommodate, and what your plan is for miking the drums. You can also consider upgrading your audio interface.

Miking Your Drumset With 4 Microphones – The Glyn Johns Method

Glyn Johns is a famous English recording engineer who worked with The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, The Who, The Rolling Stones, and many other famous artists. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

During his career, he developed a method of recording drums using 4 microphones which is now referred to as the “Glyn Johns Method” or the “Glyn Johns Technique.” Glyn Johns developed this drum recording technique while working with Led Zeppelin, and it was used to record much of John Bonham’s amazing drumming.

The Glyn Johns Method utilizes one mic on the snare drum, one mic on the kick drum, and two overhead mics. The overhead mics will work best as a pair of large diaphragm condensers. Some possibilities on the more affordable side would be the Rode NT1 or the AT2035. Going up in price brings us to the Neumann TLM102 or the AKG C214. Another option would be small diaphragm pencil condenser microphones. An affordable option is the Samson CO2 Pencil Condensers. More expensive is the Shure SM81.

You would ideally mic the snare with a top snare drum mic such as the Shure SM57 or Sennheiser MD421-II, and mic the kick drum with a top kick drum mic such as the Shure Beta 52A, the AKGD112, or the Sennheiser E602. Both the snare and the kick drum would be miked in a standard fashion (snare drum mic slightly above the snare and pointing at the center of the snare and kick drum mic inside the kick drum moving it closer or farther from the drum head to taste) .

To set up the overhead mics, you will need a measuring tape.

Position the first overhead microphone 40 to 60 inches directly about the center of the snare drum, pointing straight down.

Position the second overhead microphone, which is not a true overhead as it is more off to the side, slightly to the right of the floor tom with the mic aimed across the tom directly at the center of the snare drum. This microphone needs to be exactly the same distance (whatever you chose in the 40 to 60 inches range) from the snare drum center as the other one to prevent phase issues. Make sure you measure to be sure!

There you have it the Glyn Johns Method! Now you can mic your drum set with just 4 microphones.

Miking Your Drumset with 8 Microphones

If your audio interface has enough inputs for microphones, you can next move up to miking your drumset with 8 microphones.

In this case, you would have 2 overhead mics, placed in a more regular overhead set up such as X-Y or spaced pair, 1 snare drum mic (such as Shure SM57 or Sennheiser MD421-II), 1 high hat mic (ideally a small diaphragm pencil condenser such as the Shure SM81, Neumann K184, or Samson CO2 pencil condenser), a mic on each tom drum (such as the Sennheiser MD421-II, Shure SM57, or the excellent Sennheiser e604 which clips right onto the tom drums), and a kick drum mic (Shure Beta52A, AKG D112, Sennheiser E602, Audix D6 etc). If you have less tom drums, you could put an extra mic on the kick drum – one inside the drum and one outside the drum.

What is the Difference Between Condenser and Dynamic Microphones?

By bestmicrophones.net

What is the Difference Between Condenser and Dynamic Microphones?

How to Choose the Perfect Mic for Your Voice: Condenser vs. Dynamic Microphones

Introduction: When it comes to making your voice heard, choosing the right microphone is key. Condenser and dynamic microphones are two popular options, each with its own strengths. Let’s break down the differences between these mics in a simple and easy-to-understand way, with a focus on their use in vocals.

  1. Sensitive Souls:
    • Condenser Microphones: Imagine condenser mics as the sensitive artists in the microphone world. They pick up every detail of your voice, making them perfect for capturing the nuances and subtleties. If you’re a singer who loves expressing emotion through your vocals, a condenser mic is your best bet. Condenser microphones also pick up lots of background noise, which is a consideration depending on your home studio set up.
    • Dynamic Microphones: Dynamic mics are considerably less sensitive. They might not catch every whisper, but they shine when it comes to handling loud sounds. If you’re a belter or love performing with a band, a dynamic mic will handle your powerful voice without breaking a sweat.
  2. Power Play:
    • Condenser Microphones: These mics require an external power source, which can come from a battery, an external power supply, or phantom power provided by your recording equipment.
    • Dynamic Microphones: Dynamic mics don’t need any extra power – just plug them in, and they’re ready to amplify your voice.
  3. Studio vs. Stage:
    • Condenser Microphones: If you’re hitting the studio and want your vocals to shine with clarity and finesse, a condenser mic is your go-to. They’re perfect for capturing studio magic and intimate performances. On stage, condenser mics will possibly have significant problems from all the background noise they are picking up.
    • Dynamic Microphones: On the stage, dynamic mics’ durability and ability to handle high-volume situations make them ideal for live performances. If you’re a gigging musician, a dynamic mic will be your trusty sidekick. Dynamic mics are also well suited to studio use, especially if you are a louder, more powerful singer not trying to pick up the nuances of your voice as much.
  4. Ruggedness Comparison:
    • Condenser Microphones: Treat them gently! Condenser mics are a bit delicate and might not handle rough treatment or harsh conditions well. Keep them in the cozy comfort of a studio environment.
    • Dynamic Microphones: Tough as nails! Dynamic mics can take a beating and keep on going. They’re built to withstand the bumps and knocks of the stage, making them the perfect choice for on-the-go musicians.

Conclusion: In the world of vocals, choosing between a condenser and a dynamic microphone depends on your style and where you love to perform. If you’re a studio sweetheart, go for a condenser mic to capture every vocal nuance. If you’re a stage sensation, a dynamic mic will be your durable companion, amplifying your voice with power and resilience. Your voice is unique, and the right microphone is like a magic wand that enhances your sonic wizardry – choose wisely!

View our list of top microphones for recording vocals, which contains both dynamic and condenser microphones

How Many Microphones do you Need for a Home Studio?

By bestmicrophones.net In , ,

In this case, need is a word that could mean different things to different people. You “could” record an album with one mic if it was a very versatile mic (like the Shure SM57 or Sennheiser MD421-II) or even certain quality condensers like the Neumann TLM102, and depending on what you are doing on that album (namely, you are not miking drums).

However, would your album sound as good as if you used microphones that are designed for different purposes? No. A good way to think of microphones is that they are like tools and work well for certain things. So ideally you want to have a few microphones that will allow you to record everything you want to record well.

The main thing that will push your need for additional microphones outside of trying to upgrade your main mic or getting a mic or 2 for a particular purpose, is recording drums.

To record drums in the most basic way that will sound good, you could use the “Glyn Johns” technique, which was developed by the famous English sound engineer of the same name, who worked with Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, The Who, The Rolling Stones, etc.

This method in a nutshell is to mic the snare and the kick drum, then use 1 overhead mic 40″ above the snare, and another 40″ from the snare just beyond the floor tom. So 4 mics are required to do this set up.

The next level up in miking drums would be to use 8 mics – 2 overheads, snare, kick, high hat, and the 3 toms.

From there you can keep going further if you have enough mics and enough inputs on your recording equipment to handle them and do things like 2 mics on the kick drum, miking the snare from above and below etc.

The Best Microphones for Recording Music: A Comprehensive Review

By bestmicrophones.net

Introduction

If you are a music enthusiast or a professional musician, you understand the significance of having a high-quality microphone for recording your music. Whether you are a solo artist, in a band, or a music producer, the right microphone can make all the difference in capturing your unique sound. In this blog post, we will review some of the best microphones available for recording music, helping you make an informed decision for your next recording project.

Section 1: Microphones for Music Recording

When it comes to music recording, condenser microphones are widely preferred due to their sensitivity, wide frequency response, and ability to capture subtle details. One such popular condenser microphone is the Neumann U87. Known for its warm and transparent sound, the Neumann U87 has been a staple in professional studios for many years. It delivers exceptional clarity and is suitable for a variety of musical genres.

Another excellent option for music recording is the Shure SM58. While it is primarily known as a live performance microphone, the SM58 also shines in the studio. It offers a balanced sound with a tight proximity effect, making it ideal for vocals and acoustic instruments. The SM58 is also highly durable, ensuring it can withstand the demands of recording sessions.

Section 2: Microphones for Live Music Performance

When it comes to live music performance, dynamic microphones are the preferred choice due to their durability, ability to handle high sound pressure levels, and excellent feedback rejection. One of the most popular dynamic microphones for live performance is the Sennheiser e835. It offers a smooth and natural sound, with an emphasis on vocals. The e835 also features a cardioid pickup pattern, reducing background noise and ensuring clear vocals.

If you are a guitarist or a drummer, the Audix i5 dynamic microphone is an excellent option for live performances. It is designed to handle high sound pressure levels and has a tailored frequency response for capturing the nuances of instruments. The i5 also features a tight cardioid pickup pattern, minimizing bleed from other instruments on stage.

Section 3: Microphones for Video Recording

For those involved in video production, having a reliable microphone for capturing high-quality audio is essential. One popular microphone for video recording is the Rode VideoMic Pro. It is a shotgun microphone that attaches directly to your camera, providing directional audio capture. The VideoMic Pro offers broadcast-quality sound, making it ideal for professional videographers and content creators.

If you are looking for a budget-friendly option, the Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB is a versatile microphone suitable for both video recording and podcasting. It offers both USB and XLR connectivity options, allowing you to connect directly to your computer or use it with professional audio interfaces. The ATR2100x-USB also features built-in headphone monitoring and excellent sound quality.

Conclusion

Whether you are recording music, performing live, or working on video projects, having the right microphone is essential for capturing high-quality audio. The Neumann U87, Shure SM58, Sennheiser e835, Audix i5, Rode VideoMic Pro, and Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB are just a few examples of the many excellent microphones available. Consider your specific needs and budget to choose the microphone that best suits your requirements. Happy recording!

Choosing the Perfect Microphone for Your Musical Endeavors

By bestmicrophones.net

Introduction

When it comes to recording music, performing live, or creating captivating videos, one essential tool that can make all the difference is a high-quality microphone. The right microphone can enhance the clarity and richness of your voice or instrument, allowing your talent to shine through.

In this blog post, we will explore the different types of microphones available for various purposes and provide helpful tips for selecting the perfect microphone for your specific needs.

Recording Music

Whether you’re a solo artist, part of a band, or a music producer, having a microphone that accurately captures the nuances of your voice or instrument is crucial for producing professional-quality recordings.

For vocals, a condenser microphone is often the preferred choice due to its sensitivity and ability to capture subtle details. Condenser microphones are commonly used in studio settings and are known for their clear and transparent sound reproduction. Some popular options include the Neumann U87, AKG C414, and Audio-Technica AT2020.

If you’re recording instruments, such as guitars or drums, dynamic microphones are often the go-to choice. Dynamic microphones are more robust and can handle high sound pressure levels, making them ideal for capturing the powerful sound of amplified instruments. The Shure SM57 and Sennheiser MD421 are widely regarded as excellent dynamic microphones for recording instruments.

Live Music Performance

When performing live, the primary consideration is durability and reliability. You need a microphone that can withstand the rigors of touring and deliver consistent performance night after night.

Dynamic microphones are the preferred choice for live music performance due to their durability and ability to handle high sound pressure levels. The Shure SM58 is an industry-standard microphone known for its rugged construction and excellent sound quality. The Sennheiser e935 and Audio-Technica AE4100 are also popular options that offer exceptional performance and reliability.

Video Production

Whether you’re creating YouTube videos, vlogs, or recording live performances, having a microphone that captures crystal-clear audio is essential for engaging your audience.

Lavalier microphones, also known as lapel microphones, are commonly used in video production due to their small size and ability to provide hands-free operation. These microphones are ideal for interviews, presentations, and any situation where you need to capture audio without being obtrusive. The Rode SmartLav+ and Sennheiser ME2 are highly recommended lavalier microphones that offer excellent sound quality.

If you prefer a microphone that is visible on camera, shotgun microphones are a popular choice. Shotgun microphones have a long, narrow pickup pattern that allows you to capture audio from a specific direction while minimizing background noise. The Rode VideoMic Pro and Audio-Technica AT875R are top-rated shotgun microphones that can significantly improve the audio quality of your videos.

Conclusion

Choosing the right microphone is crucial for capturing high-quality audio in any musical or video production. Whether you’re recording music, performing live, or creating videos, understanding the different types of microphones available and their respective strengths is the first step towards making an informed decision.

Remember to consider factors such as sensitivity, durability, and intended use when selecting a microphone. By choosing the right microphone for your specific needs, you can take your musical endeavors or video productions to the next level!

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Perfect Microphone for Your Recording Needs

By bestmicrophones.net

Introduction

Are you a musician, vocalist, or content creator looking to take your recordings to the next level? Look no further! In this guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about choosing the perfect microphone for your recording needs. Whether you’re recording music, performing live, or creating videos, having the right microphone is essential for capturing professional-quality sound.

Section 1: Microphones for Recording Music

When it comes to recording music, the microphone you choose can make a world of difference. There are several factors to consider, such as the microphone’s polar pattern, frequency response, and sensitivity. For vocals, a condenser microphone is often the go-to choice, as it captures the nuances of your voice with exceptional detail. On the other hand, dynamic microphones are more suitable for recording instruments with high sound pressure levels, such as drums and electric guitars.

Additionally, consider the environment in which you’ll be recording. If you have a sound-treated studio, a large-diaphragm condenser microphone might be the perfect fit. However, if you’ll be recording in a less controlled environment, a dynamic microphone with good background noise rejection can help minimize unwanted sound.

Section 2: Microphones for Live Music Performance

When it comes to live music performance, durability and reliability are key. You need a microphone that can withstand the rigors of the stage while delivering excellent sound quality. A dynamic microphone, such as a handheld dynamic or a dynamic instrument microphone, is often the top choice for live performances.

Consider the specific requirements of your performance. If you’re a vocalist who loves to move around the stage, a wireless microphone system can provide the freedom and flexibility you need. If you’re an instrumentalist, look for microphones that are designed to capture the unique characteristics of your instrument. For example, a clip-on microphone for a saxophone or a drum microphone kit for a drummer.

Section 3: Microphones for Video

Creating high-quality video content requires more than just a great camera. Sound plays a crucial role in capturing the attention of your audience and conveying your message effectively. When it comes to microphones for video, there are a few options to consider.

If you’re recording interviews or dialogue, a lavalier microphone, also known as a lapel microphone, can provide clear and consistent audio. These small, discreet microphones can be clipped onto clothing, ensuring that the speaker’s voice is captured clearly. For capturing ambient sound or recording music performances, a shotgun microphone can be a valuable tool. These highly directional microphones pick up sound primarily from the front and reject noise from the sides and rear, resulting in clean and focused audio.

Conclusion

Choosing the right microphone is essential for achieving professional-quality recordings, whether you’re a musician, performer, or content creator. By considering the specific needs of your recording environment and the type of sound you want to capture, you can find the perfect microphone for your needs. So go ahead, explore the options, and take your recordings to new heights!

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