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View Full Version : Tascam US-122 users, What Mic to buy?



LaVonne
Jan-16-2005, 10:22am
Hi Everyone,

I just purchased a Tascam US-122 USB interface. I’m pretty computer literate but new to home recording. I know from other home recording threads that several of you are using this unit. I need to buy a good quality entry level microphone and would really appreciate some reconditions. I'll be recording guitar and mandolin.

Thanks.
LaVonne

Spruce
Jan-16-2005, 12:44pm
AT Pro 37R?

Ted Eschliman
Jan-16-2005, 1:50pm
Happy with my Audio Technica AT4040. Larger diaphragm captures lows & warmth very well. Almost tubelike without paying for a tube mic. (US-122 is what I use for an interface.)

mandroid
Jan-23-2005, 10:55pm
without Phantom power available, I think A battery powered condenser will work better than a dynamic, at a half foot distance especially; and there are 3 I'm aware of:
nady spc 25 [1-AA] : @$55,00
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7....2 (http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/g=rec/search/detail/base_pid/277522/)
and uppriced AKG C1000s,and Rode NT3 with 9v battery power . + phantom when available.
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7....1 (http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/g=rec/search/detail/base_pid/271131/)
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7....5 (http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/g=rec/search/detail/base_pid/271575/)

as one source of information..
XLR to 1/4" adaptor,impedance matching, may also be useful.

dtb
Jan-24-2005, 7:59am
I've been using MXL mics for a while now, and really like the sound. My main mic is the V67 and V57. Not sure they make these two now, but the 900 series is their replacements. 990, 992, 993, I think, would be good, and at very good prices. You can find the deals where they'll have 2 for 100.00-150.00. But they do require phantom power.

Brian Ray
Jan-24-2005, 9:30am
The US-122 does have phantom power.

Which mic to get depends on what you're going to record. Vocals tend to sound better on large diaphram mics. Mandos on small diaphrams... there is no hard-fast rule though... anyone that says there is is either wrong or just a recording snob.

This may get you started... MXL mic package for $99 (http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/g=live/search/detail/base_pid/273166/).

diamond ace
Jan-24-2005, 9:41pm
I have been thinking of buying one of those US-122,s. Somebody tell me alittle about it if you don't mind. Does it have Phantom power? What program do you record to and how easy is it to mix.
Thanks,

Mandovt
Jan-25-2005, 9:33am
I have a US-122 running into my laptop and it works great.
It comes with cubasis software. It took me a while to figure the software out but once you get the hang of it all is good. It does have phantom power but I use a ART tube pre-amp for phantom power when I use my AT-4033 mic. I also use SM-57's for instruments.

mike_c
Jan-25-2005, 4:10pm
i would without a doubt recommend a oktava mc-012 small diaphram condenser. i also would buy it from "the sound room" as they actually test and only sell the ones up to the top standards..this mic was picked the best buy (under $200)---by many top recording engineers and recording magazines and they are quite similar to neumann km-84 (no, they are not exactly the same as a neumann) #also a GREAT vocal mic..very comparable to my neumann tlm-103 .if i was starting out again..i would buy a matched pair from "the sound room" and no,,i have no financal interest in "the sound room" they just really solve to quality control problem...i think they are at oktava.com

mandroid
Jan-25-2005, 11:25pm
FWIW, I got a Rode NT5 pair, OZ small diphragm spec. 20 -20k no peaks or notches , pair comes in a case you could defend yourself with.
sensitive enough to sound fine about a foot away.

diamond ace
Jan-26-2005, 7:23pm
I have read that the US-122 does not work well with windows XP is this true? Anybody.

Mandovt
Jan-27-2005, 10:34am
I am not sure about windows xp-home..but it works fine with my laptop running windows xp-prof.

Rich
Jan-27-2005, 5:18pm
My band recorded our latest CD at my house on a US 122 with one sm58, one sm57, and the new mackie "traction" software running in Win XP home. Everything worked flawlessly and the quality is very good.