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[Mass Effect]

So I've been looking at recording equipment for my music and I'm not exactly sure what to go for here. I'm looking for something that will record electric guitar, acoustic guitar, bass, and vocals. There are various things I've been looking at, like just getting a USB condenser mic like the Audio Technica AT2020, but then I heard that I can get better results using a mic with the traditional XLR plug + a USB interface for roughly the same price. I saw people recommending this (Lexicon Alpha) + a Shure SM57/58. This would also allow me to do direct input the the interface without a mic for the instruments.

Also, what is the difference between a condenser mic and a dynamic one? From what I understand, condensers offer better sound quality, but are more fragile compared to dynamics. Is that it? How pronounced are the sound quality differences?

Without this getting too wordy, what exactly should I be looking for here? I'm really trying to stay under $200 ($150-175 ideally), but I don't want shitty quality either.

 

[maxcriden]

PM Sadsic. His tunes sound good to my ears and I bet he has some good ideas for you.

 

[whitehawk]

Keep in mind that our will take a while to get used to recording, finding the right great for you and learning the tricks. I read countless tutorials online about recording, but it took me just buying a bunch of different equipment and trying new things out until I found a setup in happy with.

I record mostly electric guitar though. I do have a condenser mic for vocals but I find use it often. For acoustic guitar I prefer using a zoom portable recorder.

 

[Foshy]

We have a new topic for people who make music over in the community forum, I'm sure someone there can help you out! http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=994961

 

[ShadowsFell]

So I've been looking at recording equipment for my music and I'm not exactly sure what to go for here. I'm looking for something that will record electric guitar, acoustic guitar, bass, and vocals. There are various things I've been looking at, like just getting a USB condenser mic like the Audio Technica AT2020, but then I heard that I can get better results using a mic with the traditional XLR plug + a USB interface for roughly the same price. I saw people recommending this (Lexicon Alpha) + a Shure SM57/58. This would also allow me to do direct input the the interface without a mic for the instruments.

Also, what is the difference between a condenser mic and a dynamic one? From what I understand, condensers offer better sound quality, but are more fragile compared to dynamics. Is that it? How pronounced are the sound quality differences?

Without this getting too wordy, what exactly should I be looking for here? I'm really trying to stay under $200 ($150-175 ideally), but I don't want shitty quality either.

I bought a Rode NT-USB microphone recently, and it sounds great. Pretty low background noise too.

 

[Mass Effect]

We have a new topic for people who make music over in the community forum, I'm sure someone there can help you out! http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=994961

Oh cool. Definitely checking it out.

 

[andycapps]

I know SM57 and SM58 are great and are pretty much the standard for live performance. Not too experienced in studio gear so can't help you much here.

 

[sqwarlock]

You linked to the non-USB version of the 2020, and I'd highly recommend it. It's an amazing mic for the price. I run mine into a Scarlett 2i2 interface and it provides a more than adequate amount of clarity for the low total cost.