Do I need a mixer with this???

[BonnieMoret]

Greetings,

If I buy the following microphone, do I need to get the mixer, too? Or, can I get by for a couple weeks then buy the mixer(M-Audio FastTrackPro)?

Link to mic:
M-Audio - Producer USB Microphone with Session Recording Software - SESSION MUS

Thanks bunches for your help and advice!!!!

Bon

[Mike Sommer]

No. You do not need a mixer.

Allow me to point out that USB microphones are only good for practicing, this mic will not suffice for demos, auditions, or end use audio.

[BonnieMoret]

Thanks for the info, Mike! Why are USB microphones not good for demos? Also, what mic do you suggest that is not over $100?

Thanks

[Mike Sommer]

USB mic components and parts are of poor quality, and are unable to deliver professional quality sound. These mics are generally cranked out out of China for about $10 a pop, so one can only imagine the level of detail and build quality that's put into them. Where as a decent quality condenser gold sputtered,hand made capsule alone cost around $150. Guys that I know who build their own mics are often investing tidy sums just for the components.

For your edification:

How It's Made (Season 11 / Episode 7 / Part 1)

If you want a decent mic to workout with, a Shure SM58 is acutely a good all round dynamic mic, but still nothing to do real VO work with. And then you'll need a mixer with a preamp and interface to get you in the computer.

I'm going to guess you have little or no experience in voice over, and therefore I would not recommend diving headlong into the purchase of expensive gear. I would invest first in voice over classes and coaches to discover whether or not you have the chops for what's required in this biz. And you should never produce your own demo, unless you are highly skilled in the art of production and direction.

But for a mic to practice on, a USB is just fine.

For reference: To build a decent sound chain of components, plan on spending $1000.00 to $1500.00, then it just goes on from there.

[SeptemberDay]

Originally Posted by Mike Sommer

For reference: To build a decent sound chain of components, plan on spending $1000.00 to $1500.00, then it just goes on from there.

Loved the video Mike! Question: what do you need that costs $1,000? My chain is AKG C2000B to Fast Track Pro to computer and I edit with Adobe. Still recording in my closet and it's broadcast quality. The AKG was only $250 and the Fast Track was $199. It's the same chain I've used for almost 2 years now. What am I missing?

[voixoffonline]

There are High end usb mic like this one :
Welcome to sE Electronics
Make sure there is a zero latency monitoring (headphones) to hear what u record !

[MarkCSmith]

Originally Posted by SeptemberDay

Loved the video Mike! Question: what do you need that costs $1,000? My chain is AKG C2000B to Fast Track Pro to computer and I edit with Adobe. Still recording in my closet and it's broadcast quality. The AKG was only $250 and the Fast Track was $199. It's the same chain I've used for almost 2 years now. What am I missing?

Absolutely nothing. $1,000 is not necessary to build a great vocal chain. Your post proves that :)

[SeptemberDay]

Thanks Mark

But, seriously. I've been telling newbies that they don't need a ton of expensive equipment because I've been doing just fine without it. In fact, Bonnie up there took my workshop and I encouraged her to post her question. I'm curious if there's some big component I'm missing. I know about downward expanders and all, but do they really make that much difference?

[Mike Sommer]

Firstly I'm was only speaking in general round numbers, because that's all we can do.

To build a quality sound chain you'll need a good mixer, a quality interface, a quality mic and preamp, and a compressor.

Certainly you can get by with lesser gear, "you'll do fine with it" but if you want good professional audio, you'll need to step it up a notch.

But the items you've listed September Adobe Audition ($349), AKG C2000B ($289), Fast Track Pro ($249) = $887.00 before tax and shipping. Looks like a good part of a $1000 to me.

[Mike Sommer]

Originally Posted by MarkCSmith

Absolutely nothing. $1,000 is not necessary to build a great vocal chain. Your post proves that :)

That depends on what your definition of great is.

The problem is that the market has been flooded with cheap gear, that contains cheap components and with little or no quality control. In the case of microphones there are very few condenser mics (under $500) that are tuned with any degree of accuracy -which is why one mic will sound different form the next, from the same manufacture on the same day. Sometimes it's a crap shoot.