Microphone Question

[mike1234]

I have a question concerning Microphones.

I am currently using this microphone http://www.singingmachine.com/produc...17&group_id=11 it is the gray microphone in the first picture.

However i don't think it is suitable for recording vocals into Pro Tools.

Whilst using it in Pro Tools the input level you know the green meter is non existent until you press the 'Pad' button. Then there's a very little input. Also when you apply the gain on the Mbox 2 Mini it is quiet on playback. When you add the compressor plug into make the voice louder i get a feedback noise which sends the meter into the red whilst the vocals you still can't hear.

It must be that the microphone does not produce a high sound level for recording. And is only to be used for performing through an amp with?

I'm asking because i'm getting an audio technica microphone soon and i don't want the same problem to happen.

Does anybody have any advice to what is making the input so low using the karaoke mic?.

Thanks

[albee1952]

That mic is likely a Hi-Z mic(high impedance) and is a terrible choice for protools recording. If you are on a tight budget, the best choice IMHO is the venerable Shure SM57 with a popper stopper. Another good budget mic is the AT-2020. Both are under $100.

[mike1234]

Thanks for responding.

I was only using it for now. But i have had a lot of problems trying to make it work. I thought there must have been something wrong with the way it was recording the sound because no matter how high or low you sang into it wouldn't make a difference.

However, i think when i get an Audio Technica Cardiod Condenser microphone it should work considering it is a professional microphone specifically designed to record vocals for the studio.

[RussUK]

Rode make some good quality mics for those on a budget and they can be used for a variety of applications, such as the NT-1A, great quality/value.

Check them out here http://uk.rodemic.com/microphones.php

[mike1234]

So Hi-Z microphones shouldn't be used. Is that why the input is so low.

Does anybody know what level the green meter should be at when a cardiod microphone is connected without no pre-amp and no pad. I expect it to be about half-way?.

[albee1952]

Well, you can try that mic plugged into the quarter inch input, which is better suited to Hi-Z signals. Whatever mic you use, in your protools session, I would adjust the gain on the Mbox so the meter hits half to 2/3rds of the way. If you record at 24 bit(highly recommended BTW) then halfway is enough. Since you may be new to all this, recording at 24bit gives you increased headroom, but you need to remember; when it comes time to make your product ready for CD burning, it needs to be 16 bit/44.1K. When converting a mix from 24 bit to 16 bit, you should use dither. If this is all Greek to you, there is lots of good info and a Google search will turn up plenty(as will spening some spare time reading the DUC).

[Keybeeetsss]

U should also take a look @ the JM37... Its a JoeMeek mic & the price is cheap but that Mic sounds soooooo good... I have an 87(modded) RodeK2 with telefunken tube in it, Groove tubes MD2a(orig. GT) TLM103, Rode NT1a's, etc... I found myself using that JM37 verrrrry often...