VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

Neil K. Hess · Posted: Thu Dec 13, 2012 12:08 pm Post subject: What do you all think of...

These two items for beginner equipment?

http://www.amazon.com/Behringer-302USB-Premium-5-Input-Interface/dp/B005EHILV4/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=20YMH9KA1L2ZH&coliid=I1V1IUYTWVKX50

http://www.amazon.com/Samson-C01-Diaphragm-Condenser-Microphone/dp/B0002D080C/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=20YMH9KA1L2ZH&coliid=I1SFZLVOXRL500

I DO have the ability to put up some more cash (My max would be about $350) but I am trying to save as much as I can for voice lessons and a demo.

Thanks all!

cyclometh · Posted: Thu Dec 13, 2012 12:24 pm Post subject:

For an interface you might want to look at the MicPort Pro- I love mine. That said, I use a Behringer mixer with the same preamps, although it's a little older than that one. The biggest issue I have with it is the preamps are kind of noisy.

As to a mic, that's a hard one. A mic that sounds amazing for me might not be a great fit for another voice. The best thing to do with microphones is go to a local audio store and listen to a few, and get a sense of how they will sound with your voice.
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heyguido · Posted: Thu Dec 13, 2012 12:52 pm Post subject:

You won't really need all those inputs, and the money saved might get you better preamps. Look at the Scarlett 2i2 instead.

And what he said re: microphones.... Everyone's voice is different. Take some time to find the right mic for yours.
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Jason Huggins · Posted: Thu Dec 13, 2012 1:29 pm Post subject:

I haven't heard great things about Behringer gear for VO (though I do remember some talk about good door stops). Noise has been a common word.

I can't comment on the mic, but I live Apogee interfaces. The Apogee one is really quiet, and really clean. Pair that with a decent mic (that sounds good on your pipes) and you'll be in better shape than the Behringer.

Bish · Posted: Thu Dec 13, 2012 3:10 pm Post subject:

Hi Neil, welcome to the board. I can see where you're going on the budget side here, but I've got to join in and frown upon Behringer. I bought one some time ago and took it straight back because it was far too noisy. I actually do interface through a mixer (I love my inputs!) because I keep multiple mics connected and I patch an ISDN box. I use the Mackie 1202 VLZ3, and if you want to go the mixer route, I suggest something better than the Behringer (which you will end up hating). As has been suggested here, a simple in-line USB interface may be the way to go (MicPortPro) or a simple USB interface (I use a cheap M-Audio MobilePre for travelling).

However (and this is where I get soft furnishings throw at me)... why not take your budget and look at something like an MXL USB mic (MXL 990u) or something similar. If you like the Samson, then the C01U kit (case, stand, shockmount) can be had for just under $130. It's not bad. I actually have one in my bottom drawer (but don't tell anyone here!)

The choices are overwhelming... and everyone here likes to spend other people's money Smile

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Philip Banks · Posted: Thu Dec 13, 2012 3:36 pm Post subject:

If you plug a sh*t mic into a Behringer mixer the MIXER becomes noisey! Reason - a sh*t mic needs to be driven harder ...everything at 11 (it's one louder)

Microport pro and a Studio Projects B1 will do you fine for just now.

Jason Huggins · Posted: Thu Dec 13, 2012 3:37 pm Post subject:

BURN HIM!!! Angry

Just kidding. I use an Apogee MiC while traveling. I've delivered final audio with that mic with no complaints (only thanks for the rush delivery).

todd ellis · Posted: Thu Dec 13, 2012 3:42 pm Post subject:

no kidding - i was going to say EXACTLY what philip said. except - i would add - behringer is german for style over substance.
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Bish · Posted: Thu Dec 13, 2012 3:51 pm Post subject:

Neil K. Hess · Posted: Thu Dec 13, 2012 4:46 pm Post subject:

Upadte: Just landed a gig that will give me a bigger price range for a mic and preamp. I tried out a Shure SM7B and I absolutely LOVED it. I cant believe how good it sounded. Any ideas on what some good hardware might be to connect it through usb to my pc? Smile

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todd ellis · Posted: Thu Dec 13, 2012 5:00 pm Post subject:

C&utm_campaign=none&gclid=CMOjlrTLmLQCFUZgMgodjSAAwA" target="_blank" class="postlink">the aforementioned micport pro.

simply click above and add to cart.
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Bish · Posted: Thu Dec 13, 2012 5:03 pm Post subject:

The SM7B is my go-to for audiobooks and long-form narration. Some people don't like dynamic mics, others they suit very well for narration (like me), others they suit for everything. The only downside is that if you're doing any imaging or multi-layered stuff, they don't cut through the mix as well as a good LDC.

One thing to note with the SM7B (and a few other dynamics). The output is very low, and some pre-amps don't have enough gain to lift it to an acceptable level (like my Mackie VLZ-3 pre-amps). One solution is to use a Cloudlifter or FETHead. These are phantom powered JFET amps that sit in line between the pre-amp and the mic. They will give you a fixed 30dB of gain and make life easy for any pre-amp. I use the FETHead. However, the best solution is to get a pre-amp that has enough umpfh to start with. I'm sure you'll get some good options offered up here.

I was typing while Todd answered... if the MicPort Pro has the guts, then you're good to go.
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Neil K. Hess · Posted: Thu Dec 13, 2012 5:06 pm Post subject:

Thanks a lot for all of the help guys. I really do appreciate it. I am just getting into voice overs so a lot of the more "technical" jargon you guys are using is kind of going over my head. Smile

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todd ellis · Posted: Thu Dec 13, 2012 5:17 pm Post subject:

hmmm, i've actually never used it on a sm7b - so i may have to recant - looks like it might be a LITTLE shy of what you need. i HAVE used it on a RE20 and you DO have to turn it up to 11 - but it's still quiet - and for my money still the best overall choice for a beginner BECAUSE it's an inexpensive, one-piece A/D converter, pre & 48v phantom power supply allowing one to experiment with a multitude of mics without marrying one prematurely.

jmho

so --- what about a Heil PR40 - or philip's suggested SP b1? both about $100 less than the sm7b.
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cyclometh · Posted: Thu Dec 13, 2012 5:39 pm Post subject:

Neil- "LDC" means "Large Diaphragm Condenser". Condenser mics use a capsule with a thin membrane that is actually a capacitor ("condenser"). The vibrations of your vocal stylings cause the membrane to vibrate, and the changes in capacitance are used to create a signal.

In order for this to work, the condenser has to be charged. This is usually done with something called "phantom power" and is a power signal sent to the mic at 48v. Without phantom power, a condenser mic won't work.

Dynamic microphones work differently- They use electromagnetic induction (a magnet moving in a coil, basically) and generate their own signal from the vibrations of the sound it picks up.

Condenser mics, especially large diaphragm ones, are extremely sensitive and can pick up amazing sonic detail. They tend to be more delicate and even moderately speaking loudly while too close can cause it to distort.

Dynamic mics are rugged and can handle louder signals better without distorting, and are very resistant to feedback (hence why they get used on stages a lot). You can really belt it out into one and probably not get too much distortion. Also,, because their output is fairly low, they have to be amplified significantly to get a usable signal.

They both have their pros and cons- and they can both sound absolutely stellar with the right voice. But you'll want to know what you're looking at.

For what it's worth, my first mic (and I still use it from time to time) is a Cascade M20u. For my voice it sounds like a mic that costs three times as much. I also have a Shure Beta58a, which is my go-to dynamic mic and I love it.

Again, spend some time listening to various mics and find one that really suits your voice and needs. If you have a nice local store, if you can get in good with the mic guy, sometimes they'll let you test gear out at home. I've done that with some stuff.
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