Home Studio, Podcast, and Recording Thread
Just for something a little off topic for people interesting in creating podcasts, YouTube videos, or home recording studios.
We'll go over some of the best products for getting started on your own home studio projects.
If people have had success with certain products, feel free to contribute and recommend them here.
Home Studio, Podcast, and Recording Thread
First thing is to explain, in a very basic way, the difference between the two types of microphones most people would choose from.
Dynamic microphones and Condenser microphones.
Dynamic Microphones - Generally have a low sensitivity and output level. Very rugged and handle abuse well. Do a good job of handling loud noises. Do a good job of handling background noise rejection. Generally lack the frequency response of condenser microphones, making them possibly not quite as fit for purposes where lower levels and small nuances in sound want to be picked up in the recording.
Condenser Microphones - Have a higher sensitivity and frequency response that dynamic microphones. More complex and fragile than dynamic microphones. Can often, because of their high sensitivity, pick up small nuances in sound better than dynamic microphones. The downside being that loud noises can overdrive a condenser microphones, creating a distorted effect on the sound.
Both can be used for just about anything.
But one may do a better job than the other depending on what it is recording the environment sounding it.
Dynamic microphones and Condenser microphones.
Dynamic Microphones - Generally have a low sensitivity and output level. Very rugged and handle abuse well. Do a good job of handling loud noises. Do a good job of handling background noise rejection. Generally lack the frequency response of condenser microphones, making them possibly not quite as fit for purposes where lower levels and small nuances in sound want to be picked up in the recording.
Condenser Microphones - Have a higher sensitivity and frequency response that dynamic microphones. More complex and fragile than dynamic microphones. Can often, because of their high sensitivity, pick up small nuances in sound better than dynamic microphones. The downside being that loud noises can overdrive a condenser microphones, creating a distorted effect on the sound.
Both can be used for just about anything.
But one may do a better job than the other depending on what it is recording the environment sounding it.
Best "All Purpose" microphone?
A good choice for this would be the Shure SM7B.
An industry standard dynamic microphone.
Great for podcasts and radio broadcasting.
As opposed to many dynamic microphones, it is not only excellent for broadcasting and the spoken voice but for vocal recording as well.
Making it possibly the best "all purpose" microphone.
One downside is that it is not as sensitive as condenser microphones. It may be beneficial to also purchase a "Cloudlifter" to increase the volume output when necessary.
A good choice for this would be the Shure SM7B.
An industry standard dynamic microphone.
Great for podcasts and radio broadcasting.
As opposed to many dynamic microphones, it is not only excellent for broadcasting and the spoken voice but for vocal recording as well.
Making it possibly the best "all purpose" microphone.
One downside is that it is not as sensitive as condenser microphones. It may be beneficial to also purchase a "Cloudlifter" to increase the volume output when necessary.
Another top selection in the podcast/radio broadcasting category would be the Electro Voice RE20.
The Electro Voice RE20, like the Shure SM7B, is also a dynamic microphone.
This is also a radio and broadcasting standard.
Not quite as all-purpose as the Shure SM7B in that it does not handle music vocal recordings quite as well.
But for podcasts and radio broadcasting, it has a very professional and distinct sound that I like.
If you are only interesting in broadcasting, the Electro Voice RE20 would be a great choice IMO.
The Electro Voice RE20, like the Shure SM7B, is also a dynamic microphone.
This is also a radio and broadcasting standard.
Not quite as all-purpose as the Shure SM7B in that it does not handle music vocal recordings quite as well.
But for podcasts and radio broadcasting, it has a very professional and distinct sound that I like.
If you are only interesting in broadcasting, the Electro Voice RE20 would be a great choice IMO.
Top Condenser Microphone Recommendation
Warm Audio WA-87 Large-Diaphram Condenser Microphone
Never used it. Have heard it. Fantastic sounding microphone.
Not necessarily a broadcasting microphone like the two mentioned above.
But is more "musical sounding" and will pick up greater detail and nuances of the source material.
If beginning a home studio, this is a home run pick IMO.
Warm Audio WA-87 Large-Diaphram Condenser Microphone
Never used it. Have heard it. Fantastic sounding microphone.
Not necessarily a broadcasting microphone like the two mentioned above.
But is more "musical sounding" and will pick up greater detail and nuances of the source material.
If beginning a home studio, this is a home run pick IMO.
Top Condenser Microphone Recommendation Runner Up
Audio Technica AT4050
It would be hard to go wrong with the AT4050. Multi-pattern. Transparent sound. Does well on almost any source material.
Used in professional studios. In fact, probably just about every single one will have a couple of these.
If you're looking for one microphone that can record almost anything well, this might be the one to go with.
Industry and studio standard.
Not always the top pick for everything. But this is one of those products you'll rarely ever hear anybody say anything bad about.
Works good on most voices, instruments, just about anything.
Has a great reputation.
If any of your friends are recording studio engineers, they will be impressed that you picked this as your first microphone.
Audio Technica AT4050
It would be hard to go wrong with the AT4050. Multi-pattern. Transparent sound. Does well on almost any source material.
Used in professional studios. In fact, probably just about every single one will have a couple of these.
If you're looking for one microphone that can record almost anything well, this might be the one to go with.
Industry and studio standard.
Not always the top pick for everything. But this is one of those products you'll rarely ever hear anybody say anything bad about.
Works good on most voices, instruments, just about anything.
Has a great reputation.
If any of your friends are recording studio engineers, they will be impressed that you picked this as your first microphone.
- Canuckster
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I'm not sure about that the illuminati symbolism on the fron of it, thing prob records and tracks your every word on or off
People say they all want the truth, but when they are confronted with a truth that disagrees with them, they balk at it as if it were an unwanted zombie apocalypse come to destroy civilization.
I like the Audio Technicas
For higher end, I always recommend the AKG 414
For higher end, I always recommend the AKG 414
Just to note, recommending the AT4050 was based on three main things.
1. Simplicity
2. Quality
3. Price
The AT4050 has a slight advantage in simplicity and price.
But the AKG 414 is a fantastic microphone and would be a great choice if somebody has the extra money to spend.
I would consider both of them to be great studio microphones.
Can't really see much downside in choosing either one.
1. Simplicity
2. Quality
3. Price
The AT4050 has a slight advantage in simplicity and price.
But the AKG 414 is a fantastic microphone and would be a great choice if somebody has the extra money to spend.
I would consider both of them to be great studio microphones.
Can't really see much downside in choosing either one.
you can't really go wrong with AUDIO TECHNICA
Japanese quality
I also like the AT813
Japanese quality
I also like the AT813
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