tom elder - Posted - 03/25/2011:  13:26:46

I do my recording on a stand alone digital multitrack in the 3 or 4 hundred dollar range.I have acouple of dynamic audio technica mikes.Would i get a more realistic sound with a different mike if so any suggestions.I recently bought a little art preamp for metering capabilities.Second question do the rigs that take a regular mike and out put a usb signal do the job? Thanks Tom

Banjov1 - Posted - 03/25/2011:  14:25:19

For recording it's generally better to use condensor mics then dynamic mics. Some of the USB mics are really nice and there are many lower priced usb mics that are actually condensor mics. But when you're recording to a mic connected to a PC, a lot of times you have to deal with computer noises (fans, hard drives and anything in the PC that makes noises).

rudy - Posted - 03/25/2011:  15:22:51

Tom,
Condenser mics will absolutely give you a “more realistic” sound, but an appropriate answer as to recommendations would require more specifics about exactly how and what you record. Given that you’re working with a 3-400 multitracker, do you have phantom power available on your recorder? What instruments are you recording? Are you doing vocals that would be better served with a large diaphragm condenser mic? How much are you looking to spend? How quiet is your tracking area? (Consideration is needed for mic pattern and background noise rejection.) With a little more detail I’m sure we can offer you some information.
Dynamic mics are particularly good for live sound work,high power drum and guitar amplifier cabinet micing, and where feedback control and robustness are needed, but they are almost always sub-par for detailed and accurate recording.

tom elder - Posted - 03/25/2011:  15:29:35

Rudy no phantom power just banjo, guitar , and very little vocal no drums bass this is done with a keyboard if any, my little preamp has phantom power,as far as the amount i hope to find something on e-bay in the 1to 2 hundred range Thanks Tom

jbalch - Posted - 03/25/2011:  15:39:38

Your ART preamp should provide phantom power for a condenser mic.

There are plenty of great condenser mics available for prices from $59...to "the sky is the limit."

My first set-up was an ART TubePre with an Audio Technica 4033 mic. That is a great sounding combo. Those mics are available used on ebaY for $200-250.

You might also consider a pack like this one from MXL (see below). I would give you a couple of different choices for instruments and vocals. These packs cost $100 or less:

Edited by - jbalch on 03/25/2011 15:43:17

rudy - Posted - 03/26/2011:  12:54:58

Tom,
Given your criteria, I can recommend the AKG Perception 170 microphone to you. It’s available with a 2 year warranty for $99 and free shipping.
I have the Perception 170s that I use for my single point small diaphragm needs and am happy with them.
I have several mics and I have them all recorded using the same instrument and vocal with the same flat EQ and gain settings. I do this so I can compare mics in a direct side by side manner to pick what I think will work best in a recording situation. It’s very easy to compare mics this way with a DAW, as you can set loop points and just solo each mic to listen. The reason I mention all this is that I can tell you my Perception 170s run a very close second to my pricier medium diaphragm condensers, Rode NT3s and AKG C1000s. I don’t have personal knowledge of many Chinese SDCs but I can recommend these from my personal experience. I’d go this route before doing the ebay thing given the fact that there are so many new SDCs available in the sub-$100 range.