# microphones suitable for recording vocals

Category: Jam Session

## Post 1 by Meglet (I just keep on posting!) on Thursday, 11-Aug-2011 3:44:44

Hello everyone,
I've just acquired some basic recording software, and am learning how to use it. So far it's been a breeze but the microphone that my computer has is internal, so it picks up every sound near it, instead of just my voice. I was wondering if anyone could suggest what sort of microphone I should look for. I need something under $100, so it has to be relatively inexpensive, and it doesn't have to be overly fancy. It just has to yield clear, decent-sounding results. If you can help, any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
-Meglet

## Post 2 by Jesse (Hmm!) on Thursday, 11-Aug-2011 8:56:28

Well, for under $100, tere are really not many great options, however the Samson C01 USB mic comes to mind off the top of my head. I think that's the model number, and somebody can feel free to correct me if I'm wrong, but if you googled "samson usb microphone" it should come up. Other than that, Shure makes some USB to mic cable adapters that would allow you to plug a standard mic into your USB port, but that may be a more expensive option when everything's said and done. The Samson actually has built in a mic preamp, which is necessary, and an audio interface, so it would probably be your best solution. Again, it's inexpensive, but sounds ok, and will at least get you started. Have fun!

## Post 3 by guitargod1 (I'm going for the prolific poster awards!) on Thursday, 11-Aug-2011 23:25:52

Yeah, I'd say go for that, or, one of the USB microphones made by Blue.

## Post 4 by Jesse (Hmm!) on Friday, 12-Aug-2011 10:33:45

I like the Blue ones, too, but the reason I recommended the Samson is that it's made in China, and less expensive. Having said that, Blue is a better microphone, so it may be prudent to save a little more money and get one of those.

## Post 5 by Meglet (I just keep on posting!) on Friday, 12-Aug-2011 21:22:49

Thanks so much to both of you! That's incredibly helpful. I was hoping for specific information, so this is great! :)
-Meglet

## Post 6 by forereel (Just posting.) on Saturday, 13-Aug-2011 21:33:36

I have a Blue Snow Ball. I paid 63 dollars for it. Beautiful thing. Mine is black, but they come white, and chrome. The list price is more, but on Amazon this week you can have one for 60.78 shipping and all. Mine has a stan and all, and you can buy other accessories. It's USB and if you're using Windows 7 or Vista it hooks up just by plugging it in. Also you can access the manual at www.bluemics.com, so easy. Guess I like mine huh? Lol

## Post 7 by forereel (Just posting.) on Saturday, 13-Aug-2011 21:38:07

Last I forgot to say you can call them for technical help if you need, but the manual has directions for mmost computer recording software, so you're good to go.

## Post 8 by Meglet (I just keep on posting!) on Sunday, 14-Aug-2011 0:14:25

That sounds great! I have two computers, one with windows 7 and one running XP, but I'll probably be using the windows 7 one for recordings so that option sounds very attractive. Thanks very much.

## Post 9 by KT (Veteran Zoner) on Wednesday, 02-Nov-2011 17:47:13

HI, I used a dinamic vocal mic for recording both with a computer and my tascam multi track recorder. The one i have is a audio technica pro 686, it works with both well. clear and not bad quality for what i paid for it,£35 though i guess that'll be different in american dollars. Hope that helps.