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OJB

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I was wondering what mic and audio interface people use?

Do you have any recommendations especially for a students budget!

I've looked at ebay and found that alot of equipment like this you can get for a fraction of the RRP.

Many thanks
OJB
 
I just use the built-in mic and camera on my mac. Perhaps not as high resolution or fidelity as it could be, but very easy to use, and for me, good enough for who it's for. :)

I usually run my audio track through GarageBand and add just a bit of reverb, then import it back into iMovie. Some of my stuff I record directly in GarageBand and then add a little slideshow in iMovie. Here are a couple of links to give you an idea of how it looks and sounds. The first is my entry in the "old time religion hymn contest", the other is an original I put to a slideshow of my kids.

Come Sunday by Duke Ellington
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vWSd9XW1To8

Dinosaurs and other toys - original
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lg8cGfT9HH4
 
I just use the built-in mic and camera on my mac. Perhaps not as high resolution or fidelity as it could be, but very easy to use, and for me, good enough for who it's for. :)

I usually run my audio track through GarageBand and add just a bit of reverb, then import it back into iMovie. Some of my stuff I record directly in GarageBand and then add a little slideshow in iMovie. Here are a couple of links to give you an idea of how it looks and sounds. The first is my entry in the "old time religion hymn contest", the other is an original I put to a slideshow of my kids.

Come Sunday by Duke Ellington
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vWSd9XW1To8

Dinosaurs and other toys - original
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lg8cGfT9HH4


I think that might be the best idea before I go investing money into it.


Thanks!
 
There is nothing wrong with working with what you have (built in mic and cam) and getting to know the software you will be using.

Are you using a Mac, Windows, or Linux based PC?

There are some really good free audio editing software for each.
 
I've got one of these:

samson_q6_mic_xl_1.jpg


Processed here:

toneportux2.gif


Running into this:

dell_inspiron_1525.jpg


Recorded by this:

audacity.png


(cheap Samson mic, Line6 UX2, laptop, Audacity)

My weakest link is the mic.

It does the job.
 
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There is nothing wrong with working with what you have (built in mic and cam) and getting to know the software you will be using.

Are you using a Mac, Windows, or Linux based PC?

There are some really good free audio editing software for each.

I run Linux, but also have Windows on my laptop. I've discovered audacity which is good but I'm toying with the idea of getting better hardware than internal mics.
 
If you can swing the cost of an apogee duet as an interface, it is hands down the best in it's class. Should be able to find one used for a couple hundred bucks. It works with garage band witch is free for mac. Then grab an sm57 for about $75 and you will have all you will ever need.
Plenty of free plugins out there to mix and improve the sound.
Hope this helps.
 
I use one of those portable digital recorders with built in condenser mics. I can record anywhere w/o a PC. The one I use is a Tascam DR-07. Plugs in to the USB port for transfer to a computer. The Zoom H2 is very good too. Audacity is the software I use for correcting (cutting out) small mistakes.
 
I just picked up a Zoom H1 at Best Buy for $100. I am pretty impressed with it (especially for the price). I too run linux (Ubuntu) and use Audacity for the audio editing and am playing with OpenShot Video Editor to sync the audio with the video. Here's a sound sample of my Ohana SK-38: http://soundcloud.com/kc8afw/ohana-sk-38-sound-sample
 
Recently I have been using the USB mic that came with the "Rock Band" video game. It is a logitech mic and much higher quality than the mic on my webcam. It has a long chord and I can move it around easily. The only draw back is there is no stand but it would fit a regular mic stand or I just have it clamped on to a light stand wit an A clamp. You might be able to pick one up for cheep at a used game store or on eBay.

My opinion is that you really need to think about what your output is going to be. If you want to produce a album from home than you need the approat equipment and software. If you want to just make some YouTube videos you can get great results from " mickymousing" something together. Of chores there are a lot of aria in between an internal mic and a porfeshonal recording mic. You just need to get something that suits your needs. As far as I am concerned the Rock Band mic is more than I need for what I want to do with it.


My opinion is that you defiantly
 
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I absolutely loved your slide show video Dinosaurs and other toys!
I just use the built-in mic and camera on my mac. Perhaps not as high resolution or fidelity as it could be, but very easy to use, and for me, good enough for who it's for. :)

I usually run my audio track through GarageBand and add just a bit of reverb, then import it back into iMovie. Some of my stuff I record directly in GarageBand and then add a little slideshow in iMovie. Here are a couple of links to give you an idea of how it looks and sounds. The first is my entry in the "old time religion hymn contest", the other is an original I put to a slideshow of my kids.

Come Sunday by Duke Ellington
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vWSd9XW1To8

Dinosaurs and other toys - original
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lg8cGfT9HH4
 
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