[Chunsoo]

I'm on a budget of around 300 dollars.
I think he's using a shure sm57, by the looks of it, but there's a specific name to the mic type I think.
I'm only planning for recordings like this.
But to my understanding, there's more to get than just a mic to do so.
I need a list of things to buy/obtain to record like this.

 

[DanPerezSax]

SM57
Cheap audio interface
Computer
Recording software with reverb and delay.

Be sure to play the backing track with left to right "tape delay." LOL.

And practice for a lifetime would help, too! What makes this recording sound good is the playing.

 

[Chunsoo]

SM57
Cheap audio interface
Computer

Be sure to play the backing track with a fast, short L to R delay. LOL.

And practice for a lifetime would help, too! What makes this recording sound good is the playing.

Haha, yeah, I really like this man's playing.
What would be a cheap audio interface? Like a certain soundboard or something?

 

[Honeyboy]

There used to be a recording that describes his horns, mouthpieces and recording equipment. I'll see if I can find it and get back to you, since I made a copy of it. Okay, I found it.
It was a Fostek digital multitrack recorder, put into some kind of computer software, which he didn't describe exactly. He also says he is using an SM57 mic, a 1941 Conn tenor, an "early serial number" Selmer USA alto. His mouthpiece is a 7* NY link on tenor, and a metal Berg on alto. He also occasionally uses a metal Berg on tenor.

 

[Chunsoo]

If you look among his different recordings, there's one which describes his horns, mouthpieces and recording equipment. I'll see if I can find it and get back to you. I think it was a Fostek recorder, if I remember correctly.

I saw his horn and mouthpiece descriptions, but I haven't seen anything about recording equipment?

 

[DanPerezSax]

If I wanted something that is in the current generation of technology and guaranteed to be cheap and acceptable, I'd go look at what Berklee requires for entering students. May not be the cheapest interface, will not be the best out there, but it will do its job well, for sure. And, yeah, it's a soundcard or an outboard interface that lets you hook up mics and such.

 

[magical pig]

SM57 used on eBay.

USB interface (a soundcard basically): recent discussion HERE.

Free recording software like Cockos Reaper.

 

[Joeywhat]

I would get something like an M-Audio Mobile Pre ($150) for an audio interface. Also remember to get quality monitoring equipment (i.e., speakers/headphones). I played on an old ribbon mic a while back that sound FANTASTIC, if you can find one for cheap (that actually works...).

If you don't already have DAW software, Audacity is free...if you feel like spending money I like Sonar (for PC) or Logic Pro (for mac).

 

[DanPerezSax]

Ribbon mics can sound amazing, but BE CAREFUL with them!

 

[Chunsoo]

SM57 used on eBay.

USB interface (a soundcard basically): recent discussion HERE.

Free recording software like Cockos Reaper.

Most likely, I only have a windows 32 bit Vista or 7 available.
Is buying a soundcard based off of compatibility?
....

What are the price of Ribbon Mics, and what did you mean by that DanPerezSax?

 

[Honeyboy]

I saw his horn and mouthpiece descriptions, but I haven't seen anything about recording equipment?

I revised my original post with more details, if you are still interested.

 

[Chunsoo]

Ok thanks.

Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk

 

[Joeywhat]

Most likely, I only have a windows 32 bit Vista or 7 available.
Is buying a soundcard based off of compatibility?
....

What are the price of Ribbon Mics, and what did you mean by that DanPerezSax?

Ribbon mics are very delicate, so they must be handled carefully.

Check out the M-Audio Mobile Pre like I mentioned earlier. Easier to use over a soundcard as it's USB vs opening up your computer, and it offers XLR and TRS inputs, phantom power and balanced outputs for proper studio monitors (should you use them). You can put it right on your desk, so it's MUCH easier to plug into.

 

[Chunsoo]

That seems very convincing, I'm going to search it up.

Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk

 

[magical pig]

That seems very convincing, I'm going to search it up.

Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk

FWIW, I've only had problems with M-Audio interfaces, they have poor customer service and poor driver support, that's why I have recommended the 2i2. The preamps on the Focusrite also sound better (meaning, simplified, the microphone will be amplified through a clearer, more powerful path).

USB interfaces work well with pretty much any computer. Just check the manufacturer's product page for compatibility with your OS. Firewire interfaces are another story and some are picky about what kind of firewire chip you have onboard.

Ribbon mics are fragile and buying used is a gamble. The cheap new ribbon mics coming from China are OK for the price but unfortunately suffer from lack of quality control. Specifically the ribbon (a thin strip of aluminum mounted between two magnets) is too loose resulting in wild bumps in the low end and lack of high end extension so make sure you buy from a store with a good return policy. (I talked a bit about ribbon mics HERE already but there's much more to it.)

 

[DanPerezSax]

Even if I could be assured of having a great ribbon mic, I probably would go in another direction. Just my personal lifestyle and experience so far has been more as a live musician, so I'm used to buying stuff that is brick tough and can take reasonable abuse. You can't toss a ribbon mic in the trunk... you can't toss it anywhere! This is one of the reasons ribbon mics aren't used in live sound. You also need to make sure you're going through well-maintained gear with a ribbon. A crummy patchbay and phantm power are easily enough to fry your mic. Since I'm used to having mics that I can pack up and toss, I don't want a mic that I may destroy in a moment of carelessness. That's just me, though, and I've had good experiences in other people's studios where I'm always careful with everything.

 

[Chunsoo]

Do you have any other suggestions besides ribbon mics?

 

[hakukani]

An sm57 would do you fine. Dynamic mikes in general are not extremely delicate.

If you want to just record, get yourself a Blue Yeti usb microphone and download Audacity or Reaper. That's all you need.

 

[Joeywhat]

Do you have any other suggestions besides ribbon mics?

The SM57 will sound just fine, the point I was making was that if you do end up with a larger budget, or want a better mic later on, or happen to find a good mic for cheap, that better options are out there. I also liked the sound I got out of a cheap condenser mic I used a while back at a practice...I can't remember the name but it was under $150. Only caveat with a condenser is you're required to have phantom power.

But anyways, the cheap, simple and mostly correct purchase would be the 57. Check out Guitar Center, they often have mic packages (especially for something like a 57) that includes a decent stand and cable for very low cost.