VO-BB - 19 YEARS OLD!

Douglas · Guest

Looking for a lightweight, compact way to record and "mail in" radio
and other voice work (auditions, and the odd low-end corporate video, some animation job) while on the road, using a Windows based laptop. So the perfect setup (including any stand) would be compact, rugged yet lightweight, yet still provide passable pro quality voice recording.

1. What are the better USB mics? Is there something superior to the
Snowball or the Samson C01U? (e.g. the Maxell?)

2. How does the quality of these USB mics compare with the sound I'd
get from a Digital Converter such as the Edirol UA-25, M-Audio or the
Tascam US-144?

scottnilsen · Posted: Mon Nov 05, 2007 4:06 pm Post subject:

search the archives, friend. There have been several discussions regarding USBs and the pros and cons
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Bill Campbell · DC Joined: 09 Mar 2007 Posts: 621

I like the Samson C03U. I have two of them. They sound very good.
I only use them for remote recording.

If you already have a mic you like, just get a MXL Mic Mate for $80.
Includes A/D conversion, pre-amp, and Phantom power. Sounds very good with my more expensive mics.
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bobbinbeamo · Posted: Tue Nov 06, 2007 8:28 am Post subject:

I just purchased a Samson C01U for $99.00, and will now use this for travel situations.
http://www.samsontech.com/products/productpage.cfm?prodID=1810&brandID=2

btw, there's another revived thread on usb mics in this topic you may wish to view.
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Dave · Posted: Tue Nov 06, 2007 11:13 am Post subject:

FWIW, I just took the USB mic plunge this week.

After looking at what seemed like a gazillion options, including the Snowball, Samson, Marshall and more, I finally decided on the Rode Podcaster. Its a few more bucks (I paid $160 at Sweetwater) than nearly anything else but the tipping point for me was the Rode reputation.
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ccpetersen · Posted: Tue Nov 06, 2007 11:49 am Post subject:

Bill Campbell · DC Joined: 09 Mar 2007 Posts: 621

Te Rode Podcaster is a "dynamic" mic. Hasn't gotten great reviews, but I have not heard it. Being dynamic, it may sound better in hotel rooms and less than great acoustical spaces on the road (or, is that rode?).
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Dave · Posted: Tue Nov 06, 2007 1:17 pm Post subject:

Thanks for your comments Bill,

Being a dynamic mic wasn't of any particular concern for me personally (I've had poor luck with condensers from time to time as well). As for poor reviews, I didn't see anything too shocking to make me run away but I'm quite sure I haven't seen everything as I'm not a gearhead by any stretch of the imagination so I could be missing the "red meat" that's out there.

Never-the-less, I've got one on the way and if it doesn't prove itself... off to Ebay!
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Frank F · Posted: Tue Nov 06, 2007 1:23 pm Post subject:

Since the topic is just a re-hash of another USB mic topic... I won't add anything to the previous post regarding USB mic's.

I will however suggest if you wish to use a dynamic microphone the SoundTech LightSnake (approx, $40.00 USD) http://www.soundtech.com/lightsnake/xlr10.asp might be something to look into.

Although no playback/monitoring capabilities this little puppy will convert your dynamic microphone into a USB mic for recording, and it's just an XLR to USB cable --- ummm -- with a little bit of electronic magic added for fun.

The MicMate mentioned previous is cute but also does not have playback/monitoring capabilities.

To acquire the playback/monitoring capabilities and have phantom power available as well as a fairly efficient pre-amp, I would consider spending just a few dollars more and find the CEntrance MicPortPro. Then you favorite microphone condensor, tube, dynamic, ribbon, electret, etc... can also be your "road mic" too.

Toodles

F2
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todd ellis · Posted: Wed Nov 07, 2007 9:33 pm Post subject:

i just checked with BSW and they STILL DON'T HAVE micport pros to ship! MAYBE, they say next week! arugh! i ordered mine oct. 9th!!!
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Frank F · Posted: Wed Nov 07, 2007 9:53 pm Post subject:

Time to get your money back and get it from Sweetwater. And have BSW pay the shipping costs and charge them interest.

BSW would charge you a late fee, so charge BSW a late fee, interest and shipping and handling costs... and your attorney's fee... BSW might get the message. Then again, they might not.

Or, you can have me call as your representative Todd. LOL Devil

Toodles

F2
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todd ellis · Posted: Thu Nov 08, 2007 5:57 am Post subject:

out of stock @ sweetwater too! where does this unicorn live?
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tackerman · Posted: Thu Nov 08, 2007 6:05 am Post subject:

Mine was on backorder @ Sweetwater too. Cancelled the order and picked one up from Musician's Friend... got it a few days later. LOVE IT!

Frank F · Posted: Thu Nov 08, 2007 7:54 am Post subject:

OK, buy it direct here: http://www.centrance.com/products/mp/

Toodles

F2
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jrodriguez315 · Posted: Thu Nov 08, 2007 12:01 pm Post subject:

Also appears to be in stock at Musicians Friend .
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