USB MIC

[Carcass29]

I've been wanting to record guitar tracks with an Mbox and an Audix i5 but I've recently heard of these new "USB mics" that plug directly into a laptop, anybody tried one or have some feedback they would like to share? http://www.bluemic.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=Products&file=index&prod_id=18

 

[axeman720]

that mic may sound ok but i cant imagine that something powered by your usb port is really gonna be all that great. Especially when you think about the fact that most of us here with pro quality studios own preamps that require dedicated powersupplies that cost more than that mic. And when i say that i'm not trying to prove a price point, im just sayin to take into account that while we've come pretty far in the power efficiency category in the past few decades i think that a usb powerd mic just may still be a bit lacking in the power department, and believe me thats fairly important. i'd suggest going with a good sound card and good mic and a decent preamp. You'll get more flexability and besides you'll be able to use the mic in other places besides your usb port.

 

[dreamcatcher]

I've seen the USB condenser ones, but that Blue Snowball doesn't claim to be a condenser...

Just a nonproductive observation on my part.

http://www.samsontech.com/products/productpage.cfm?prodID=1810&brandID=2
But I see the freq range response is listed as the same for both mics.

 

[EtherForBreakfast]

I dont think i like the idea of a usb microphone..... where does it preamp its signal? does it synch with all of those clocks that run inside of your PC?

 

[cobrahead1030]

i'd look into something like the m-audio mobile pre (or the fast track if you're on a budget) which is a usb preamp/converter that will let you use any mic you wish (no phantom power for condensers on the fast track tho)

if you're really set on a usb mic tho, samson recently came out with one that i heard sounds pretty decent...haven't tried one myself tho