Complete recording beginner: mic rec/tips

February 21, 2022 2:46 PM

I enjoy producing electronic music (check that mefi music for very humble examples). I'd like to start making songs incorporating vocals... my own vocals! YIKES! What microphone should a hobbyist working with a laptop get? Is there a USB solution or is it time I throw down the $$$ for a usb audio interface? I truly don't know where to start. Also any other tips for getting descent recordings of a female vocalist who struggles to NOT sing very loudly, has rarely sung into a mic, are eagerly welcome! I'm a total infant in this regard.

I produce in FL Studio. I've heard their stock recording plugins are bad, but haven't used them yet.
I have a soundproof space to work in.
I'm not trying to go pro or anything, this is strictly something I do for the love of the game. This means I can't drop major cash. I want it to sound good, but I understand that there is a low ceiling for what I alone at home can achieve, and do not mind that.

All tips, tricks, links, and recs are gratefully accepted!

posted by wellifyouinsist to Technology (9 answers total)

Best answer: Absolutely yes you want a USB audio interface. The Focusrite Scarlett series is super common, like $120 US for single channel, $170 for 2 channels.
posted by soundguy99 at 2:58 PM on February 21, 2022 [7 favorites]

I'm not by any means an audio professional. But, while a portable audio recorder isn't that cheap it gives you the flexibility to go set it on surface that isn't where your keyboard is or to go sit in a closet when you need to. I have only good things to say about Tascam. (I have a DR-100, which is bulletproof and great.) I have only bad things to say about M-Audio. I also have had great luck with Studio Projects USB microphones. They're also not cheap, but not too outrageously expensive, especially used, compared to an independent mic and USB ADC box.
posted by eotvos at 3:03 PM on February 21, 2022 [1 favorite]

Best answer: I don't know of any USB all in one solutions, I'm sure there's some out there that would do, but my recommendation, depending on your budget, would be to get an SM7 and a cheap interface:

https://vintageking.com/shure-sm7b

Seconding soundguy99's interface recommend:
https://vintageking.com/focusrite-scarlett-2i2-3rd-gen

You could also get a beta 58 if the SM7 is out of your price range.

https://vintageking.com/shure-beta-58a

Both of these mics sound great on vocals, will last forever, can handle loud vocals, and will be easy to sell if you don't like them.

I'm willing to bet the plugins in FL studio are fine for now. I've found that the better I know the tools I have at my disposal, the better recordings I can make. It's not always necessary to have expensive/coveted gear/plugins. Work with, and learn, what you've got until you really know what you need/want.

Good luck with recording!
posted by caseyblu at 3:04 PM on February 21, 2022 [4 favorites]

Shure MV7 - uses USB, can be attached to a retractable arm.
posted by They sucked his brains out! at 4:37 PM on February 21, 2022 [1 favorite]

Here’s a review of large capsule condenser mics With USB plugs. The prices are pretty sane & they should do the trick for home recording, if you don’t want to throw down for a preamp & digital interface. I will second the Focusrite recommendation though if you do - I have had a Safire Pro 40 for years and it has been an absolute tank.
posted by Devils Rancher at 5:11 PM on February 21, 2022 [1 favorite]

Best answer: I would definitely suggest a USB interface and a separate microphone. The interface gives you the ability to plug in guitars and keyboards and other things. The aforementioned Focusrites ones are excellent choices. There are a ton of decent mics. An SM7 is a great mic but most likely way more than you want or need to spend. And SM58 would be a good substitute. A beta 58 would be better. But there are also tons of decent condenser mics that will be be more sensitive and won't cost much more (check out the lower end of the Audio Technica 40XX line)
posted by jonathanhughes at 6:29 PM on February 21, 2022 [3 favorites]

This Audio Technica USB dynamic mic isn't bad. IMHO mic technique is just as important as mic sound, so use whatever to develop your technique.
posted by credulous at 6:53 PM on February 21, 2022 [1 favorite]

Suggesting an alternative to the Focusrite (they are good but they are not plug and play), the Arturia MiniFuse.
posted by socky_puppy at 8:27 PM on February 21, 2022 [1 favorite]

Also, while it's more focused on radio interviews than music, Transom has some really thoughtful articles about getting started recording sound well.
posted by eotvos at 8:59 AM on February 22, 2022