Hello everyone, I'm not sure if this has been posted before but I did not see any when I searched the forums so I'll ask.

I am looking for a good mic to record voice into my laptop. Budget is not too big of a problem but I am not going to spend 500bucks on a mic just cause it has a few more buttons on it for effects.

Anyone have any suggestions? I'm looking for something that's able to muffle the background sound out and not catch the sounds of inhales or exhales.

You'll generally need a preamp as well because the laptop's soundcard is weak. Tweakheadz.com guide has very useful information. If you're nit picky about the conversion stage then you might want to look into a good A/D Converter. It's because if noise and EMI enters the analog signal, that gets recorded too. The Laptop's soundcard is subject to noise because of the close proximity to other electrical components inside a laptop. I can ask the folks there for you if you want. What's your budget really?

Lets keep my budget around 200dollars. I'll be willing to spend up to 400 if I think its actually necessary but preferably no more than 200. I'm quite new to recording...as in I've never done one...whats an A/D Converter? whats a preamp for? Conversion stage? I got no idea sorry :sweat:

My goal is to have a clear voice recorded against the background music (mp3 files).

Here's some info on preamps, converters, and mics.

Digital Audio Converters (http://www.tweakheadz.com/digital_audio_converters.htm)
Microphones (http://www.tweakheadz.com/microphones_for_the_home_studio.htm)
Mic Preamps (http://www.tweakheadz.com/microphone_preamps.htm)

Tips (http://www.tweakheadz.com/doing_it_with_digital.html) for home recording. Read the next 3 pages.

I'll ask the folks there to help you out.

Can you sing japanese in the style of jpop/jrock? I'm doing a medley.

I can, not sure how good I am but I don't think I'm too horrible though :lol:. Thanks for that quick reply, I'll have to have a look at it after I get back.

Ok here's what they suggested for your budget and needs.

SM8 & X2U (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001PPPWIE) ($200)
SM7 & X2U (http://www.amazon.com/Shure-SM57-X2U-Cardioid-Dynamic-Microphone/dp/B001PPPWI4/ref=pd_cp_MI_2) ($180)
PreSonus Firebox (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/356702-REG/PreSonus_FIREBOX_FireBox_Interface.html) ($170) & Studio Project B1 (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0006AZN4W) ($100) [total:$270]

You'll need firewire for the presonus firebox. This is your A/D Converter and Preamp. The X2U is also an A/D Converter and Preamp that bundles with SM8/SM7. The SM8/SM7 is a dynamic mic while the SP-B1 is a condenser mic. If you don't know which one to choose, read this thread (http://studio-central.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=27543&start=0&postdays=0&postorder=asc&highlight=sm57).

Secondly your room... it can create room artifacts (you know... when people ask you "were you singing in the bathroom!?").

To summarize it

There are four primary goals of acoustic treatment: 1) To prevent standing waves and acoustic interference from affecting the frequency response of recording studios and listening rooms; 2) to reduce modal ringing in small rooms and lower the reverb time in larger studios, churches, and auditoriums; 3) to absorb or diffuse sound in the room to avoid ringing and flutter echoes, and improve stereo imaging; and 4) to keep sound from leaking into or out of a room. That is, to prevent your music from disturbing the neighbors, and to keep the sound of passing trucks from getting into your microphones.

If your room is untreated or bothering you then you might want to look into mic acoustic treatment panels like the one below.

http://www.harmony-central.com/ProductImages/Large/000007902.jpg

You can probably build one if you're a DIY guy. If not, I can ask the folks to help you build one. I hope you find these info helpful.

Thanks for all the information. I've been wanting to look into this area myself for my own home recording, but I didn't know where to start.

Hmm. Very useful information here. I've also been looking into this sort of system for other uses
beside recording music. This will deffinitely come in handy.

Thanks for sharing!

Glad you guys found it useful. http://www.tweakheadz.com/guide.htm has everything you need to know. If anyone has any questions I can ask the guys there. My hobby goals in life is to fund a music studio at home. I still have a long way to go...

GMy hobby goals in life is to fund a music studio at home. I still have a long way to go...

As do I . .