Studio Microphone
Studio Microphone
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 CAD U37 USB Studio Quality Microphone Recording Bundle Plug n Play $74.99 Time Remaining: 8d 9h 37m Buy It Now for only: $74.99 |
 Samson C01 Studio Condenser Microphone $26.50 (10 Bids) Time Remaining: 5h 42m |
 Behringer C 2 Matched Pair Of Studio Condenser Microphones LQQK $60.00 (9 Bids) Time Remaining: 7h 26m |
 Samson Meteor Mic USB Studio Microphone SAMTR NEW IN OPEN BOX $44.99 Time Remaining: 12d 12h 35m Buy It Now for only: $44.99 |
 SHURE PG42 USB STUDIO CONDENSER MIC NR 14 DAY RETURN $111.50 (2 Bids) Time Remaining: 7h 56m |
 Behringer C 1U USB Condenser Studio Microphone With Large Diaphragm $54.99 Time Remaining: 25d 11h 31m Buy It Now for only: $54.99 |
 Samson Meteor Mic USB Studio Microphone Limited Edition Gold $49.99 Time Remaining: 10h 6m Buy It Now for only: $175.99 |
 Studio microphone mic wind screen pop filter mask shied $12.99 Time Remaining: 6d 6h 46m Buy It Now for only: $12.99 |
 Samson CO1U USB Studio Condenser Mic $40.00 Time Remaining: 12h 28m Buy It Now for only: $70.00 |
 Behringer C1 Studio Condenser Microphone $43.99 Time Remaining: 29d 9h 19m Buy It Now for only: $43.99 |
 Shure KSM137 SL Cardioid Studio Condenser Microphone Champagne $229.99 Time Remaining: 13h 11m |
 Samson Meteor Mic USB Studio Microphone $46.00 Time Remaining: 1d 20h 58m Buy It Now for only: $46.00 |
 Art Studio MP Microphone Preamp Preamplifier for Ham Radio Microphone $15.00 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 14h 45m |
 Audio Technica AT2020 Condenser Cable Professional Studio Microphone $64.99 Time Remaining: 16h 11m |
 Audio Technica AT2020 Studio Recording Microphone Cardioid Condenser Mic $84.95 Time Remaining: 29d 10h 19m Buy It Now for only: $84.95 |
 2PCs Studio Microphone Foam Cover Mic Wind Shield RED $0.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 16h 44m |
 CAD U37 USB Studio Condenser Recording Microphone $44.95 Time Remaining: 11d 16h 4m Buy It Now for only: $44.95 |
 New Studio Microphone Mic Wind Screen Pop Shield Filter $0.99 Time Remaining: 21h 56m |
 NEUMANN U47 FET I VINTAGE CLASSIC ALL ORIGINAL CONDENSER STUDIO MICROPHONE LQQK $3,999.00 Time Remaining: 29d 19h 22m Buy It Now for only: $3,999.00 |
 Samson C01 Studio Condenser Mic $35.00 Time Remaining: 1d 4h 2m |
 Behringer C 1 Studio Condenser Microphone $43.99 Time Remaining: 20d 18h 35m Buy It Now for only: $43.99 |
 Shure sm57 with cable excellent condition microphone mic studio recording $45.44 (22 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 5h 21m |
 Audio Technica AT2020 Home Studio Condenser Microphone PopGard Extended Warranty $119.95 Time Remaining: 26d 7h 28m Buy It Now for only: $119.95 |
 Groovetube GT55 Pro Studio Condensor Microphone $300.00 Time Remaining: 1d 6h 8m Buy It Now for only: $350.00 |
 Sennheiser e609 Studio Dynamic Microphone 609 $109.95 Time Remaining: 29d 6h 2m Buy It Now for only: $109.95 |
 NEW AUDIO TECHNICA AT2020 CARDIOID CONDENSER MICROPHONE STUDIO MIC ADAPTER BAG $79.00 (12 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 8h 17m |
 STUDIO PROJECTS C 3 CONDENSOR MICROPHONE 2 OF THEM $325.00 Time Remaining: 1d 10h 15m Buy It Now for only: $360.00 |
 CAD Audio GXL2200SP Studio Mic Pack w Stands + XLR Cables $164.99 Time Remaining: 18d 21h 10m Buy It Now for only: $164.99 |
 Samson C01U USB Studio Condenser Microphone Condenser Cable Consumer $50.00 Time Remaining: 1d 10h 31m Buy It Now for only: $55.00 |
 Behringer C 3 Dual Diaphragm Condenser Microphone Studio Or Recording Mic $54.99 Time Remaining: 24d 11h 24m Buy It Now for only: $54.99 |
 Rode NT5 Matched Pair Cardioid Studio Condenser Microphones Pair $200.00 Time Remaining: 1d 11h 39m |
 Audio Technica AT2020 Studio Condenser Microphone Mic Well Beat any Price $99.01 Time Remaining: 2d 17h 22m Buy It Now for only: $99.01 |
 CAD Trion 8000 Multi Pattern Studio Tube Condenser Mic w Shockmount Case $149.99 Time Remaining: 1d 14h 33m |
 Samson CO1U Usb Studio Condenser Professional Microphone Stand SOFTWARE NEW $59.99 Time Remaining: 19d 6h 21m Buy It Now for only: $59.99 |
 Oktava MK 319 Large Diaphragm Condenser Studio Microphone With Case NO RESERVE $99.99 Time Remaining: 1d 15h 12m |
 Post Audio C41 Large Diaphragm Compact BodyStudio Condenser Mic XLNT Vocal Mic $69.00 Time Remaining: 7d 12h 47m Buy It Now for only: $69.00 |
 MXL STUDIO 1 USB MICROPHONE MIC NEW NR $49.95 Time Remaining: 1d 15h 19m |
 Behringer C1U Usb Studio Condenser Microphone $54.98 Time Remaining: 20d 14h 47m Buy It Now for only: $54.98 |
 Oktava MKL2500 Condenser Professional Microphone Studio Excellent Condition $100.00 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 1d 16h 8m |
 SAMSON C01U Cable USB Studio Condenser Recording Professional Mic Microphone $15.49 (2 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 16h 26m |
 BEHRINGER B1 STUDIO CONDENSER MICROPHONE MIC $88.99 Time Remaining: 29d 16h 44m Buy It Now for only: $88.99 |
 Home Studio Recording Tips Tricks great for shure ksm 27 ksm 32 ksm 44 users $9.99 Time Remaining: 1d 16h 45m Buy It Now for only: $10.99 |
 CAD GXL2200SP Studio Condenser Mic Recording Pack NEW $132.99 Time Remaining: 14d 15h 5m Buy It Now for only: $132.99 |
 Home Studio Recording Techniques Tips great for sennheiser MD421 e609 users +++ $9.99 Time Remaining: 1d 16h 45m Buy It Now for only: $10.99 |
 CAD Recording Studio Dual Microphone and Headphone Package GXL2200SP NEW $179.99 Time Remaining: 5d 6h 21m Buy It Now for only: $179.99 |
 Home Studio Recording Tips great w rode nt1a nt4 nt2a $9.99 Time Remaining: 1d 16h 45m Buy It Now for only: $12.00 |
 Behringer C 1 Studio Condenser Microphone $43.99 Time Remaining: 20d 17h 20m Buy It Now for only: $43.99 |
 Home Studio Recording Tips great great neumann tlm 103 tlm 102 users +++ $9.99 Time Remaining: 1d 16h 45m Buy It Now for only: $10.99 |
 NEW BEHRINGER C 1 XLR STUDIO CONDENSER MICROPHONEAuthorized DealerWarranty $43.99 Time Remaining: 7d 9h 53m Buy It Now for only: $43.99 |
 K M Microphone Studio Desk Boom Arm $99.00 Time Remaining: 1d 16h 51m Buy It Now for only: $120.00 |
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Blue Spark Studio Microphone $199 Blue Microphones newest professional mic, Spark, is a stylish, solid state cardioid condenser with finely detailed, uncolored sound that excels with virtually any instrument or vocal. The Blue Spark features a unique Focus Control switch for a wider range of high-to-low end sonic signatures.Blue Microphones Spark First Take: Custom-designed capsule with Class A discrete electronics Unique Focus Control Custom pop filter and shockmount includedCustom-designed, Class A capsuleDesigned to help you achieve professional quality recordings in any creative environment, Blue's Spark features a custom-designed condenser capsule with Class-A discrete electronics resulting in superbly detailed and uncolored outputmaking it the ideal microphone for recording vocals, drums, guitars, pianos, brass, woodwinds, and just about anything else you can light a fire under.Focus ControlA new feature found only on the Spark microphone is the unique Focus Control, providing two different usage modes at the push of a button: the Normal mode (out position) providing increased low frequency sensitivity for recordings with great impact and definition, along with the Focus mode, (in position) for even greater clarity and detail.Custom accessoriesThe Spark microphone ships with a custom-designed pop-filter and shockmount as well as a convenient and stylish wood case for transport. With Spark, you've got everything you need to make professional recordings, all in one package.* Requires +48V phantom power to operate. |
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CAD GXL3000 Pro Studio Microphone $119.99 It's an entry-level priced multi-pattern condenser mic that sounds as good on vocals and instruments as mics costing seven times as much. It does particularly well on acoustic piano. 3 polar patterns allow close, ambient, and M/S stereo miking. Slight bumps at 6 and 12kHz makes for a detailed and exciting sound. The GXL3000 Pro Studio is a large diameter, multi-pattern, condenser microphone. High sensitivity and low distortion make the GXL3000 an ideal mic for recording, broadcast, and sound reinforcement, including vocal and instrument applications. The capsule in the CAD GXL3000 features a 1" gold vapor deposited diaphragm. The GXL3000 requires standard 48 Volt phantom power and comes with a suspension shock mount. Each GXL3000 microphone is audio tested and inspected under the direction of CAD Professional Microphones, offering an exceptional level of value. |
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Cad Gxl3000 Pro Studio Microphone $119.99 It's an entry-level priced multi-pattern condenser mic that sounds as good on vocals and instruments as mics costing seven times as much. It does particularly well on acoustic piano. 3 polar patterns allow close, ambient, and M/S stereo miking. Slight bumps at 6 and 12kHz makes for a detailed and exciting sound. The GXL3000 Pro Studio is a large diameter, multi-pattern, condenser microphone. High sensitivity and low distortion make the GXL3000 an ideal mic for recording, broadcast, and sound reinforcement, including vocal and instrument applications. The capsule in the CAD GXL3000 features a 1" gold vapor deposited diaphragm. The GXL3000 requires standard 48 Volt phantom power and comes with a suspension shock mount. Each GXL3000 microphone is audio tested and inspected under the direction of CAD Professional Microphones, offering an exceptional level of value. |
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MXL V900 Stage and Studio Condenser Microphone $199.99 The MXL V900 is a large diaphragm condenser microphone that is as comfortable to use and as effective on stage as it is in the studio. The heavy duty custom grille assembly has been carefully tuned to optimize the MXL V900 microphone's premium condenser element. Internally shock mounted, the MXL V900 mic has a unique stand mounting design that isolates vibration and reduces handling noise. The MXL V900 microphone has a classic, vintage look that will complement your performance and stage presence. The MXL V900 is a Class A microphone designed to exhibit a wide dynamic range and a low noise floor. The MXL V900 is also a perfect microphone for digital recording.Requires phantom power. |
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Applied Microphone Technology AMT Z1 Studio Clip On Condenser Microphone System $651 The AMT Z1 Studio version combines the smallest and only specific flute microphone system on the market with the AMT AP40 floor preamp. The AP40 converts the microphones to low impedance. It regulates the voltage to each microphone, and with certain models creates a specific frequency curve. The curve is necessary on certain models or instruments in order to maintain the most natural reproduction of sound and the most gain before feedback in a live applications. An XLR low-impedance balanced output sends a mic level signal. The AMT Z1 is a hardwired single microphone made for flute. It is the perfect choice for soft or louder playing applications. It can be used for featured soloist or miking a section of flutes. This studio version is meant to be used either in a studio setting where close miking of an instrument is desired or in a professionalsetting where a sound engineer controls the microphone.Requires phantom power. |
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Applied Microphone Technology AMT VS Studio Clip-On Condenser Microphone System $663 The AMT VS Studio version combines the natural AMT VS Studio Clip-On microphone system with the AMT AP40 floor pre-amp. The AP40 converts the microphones to low impedance, it regulates the voltage to each microphone, and with certain models creates a specific frequency curve. The curve is necessary on certain models or instruments in order to maintain the most natural reproduction of sound in conjunction with achieving the most amount of gain before feedback in a live application. The output of the preamp is an XLR Low Impedance balanced output. The output sends signal at Mic Level. The AMT VS Studio version is meant to be used either in a studio setting where close miking of an instrument is desired OR in a professional level setting where the sound engineer needs control of the microphone.Requires phantom power. |
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Applied Microphone Technology Amt P800 Studio Clip On Trumpet Microphone System $742 The AMT P800 Studio microphone system combines the most natural sounding trumpet specific microphone system on the market with the AMT AP40 floor pre-amp. The AP40 converts the microphones to low impedance, it regulates the voltage to each microphone, and with certain models creates a specific frequency curve. The curve is necessary on certain models or instruments in order to maintain the most natural reproduction of sound in conjunction with achieving the most amount of gain before feedback in a live application. The output of the preamp is an XLR Low Impedance balanced output. The output sends signal at Mic Level.The AMT P800 Studio Trumpet microphone system features an element somewhere in size between a small and large diaphragm, which prevents even the loudest of trumpet players to not overload the microphone. AMT has developed their special "Off the bell" clamping system for this model which clamps to the mouthpipe of the trumpet or flugelhorn. The AMT P800 microphone allows the player to easily change to and from AMT different preamps and allows for direct connections to either Shure or Sennheiser beltpack transmitters. With a change in a cable, convert your P800 from a "Studio" style preamp, to a "Belt pack" series model, or to the AMT "W"ireless setups. The microphone is suspended in a 4 point isolation ring reducing key and handling noise. Phantom power or 9Volt battery required. Comes with AP40 floor or "DI" style preamp, hardshell case, and AMT disconnecting cable technology to allow the microphone to be used as "Wireless" or "BP" models if needed. (Additional cables for a variety of setups sold separately. The AMT Interface is also sold separately to allow connections for many wireless systems.)Natural sounding trumpet specific microphone systemSpecial element prevents microphone overload"Off the bell" clamping systemPre-amp regulates voltage to each microphoneConverts microphones to low impedanceGround Lift switchOperates with Phantom power or 9-Volt batteryIncludes hardshell case and cablesConverts from a "Studio" style preamp, to a "Belt pack" series model, or to the AMT "W"ireless setup |
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Applied Microphone Technology Amt Z1 Studio Clip On Condenser Microphone System $651 The AMT Z1 Studio version combines the smallest and only specific flute microphone system on the market with the AMT AP40 floor preamp. The AP40 converts the microphones to low impedance. It regulates the voltage to each microphone, and with certain models creates a specific frequency curve. The curve is necessary on certain models or instruments in order to maintain the most natural reproduction of sound and the most gain before feedback in a live applications. An XLR low-impedance balanced output sends a mic level signal. The AMT Z1 is a hardwired single microphone made for flute. It is the perfect choice for soft or louder playing applications. It can be used for featured soloist or miking a section of flutes. This studio version is meant to be used either in a studio setting where close miking of an instrument is desired or in a professionalsetting where a sound engineer controls the microphone.Requires phantom power.AMT Z1W MicrophoneAMT AP40 floor pre-ampHard shell protective case |
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Cad Gxl2200/1200 Stereo Studio Microphone Pack $219 The CAD GXL2200 Stereo Studio Pack includes 1 large-diaphragm GXL2200 cardioid condenser, 2 small-diaphragm GXL1200 condenser instrument mics, and 1 EPF15A pop filter.GXL2200 Large Diameter Condenser The GXL2200 is a large diameter, fixed cardioid pattern, condenser microphone. High sensitivity and low distortion make this microphone an ideal candidate for recording, broadcast, and sound reinforcement including vocal and instrument applications. The capsule in the GXL2200 features a 1" gold vapor deposited diaphragm.GXL1200 Condenser Instrument Microphone Packaged in a small, rugged, all metal housing, the GXL1200 Condenser microphone provides a transparent sound reproduction. The transformerless design of this instrument microphone allows it to have low distortion and optimum low-end frequency response. The GXL1200's size, accurate sound reproduction, and high SPL capability, make this a great choice for miking overheads, high hats, cymbals, woodwinds, and stringed instruments.EPF15A Pop Filter Foam windscreen for microphone |
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Mxl V900 Stage And Studio Condenser Microphone $149.99 The MXL V900 is a large diaphragm condenser microphone that is as comfortable to use and as effective on stage as it is in the studio. The heavy duty custom grille assembly has been carefully tuned to optimize the MXL V900 microphone's premium condenser element. Internally shock mounted, the MXL V900 mic has a unique stand mounting design that isolates vibration and reduces handling noise. The MXL V900 microphone has a classic, vintage look that will complement your performance and stage presence. The MXL V900 is a Class A microphone designed to exhibit a wide dynamic range and a low noise floor. The MXL V900 is also a perfect microphone for digital recording.Requires phantom power.Gold-sputtered, vintage modeled diaphragmLow-noise solid state preampEasy-to-move swivel mount attaches to any mic standIncludes 25' Mogami microphone cable & aluminum carrying caseWired with Mogami cable |
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Used Mxl V900 Stage And Studio Condenser Microphone $136.49 The MXL V900 is a large diaphragm condenser microphone that is as comfortable to use and as effective on stage as it is in the studio. The heavy duty custom grille assembly has been carefully tuned to optimize the MXL V900 microphone's premium condenser element. Internally shock mounted, the MXL V900 mic has a unique stand mounting design that isolates vibration and reduces handling noise. The MXL V900 microphone has a classic, vintage look that will complement your performance and stage presence. The MXL V900 is a Class A microphone designed to exhibit a wide dynamic range and a low noise floor. The MXL V900 is also a perfect microphone for digital recording.Requires phantom power.Gold-sputtered, vintage modeled diaphragmLow-noise solid state preampEasy-to-move swivel mount attaches to any mic standIncludes 25' Mogami microphone cable & aluminum carrying caseWired with Mogami cable |
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Nady SCM 960 Studio Condenser Microphone $69.99 The Nady SCM 960 Studio Condenser Microphone is a large, pressure-gradient condenser mic with a gold-sputtered diaphragm, FET preamplifier, and internal shock mount construction for structural integrity and reliability. It has selectable cardioid/omni polar patterns and selectable -10dB or -20dB attenuation. 48V phantom power required. |
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On-Stage Stands MY410 Studio Microphone Shockmount $25.99 The On-Stage Stands MY410 studio microphone shock mount is a perfect choice for vibration-free mic support. Fits most large-diaphragm condenser microphones (42-48mm diameter) including the OSM800. Angles and locks into position. Die-cast steel adapter with 5/8" threads. |
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On-Stage Stands My410 Studio Microphone Shockmount $26.99 The On-Stage Stands MY410 studio microphone shock mount is a perfect choice for vibration-free mic support. Fits most large-diaphragm condenser microphones (42-48mm diameter) including the OSM800. Angles and locks into position. Die-cast steel adapter with 5/8" threads. |
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Behringer C-1 Studio Condenser Microphone List Price: $87.99 Sale Price: $35.99 Used From: $54.99  |
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The C-1 is a cardioid condenser microphone designed to capture your sounds with incredible realism, sensitivity and accuracy. This condenser mic is an excellent choice for live and studio applications, and it's available at a price that will leave you with enough cash left over to secure other recording essentials... |
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CAD U37 USB Studio Condenser Recording Microphone List Price: $79.00 Sale Price: Too low to display |
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Record studio-quality audio directly to your computer via USB with the CAD U37 side-address condenser microphone--a great choice for both vocal and instruments as well as for creating podcasts and voiceovers for videos... |
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Samson Meteor Mic USB Studio Microphone (Cardioid) List Price: $149.99 Sale Price: Too low to display Used From: $62.08 |
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Producing rich audio recording for any application, Meteor Mic has one of the largest condenser diaphragms (25mm) of any USB mic available. Its cardioid pickup pattern, smooth frequency response and 16-bit, 44... |
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MXL V63M Condenser Studio Microphone with Shockmount Sale Price: $79.99 Used From: $71.00 |
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The MXL V63M is a condenser microphone with a 1" diameter, 6-micron-thick diaphragm that delivers high sensitivity and detailed recordings. Wired with Mogami wire for added clarity. Balanced, transformerless output for low noise... |
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RODE PSA 1 Swivel Mount Studio Microphone Boom Arm (Black) List Price: $109.00 Sale Price: $90.49 |
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The Rode PSA 1 Swivel Mount Studio Microphone Boom Arm is the professional way to mount your microphone to a studio desk. The PSA1 works with almost any mic on the market. Rode PSA 1 Features Rotates 360 degrees and reaches 32-33 inches from the base Includes two desk mounting options 2-axis swivel mount for accurate positioning Holds up to 4... |
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Samson C01U USB Studio Condenser Microphone with Cakewalk Sonar LE List Price: $134.99 Sale Price: Too low to display Used From: $49.00 |
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The C01U USB Studio Condenser Mic is an affordable studio condenser mic with a USB interface, granting musicians who record music on computers a simple, affordable way to capture high-quality vocal and acoustic instrument performances... |
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Neewer Black 3.5mm Mini Studio Speech Mic Microphone w/Stand Sale Price: $0.53 |
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Black Mini Studio Speech Microphone w/ Stand 3.5mm Jack 1.6m Long This portable mini microphone is great for internet voice chat, multi player internet gaming, video conferencing, language & other training, speech recognition & dictation! Features: *A very small dynamic microphone *Can withstand high sound pressure levels *Compact and lightweight - great for network users *Suitable for many amusement equipments *Special for personal use in karaoke room *Comes with an adjustable base *You can put the microphone on the base or hold it in your hand *Easy to use Specifications: *Mic Dimension (D x H): Approx... |
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Audio Technica AT2020 Side Address Cardiod Condensor Studio Mic List Price: $169.00 Sale Price: Too low to display Used From: $69.99 |
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The price/performance standard in side-address studio condenser microphone technology, Audio Technica's AT2020 studio mic has a low-mass diaphragm that is custom-engineered for extended frequency response and superior transient response... |
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Nady MPF-6 6-Inch Clamp On Microphone Pop Filter List Price: $24.99 Sale Price: $12.99 Used From: $18.11 |
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Mic Pop Filter With Boom |
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AKG PERCEPTION 220 Professional Studio Microphone for general purpose with one inch true condenser large diaphragm capsule. List Price: $349.00 Sale Price: Too low to display Used From: $150.93 |
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AKG’s Perception microphones have built a strong following among musicians and engineers, proving to be among the best high-value true condenser microphones on the market today. The AKG Perception Series includes the P 120, P 170, P 220, P 420 and also the new Perception 820 Tube – each offering a switchable 20 dB attenuation pad and a low cut switch for an even wider range of miking capabilities including vocals, acoustic instruments, classical music, electric guitar amps and drums across multiple applications of studio recording, live sound and broadcast... |
Home Recording Studio
With the digital revolution happening in the music world today, it would be a sin to not consider the home recording project as an alternative to big expensive recording studio's. But the question remains, what should I buy to get started?
First of all you have to decide the appropriate location of your recording studio, it could be a garage, a basement, a living room, or even your bedroom. This question must be answered before you buy anything. If you choose your garage for example, you'll have to think of maybe soundproofing it, so you'll have a minimum of control over the reflective sounds coming from the surrounding walls. If it's in a apartment living room, you'll have to find ways to reduce the volume coming from your monitors so that you don't disturb your neighbors.
Second thing to look for is on what medium you are going to record your music on. Will it be on an analog tape machine or a digital system such as a computer? For purist, the analog way is still the better option, for its warmer characteristic and natural compression. But for many, the DAW (digital analog workstation) is the standard of the future. Everything can be replicate in the digital sphere these days, so take the time to decide what medium you will be comfortable with. But as a recommendation and for many, the computer-based recording system is the best bang for the buck on the market right now.
Then the recording chain, everything in it is important, but usually is like a decrescendo in terms of value, as the first to consider and pay attention is inevitably the music quality. Technically if you're a poor singer or a bad instrumentalist, no microphones, preamps, equalizers or compressors will make your performance sound better, all it will do is alter and modify the original source to some degree, but nothing more. So always try to get the best performance possible, before hitting the record button, Practice,practice and pactice make some good arrangements, write good lyrics, make it enjoyable. Go back to the essence of music.
Let's first look at the first piece to buy when you decide to record on a digital medium. You've possibly heard a lot about soundcards lately, and with the explosion of various models, these digitals recorders can do a pretty professional job if you learn to operate them in a proper way. They can all possibly record in 24 bits 96 kHz and over, so for the recorder hobbyist, it won't be a problem to find something that's good an affordable.
Comes next, the choice of microphones, that's maybe the second most important thing to consider in the signal chain after the performance. All microphones have their own sound and personality, so when buying them, take the time, if possible, to audition as many as possible at your local store, Try to put your own voice or guitar or any instrument in it, and evaluate if you like the sound that comes out. It's a very subjective area so try to choose accordantly to what your ears like. There's plenty of models available on the market, but basically you'll find three types that you should be familiar with: the dynamic, the condenser and the ribbon microphone.
The microphone choice must be based on what your ears favor. Select one like a painter would do with his color palette: experiment and have fun doing it.
Then comes the microphone preamplifier. Mic Preamps boost the signal to a standard line level, which all recorders can then capture easily. It acts like a gain stage for the mic, before it reaches the recorder. These machines can add texture and color to your tracks, like some microphones do. The microphone preamplification subject is a whole world by itself, so I won't be covering it in details. Let just say that it is an important part of your recording chain and it can take the most out of your mics. Often, as a start, a good mixer with decent preamps will do a pretty satisfying job, and some soundcards companies incorporate thems more and more inside of their products also.
After choosing your mic and preamp setup, there's one component that you have to purchase if you want to build a good recording studio. I'm talking about the audio monitors. These boxes are your reference for everything that goes in your recording chain, so a well-taken time to buy a good pair is elemental. Studio monitors differ from hi-fi speakers by their flatter response range. They can give you a more realistic image of what's going on in your recording and mixing process. Hi-fi speakers tend to sweeten the sound to make it pleasant for commercial CDs for example, but lack the precision of what a good pair of near-field monitors can offer. When buying these reference boxes, take the time to go to your local store with your best CDs and try to investigate what you hear. Do they have to much bass, or not enough, do they sound to harsh for example? Try to buy a pair that sounds good for you and that will not create ear fatigue after several hours of listening in your studio.
Finally, you won't be able to track anything if you don't have multi-track recording software. This is where you lay down the tracks you've recorded. It's also the place where you edit, arrange and mix your songs. There's a wide selection of this product on the market, but basically they all do the same things and you'll find all the basic functions in all of them. If you don't have the budget for now, you can still find free legal versions on the net, which will respond to your basic needs. Most of these programs come with default FX plug-ins like compressors, reverbs and equalizers that you can use instead of buying the external hardware analog version. There's also plenty of third parts plug-ins that you can buy or download legally for free, that emulates the real thing.
This resumes what you need to get started with your recording studio project. So let's recapitulate: first the location of your recording studio: decide where and how, and make adjustments depending of your choice. Then decide if you prefer to go the analog or digital, considering the fact that the computer-based system will be the standard in the near future. If you go digital, choose a soundcard that will correspond to your needs. Start with one or two good microphones, depending of what you record, and combine them with a good preamp or mixer or take the ones that come with your soundcard if there is. Then choose the best studio monitors you can afford. And finally get a multi-track recording software to lay down your tracks, edit and mix them in real-time.
As a final thought, trust your ears when your buying recording equipments, let them be the judge, it will always be your best bet in the long run.
About the Author
Rusty Blue runs a great website where you can listen and compare home recording equipments in waves and mp3 format.
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