usb mic?

[John Bertotti]

Hey all can anyone recommend a good usb mic. I have no clue what they cost so fire away if it is a bit pricey I'll just do without till I can get it. Usb mice are connected directly to the computer but are they digital or analog? I'll will be using this with the practica musica 4.5 program. I imagine it can be used with all the computer music programs that have that ability. Thanks for the help. John http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif

[MDW]

I'm not aware of any USB specific mics (but that doesn't mean they don't exist). However, I'd recommend a route that will give you more flexibility. There is a little unit called an M-Audio MobilePre. It is a small USB powered preamp designed for interfacing with computers. It gives you XLR, 1/4in, and 1/8 inputs and provides phantom power to the XLR inputs. It comes with software for Mac and PC platforms. With the MobilePre you could then use whatever microphone you desired. I picked mine up used for about $100 on ebay. There are about 5 of them listed there now.

[John Bertotti]

I can guess at what phantom power is but have no clue what an xlr input is. Would this set up work with the shure mic? if not what mic? Thanks for the info mdw, it is appreciated this is all very new to me. Thanks John http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

[MDW]

Phantom power provides the low level power that some condensor mics require. Your shure is probably a dynamic mic and probably doesn't require phantom power. The shure should be fine with the M-Audio unit whether it is dynamic or condensor. XLR simply refers to the standard 3 pin connector that most performance microphones have as oppossed to the 1/4 in phono jacks that guitar inputs have. Good luck. Let us know how it goes.

[mandroid]

Quick check of musiciansfriend.com for example shows a tascam preamp US-122; USB power/ input, at about $200, can support condenser microphones, 2,w phantom power , and 2 line level inputs.
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[Wando]

I use an M-Audio MobilePre for the USB connection and a Sony ECM-MS907 mic. This is relatively inexpensive gear, and an easy entry into computer recording. I think together they cost around $230. Enjoy whatever you end up with!

[mobilecat]

If you are not looking for something fancy and want to take the cheap route. # I have the I-mic ($40) that I use on my PC running windows XP and it works fine. #Its a USB interface that you can use with any mic...

I-mic (http://www.griffintechnology.com/products/imic/)


MC

[John Bertotti]

I use an Imac and didn't even know the Imic was available. I will probably use it for this situation. Thanks all John http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif