I've had good results using this microphone: musiciansfriend.com/pro-audio/...s&index=1 It does require an audio interface. I use one from Focusrite.

You can go two ways with this. The first is to use a USB mic that plugs directly into the computer. The second is to use a conventional mic with an audio interface, as Ken describes. The interface takes an analog signal and digitizes it.

I have a Blue Snowball USB mic that works well enough in certain applications, but I wouldn't call it great for doing music. It's worth noting that recording studios use conventional mics and digitize their signals.

If all you're doing is recording music for reference purposes, a USB mic is probably all you need - although I have experienced some significant latency issues with Audacity when multi-tracking when using mine. It can be really tricky to get the tracks properly aligned.

I agree with Skip regarding latency.  It can still be a problem with an audio interface.  It can be dependent on your computer specs and what you have running in the background.  
 

Are you just recording for reference or are you going to be building something with multiple tracks?

Howdy, Owen! It's been a long time! I hope you are doing well. BTW, I still play your tune, "Rosie!"

I have been using an Audio-Technica AT2020 with fair success. Like Ken Longfield, I use a Focusrite audio interface. I also just use a USB Logitech camera/mic for quick, "down-and-dirty" recordings.

I strongly agree with Skip King's and John English's comments about latency in making multiple tracks with Audacity. I seem to remember older versions of Audacity were not as bad about latency, but I'm now having a terrible time with the tracks not lining up! Owen, are you experiencing latency issues with Audacity? If not, what version are you using?

Good luck with your mic search, Owen! Let us know what you decide.

The last audio to digital interface I tried didn't work with my android tablet.

Audio Evolution mobile is my latest app. It has a latency offset. But I need a powered DI converter. That way I can use standard Sm57, or mxr990 mikes.

Hello Bill it's great to hear from you again hope you are keeping well,I'm afraid I'm not very technical so a lot of stuff goes over my head but I've been looking at the Audio Technica AT2020 which you mentioned as it's in my price range, as for latency I haven't got that far yet as I've only just downloaded version 4 of Audacity but I'll keep that in mind. Thanks for the information Bill and take care.

Thanks everyone for your help.

Owen wrote:
"I'm not very technical so a lot of stuff goes over my head but I've been looking at the Audio Technica AT2020 which you mentioned as it's in my price range, as for latency I haven't got that far yet as I've only just downloaded version 4 of Audacity but I'll keep that in mind. "

The AT2020 (I had one) is a condenser mic with an XLR connection. To use it with a computer you'll need an audio interface, probably USB-based.

There are many USB interfaces, from around $100 all the way up into the thousands. But you can do fine in the $150-200 range, if one or two input channels will be enough.

For years I used a firewire interface on the Mac, but the more recent Macs gave up firewire several years' back. So I looked on ebay and found a nearly-new-condition Steinberg UR22mkII a few weeks ago for $50. Seems to be working OK for single-mic recording with Cubase.

BE AWARE that Audio Technica also makes a "USB interface version" of the AT2020 mic -- no interface needed, it's built into the unit, plugs directly into the computer. Might be all you need.

IMPORTANT:
You want to buy a USB-based mic that has two things:
- a headphone jack right on the mic so you can have relatively latency-free listening/recording
and
- a control (usually right on the mic) that lets you "mix" the signal from the computer playing back from your digital recording app with the "direct" input you're making on the mic itself.

Most interfaces come bundled with DAW software as well. I've always liked Cubase because of it's editing (and anything I record is gonna need a LOT of "editing", heh).

So... I'd suggest that as you investigate what's available, you take a look at the Yamaha/Steinberg stuff (Yamaha took over Steinberg's hardware manufacturing a couple of years back).
The UR22C interface comes to mind (newer version of what I have).
They also have a "bundle" with closed-ear phones and a mic that looks very much like a rebranded AT2020 ...

Thanks very much John, that's a lot to think about.

I would recommend ditching Audacity and using Reaper. It is free*, far more capable, and will likely give you less issues with latency. It takes a little study to familiarize yourself with the program but it is well worth it.

*it is technically a paid product but you can stay in "trial mode" indefinitely

Interesting Ethan....thanks.