Showing posts with label podcasting. Show all posts
Showing posts with label podcasting. Show all posts

M-Audio Solaris Multipattern Condenser Microphone Review

M-Audio Solaris Multipattern Condenser Microphone
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Happy with product, only took about a week. It actually came with a shock mount which that wasn't list to come with it. Thanks

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The Solaris is a large-capsule condenser microphone that sounds as good as it looks. Beneath the stylish exterior lies the best-sounding solid-state electronics available at any price. Vintage design principles merge with incredibly tight manufacturing standards to yield no more than +/-1dB of deviation across the entire 20Hz-20kHz frequency range. The industry-thinnest evaporated gold diaphragm also delivers incredible sensitivity. Multi-pattern architecture provides flexibility that makes it ideal for just about any miking situation--included capturing vocals, guitar, piano, drums and live events. It's like having three mics in one.

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Rode Podcaster USB Dynamic Microphone Review

Rode Podcaster USB Dynamic Microphone
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
For recording my voice (baritone), it does a great job. For extra warmth that means close-miking, which in turn means not popping your p's, etc. If you hold it close to your mouth but don't directly face it end-on, that's easily done (or get a pop filter). [...].
The microphone electronics are extremely quiet - the audio is sampled at 18 bits.
It comes with a warranty which is easily extended to 10 years for free.
The real-time headphone monitoring is a great idea and works well.
It's a bit heavy (part of being built like a tank), and you need to think a little about how you're going to mount it, since some cheap desktop stands can barely manage it.
Some things to keep in mind are:
1) It likes close-miking (at least for male voices)
2) It is USB-only
3) It is a on the bit large and heavy side.
If those don't bother you, and the price is in your range, then you will probably like it a lot.

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The Rode Podcaster is the easiest way to record high quality vocals or audio on your computer and upload them to the world.Seamless integration was the idea, and it was obtained by creating a studio dynamic microphone with unparalleled A/D converters, so that the microphone can be plugged into any computer with no in/out boxes, no expensive computer pre-amps, just a USB cable.The Podcaster offers an end-address configuration, the clarity of RØDE's tailored-for-voice frequency response, an ON L.E.D, a direct headphone amp, and of course very low self noise.The Podcaster opens up possibilities for anyone who records audio from podcasters, journalists and students to business people adding audio files to websites and multimedia presentations.

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Shure SM7B Dynamic Vocal Microphone Review

Shure SM7B Dynamic Vocal Microphone
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
If you are looking for a microphone for voice-overs or broadcast use, THIS IS WHAT YOU NEED TO BUY.
The Shure SM-5 and SM-7 microphones are the best voice mics ever made. The large SM-5 is no longer made, so you can only find it used, but the SM-7 is just as good.Either one, you have the best.
Don't let the price fool you. I have brought this in to studios that have $3000 Neuman condenser mics and they laughed when I said I wanted to use my $300 Shure mic instead.I told them to put up both mics and do an A/B test while I spoke into each of them. The three other audio engineers in the studio had to agree, the Shure was better and it was a night and day difference, not hard at all to decide it was best.
This mic has a warmth and rich sound no other mic can give you.
Even industry publications like MIX MAGAZINE and RadioWorld have done reviews where they did the same tests and said the same things about this mic in comparison to the expensive condenser mics...
--------------------------------------------
from MIX MAGAZINE, March 1998, page 53:
Eric Paul has made a career out of recording country giants like Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash and many others: "My favorite overall microphone for voices is the Shure SM-5. If they can't get a Shure SM-5, they can still get Shure SM-7s, which are still available. If you've tried out three very expensive tube mics and you aren't happy with any of them, then the next step should immediately be a Shure SM-7. I will almost always guarentee you that if the expensive mic doesn't work, an SM-7 will. For some reason, people sound better on them."----------------------------------------------
from RADIO WORLD, February 18 1998, page 62:
Joe Stack, director of engineering for ABC radio said: "When I worked at WATH in Athens, Ohio, I had someone call and offer me ten RE-20s for the three SM-5s we had. I turned him down." ------------------------------------------
from EQ MAGAZINE, July 2006 issue:
The SM7 is perhaps most famous for being used as the vocal microphone on Michael Jackson's Thriller engineered by Bruce Swedien. -----------------------------------------------
Some interesting facts about the SM-7..."When we were doing "Off The Wall", "Thriller" and "Bad" I ended up with 6 Shure SM7's. That is a fantastic mike." - Bruce Swedien
The Red Hot Chili Peppers have used the SM 7 on vocals on every album they have done.
You can see James Hetfield from Metallica singing into a Shure SM 7 on the "Some Kind Of Monster" DVD.
----------------------------------------
Another thing I have noticed in the studio, is that some of my other mics require gating and downward expanders on the mics to get rid of room noise, but the SM-7 doesn't need it. It is quiet all by itself.
And to save many hours trying to edit out mouth noises, clicks and smacks from voice-over talent that use expensive CONDENSER microphones, just have them use the SM-7 next time, and no more wasted time editing out mouth noises anymore.Throughout the years on the Howard Stern Show, they have replaced and tried all sorts of microphones, from the Electrovoice RE-20 to Neuman mics. But if you notice, the Co-host, Robin Quivers, STILL uses the Shure SM-7 and refuses to change to any of the other mics. You can see throughout the years on the TV show that although the mics are always changing for everyone else, Robin ALWAYS has the SM-7 to this day.
Since the Howard Stern Show has moved to Sirrius Sattelite, the show had to buy new microphones, (couldn't take them with from CBS) and everyone seems to be using the same mics they did before. Robin has another SM-7 so she really likes this mic! It looks different now, because she has the larger windscreen that now comes with the SM-7.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Shure SM7B Dynamic Vocal Microphone

The Shure SM7B Dynamic Vocal Microphone is a cardioid studio mic with a smooth, flat, wide-range frequency response appropriate for music and speech in all professional audio applications.The SM7B features excellent shielding against electromagnetic hum generated by computer monitors, neon lights, and other electrical devices. The SM7B has been updated from earlier models with an improved bracket design that offers greater stability. In addition to its standard windscreen, it also includes the A7WS windscreen for close-talk applications. The SM7B Includes a foam winscreen, close-talk windscreen, and a locking yoke mount.Shure SM7B Features:Flat, wide-range frequency response for exceptionally clean and natural reproduction of both music and speechBass rolloff and mid-range emphasis (presence boost) controls with graphic display of response settingImproved rejection of electromagnetic hum, optimized for shielding against broadband interference emitted by computer monitorsInternalair suspensionshock isolation virtually eliminates mechanical noise transmissionHighly effective pop filter eliminates need for any add-on protection against explosive breath sounds, even for close-up vocals or narrationNow shipping with the A7WS detachable windscreen, designed to reduce plosive sounds and gives a warmer tone for close-talk vocalsYoke mounting with captive stand nut for easy mounting and dismounting provides precise control of microphone positionClassic cardioid polar pattern, uniform with frequency and symmetrical about axis, to provide maximum rejection and minimum coloration of off-axis soundRugged construction and excellent cartridge protection for outstanding reliabilityReplacement cartridge:RPM106

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MXL USB 009 24BIT/96KHZ USB Condenser Mic Review

MXL USB 009 24BIT/96KHZ  USB Condenser Mic
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For years I've been working with traditional XLR cardioid condenser mics (love my Neumann TLM) but I've had to travel a lot lately, and humping the XLR cables, pre-amp, and heavy mics through airports and hotels has gotten to be a real bother, so I started The Hunt for a Great USB Mic.
Now, there are good USB mics out there for under $100, and Blue's Snowball is adequate. At ~$70 you get what you pay for. It is ok for podcasting, if you aren't too picky about sound quality. I had one shipped to me, didn't like that background hum, sent it back thinking it was a problem with the mic, and got another one that sounded exactly the same. (And yes, I read all the instructions and advice and made all the adjustments. I even tried it on Mac, Laptop, and PC--so spare me the "oh did you try this, and you're an idiot because you didn't try that" Snowball fanboy snarkiness ;).
So, when I returned the Snowball, I considered getting Blue's Yeti, but it's sheer size disqualified it -- the mic is way too big and heavy to be considered remotely portable, and since I like to record standing-up instead of sitting down, I worried that it would be too heavy for my boom.
Having eliminated Blue's mics, I tried the Samson G Track at ~$120 and the AudioTechnica AT2020 at ~$110. I like that the Samson has the headphone output and the gain controls (which the AT does not) and better recording quality versus the AT2020 at 48kHz versus 44.1kHz. However, the Sampson weighs a half-pound more. For both mics the sound quality is great for podcasting, and while vastly superior to the Blue Snowball, and certainly adequate for most vocals that will be supported with background music, neither mic produces recordings clean enough and of high enough quality (limited to 16bit) for pure narration (IMHO).
So I upped my price-point again. And found THE perfect USB mic for voice-overs at ~$275. The MXL USB.009. It records at 24Bit/96kHz -- a huge improvement over the 16Bit/44.1kHz of all the other mics. It has the benefits of a mic jack and knobs for gain control like the Samson G Track, and is Plug and Play. I don't have to tweak anything on my Mac or my PC. It is lightweight, so I'm not worried about my boom tipping, and there is no background hum. I like the steel carrying case -- it weighs about 6 pounds with the mic and USB cable -- and makes it easy to carry through airport security.
Yes, the MXL USB.009 is 4x the cost of the Blue Snowball and 2.5x the cost of the Samson G Track and the AT2020, but for me, it is worth it. I not only do podcasting, but I do professional voice-over work, and I need something that will give me the convenience of direct USB recording with near-studio quality.

Click Here to see more reviews about: MXL USB 009 24BIT/96KHZ USB Condenser Mic

Producing a 24-bit/96 kHz feature-rich USB microphone for the professional broadcast and music industry meant no compromises on quality. The MXL® USB.009 features a large diaphragm, 32mm capsule, similar to what\'s found on the world\'s best analog microphones. With zero latency monitoring, hand selected components and analog rotary knobs to dial in the perfect mix, the MXL® USB.009 replaces an entire studio. When it\'s time to listen back to the tracks you\'ve recorded, it will impress with its amazing detail and punch. The MXL® USB.009 is a simple, feature-rich, elegantall-in-one recording solution that is nothing short of professional!
24-bit A/D and D/A 96 kHzrecording
114 dB dynamic range
Large gold sputtered diaphragm
USB 1.1 and 2.0 compatible
Zero latency monitoring
Analog gain control before A/D
Hand selected components
USB powered - no externalpower needed
Plug and play with no preamps, mixers or any other externaldevices required
Includes: • Mic • Aluminum flight case • Desktop Stand • Mic stand adapter • 10\' USB cable • Cleaning cloth • Manual

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Shure PG42-USB Vocal Microphone Review

Shure PG42-USB Vocal Microphone
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I'll start by saying that I am biased and forgiving of Shure products. My previous experience with the PG58 was amazing, thus purchasing this model--which produces a more professional sound than simply using a mini-plug adapted microphone--was a no-brainer for me.
I began this journey seeking a USB microphone to use for my home recordings. I did not want to purchase an external board, nor did I want to regress to using the aforementioned mini-jack input. The best sound--least noise--that I could get, given my stipulations, was a microphone with a USB interface. In all honesty, I went looking for a Shure microphone with a USB interface. The models that appeared were the PG27USB (which I've recently heard as better for all around recording) and the PG42USB (which is "enhanced" for vocal recording). Since I have no need to record any instrument other than a human voice, the PG42USB was perfect. I happened to catch the microphone for a better deal here on Amazon, but even if I hadn't found the deal, I would've bought this at full-price.
Now, with all of that bias, you might think that I am going to exclaim that my experience was magnificent and that I am overwhelmingly impressed with the characteristics of the microphone...but that's not the case.
Stepping up to this level of microphone has been an interesting ride. When you go "Professional" you have to make sure that your environment complements the equipment.
I used this microphone in-hand for three months and was able to get great recordings. The interpretation of sound is wonderful, really. Voices sound crisp and controlled. Many times, I had to step back and wonder how such great sound came from sitting on my futon and holding the microphone...
...and then I bought a Musician's Gear Die-Cast Mic Stand, Black, a Nady MPF-6 6-Inch Clamp On Microphone Pop Filter, and Auralex Studiofoam Designer Kit, Charcoal Gray...
Looking back at my first recordings, it's amazing to me that I was able to even do that. At this point, with these additional accessories (necessities, really) there is little to distinguish the recordings I make and those made in professional studios.
The only other experience I have with USB microphones is with a M-Audio Producer USB microphone. Compared to the Shure, the M-Audio sounded muddy and not exactly clear. The reality that Shure only does microphones and headphones should stand as an affirmation of their specialties. A company like Audio-Technica, who makes standard, good equipment, can't hold a candle in this field. Well, yes, they can--just being dramatic, I guess.
You're reading this to get an idea on whether or not you should purchase this microphone.
Something I will complain about is the potentiometers on the microphone (Volume and Mic Gain). They, in a word, suck. In addition, the headphone amp on the microphone seems a bit noisy, but that noise doesn't seem to transfer to the recording, so I'll presume it's just the headphone amp. In addition, I have yet to successfully install drivers for Windows 7, thus I use XP to record. XP is great since my computer is built for Windows 7, so it screams with performance (I dual-boot with 7 and XP)... And that's always a good thing once you start getting real-time effects involved.
Is it worth $200?
That's a good question. I don't believe that this mic is worth $200+ however, the convenience features (low freq roll-off, realtime monitoring, mic pre-amp, built in pop filter--questionable, yes) do provide for a much easier time recording. If you do invest in this microphone, be sure to invest in the accessories mentioned above... As I said in another review, why put regular gas in a premium car? Pay the little extra, and your recordings will be the better for it.
I hope that helps!!
Update:
I have to retract my former statements about the potentiometers (gain, mix). Maybe they had to break in, but the problems I had with them earlier no longer exists.
Looking at what's available out there, and considering the Shure brand, this is a microphone worth getting. Sure, you could get a less expensive one, but the microphone is the first and last word on the quality of your recordings. Might as well invest in a great one...and this is, truly, a great one.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Shure PG42-USB Vocal Microphone

Specifically engineered for lead vocal reproduction, the PG42USB side-address condenser microphone easily plugs into a computer USB port for the convenience of digital recording. The PG42USB features a large cardioid diaphragm tailored with high sensitivity to clearly reproduce refined performances with guaranteed "Plug and Play" Shure quality.

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Blue Yeti Pro Multipattern Condenser Microphone Review

Blue Yeti Pro Multipattern Condenser Microphone
Average Reviews:

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A lot of people might look at the price of this microphone and get put off, but they'd make a mistake in doing so. If you are a musician, podcaster, or simply looking for great quality for your vocals, instruments, or whatever sound you want captured, the Blue Yeti Pro will more than do the job.
I'd like to start out by saying the sound quality on this microphone is simply amazing. It easily dwarfs any other USB mic before it, and can even compete with some professional condenser studio mics made by Neumann or Rodes. It's hard to believe this mic is an improvement from the original Yeti, but it is, and by at least 4 times, based on my personal estimation. For $250 this mic can't be beat. You get features in this mic you'd need at least 5 mics for. Oh, and did I mention it's also an audio interface that plays back at a 24-bit, 192khz sampling rate through the headphone port? And it sounds much better than it would on your laptop headphone port. This mic is fantastic and I recommend to anyone looking to do professional work at home.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Blue Yeti Pro Multipattern Condenser Microphone

The Yeti Pro is the world\'s first USB microphone combining 24 bit/192 kHz digital recording resolution with analog XLR output.Featuring three custom condenser capsules and four different pattern settings, the Yeti Pro can capture digital audio with up to fourtimes the clarity found on CDs. Plus, the Yeti Pro features a cutting-edge A-D converter chip and separate analog circuit path for usewith professional studio mixers and preamps. You also get a built-in headphone amplifier for zero-latency monitoring, and direct controlsfor headphone volume, pattern selection, mute, and microphone gain. So whether you record at home, in a studio (or in the Himalayas!),the Yeti Pro is your ultimate sound solution.

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