Semi-Pro Sound Recording Solution

[ionbasa]

So I have been thinking about picking up a decent quality microphone such as the AT2020 cardioid microphone.

 

Does anyone have any recommendations on the microphone interface? 

I would imagine USB is the most commonly used for an audio interface, as compared to PCIe cards.

 

Also, are there any interfaces that allow me to also capture both unbalanced and balanced line inputs, say from a mixer?

[bchampion96]

So I have been thinking about picking up a decent quality microphone such as the AT2020 cardioid microphone.

Does anyone have any recommendations on the microphone interface?

I would imagine USB is the most commonly used for an audio interface, as compared to PCIe cards.

Also, are there any interfaces that allow me to also capture both unbalanced and balanced line inputs, say from a mixer?

The AT2020 isn't 'decent'. Sure it's good for the money, but it is nowhere near studio quality. Good place to start though. I would recommend a USB audio interface like the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 and get the XLR version of the at2020. For home and general use, I have a 2i4 and an SM57. The pres on focusrite stuff (even low end) are great. The 2i4 (not sure about 2i2, can't be bothered to check) allows you to capture audio from XLR and TRS balanced inputs, unbalanced TS inputs at line, mic and instrument levels.

Also, what is your budget and what do you want to record?

[ionbasa]

The AT2020 isn't 'decent'. Sure it's good for the money, but it is nowhere near studio quality. Good place to start though. I would recommend a USB audio interface like the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 and get the XLR version of the at2020. For home and general use, I have a 2i4 and an SM57. The pres on focusrite stuff (even low end) are great. The 2i4 (not sure about 2i2, can't be bothered to check) allows you to capture audio from XLR and TRS balanced inputs, unbalanced TS inputs at line, mic and instrument levels.

Also, what is your budget and what do you want to record?

My budget is around $500. As for what I want to record, mostly vocals. I am starting to get into podcasting. Also I need a better microphone for video voiceovers, specifically used in tutorial videos, which vary from Linux tutorials all the way to math, science, and even some programming.

 

So far I have been using my headset mic, and the audio recording is just bearable.

[bchampion96]

My budget is around $500. As for what I want to record, mostly vocals. I am starting to get into podcasting. Also I need a better microphone for video voiceovers, specifically used in tutorial videos, which vary from Linux tutorials all the way to math, science, and even some programming.

So far I have been using my headset mic, and the audio recording is just bearable.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002QAUOKS?cache=f3d8f739bae20e1ff47a47684a198f2eπ=SX200_QL40&qid=1404861693&sr=8-1#ref=mp_s_a_1_1

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B005OZE9SA?pc_redir=1404789450&robot_redir=1

If the mobile links don't work for you, that's a focusrite Scarlett 2i2 and a Rode NT1A mic pack. Should get you all set. You might need a stand and an XLR cable, but they're not expensive. Does that look good to you?

I use the NT2A at school a lot and it's one of my favourite go to mics for practically anything. The NT1A doesn't have the versatility in the same way, but it definitely sounds great.

[bchampion96]

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00JOOQPJS?cache=f3d8f739bae20e1ff47a47684a198f2eπ=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70&qid=1404861693&sr=8-11#ref=mp_s_a_1_11

There was a bundle link

[ionbasa]

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002QAUOKS?cache=f3d8f739bae20e1ff47a47684a198f2eπ=SX200_QL40&qid=1404861693&sr=8-1#ref=mp_s_a_1_1

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B005OZE9SA?pc_redir=1404789450&robot_redir=1

If the mobile links don't work for you, that's a focusrite Scarlett 2i2 and a Rode NT1A mic pack. Should get you all set. You might need a stand and an XLR cable, but they're not expensive. Does that look good to you?

I use the NT2A at school a lot and it's one of my favourite go to mics for practically anything. The NT1A doesn't have the versatility in the same way, but it definitely sounds great.

Looks good! Now all I need is a mounting arm, and a pop filter.

Any recommendations on the arm mount? Preferably something that is desk mounted, although floor mounted would be fine also.

[ionbasa]

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00JOOQPJS?cache=f3d8f739bae20e1ff47a47684a198f2eπ=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70&qid=1404861693&sr=8-11#ref=mp_s_a_1_11

There was a bundle link

You just sniped what I was going to ask!

[bchampion96]

You just sniped what I was going to ask!

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00AK7SKL4?cache=f3d8f739bae20e1ff47a47684a198f2eπ=SY200_QL40&qid=1404862442&sr=8-1#ref=mp_s_a_1_1

I use this. Not the highest quality thing in the world, but it's held up very well for me in everyday use. Literally. Used every day. If you search NT1A in Amazon, there are loads of bundles with varying amounts of stands, cables and interfaces and what have you