What Microphone For Imac G5? Options

[Psychoprick]

Hi....new here... but I like the site.

One quetsion though I could not easily find.

I want to buy a Shure SM57...but can i hook it up directly into my Imac?
Its an Imac G5 20".....
Can i do it through the line-in?
Or do I need something else...or should I go for a completely other mike?

It's mainly for recording voice/acoustic guitar for demo's.

[kenmccormack]

Hi there,

Yes, you need a mixer or a preamp. Line level is a very strong signal level - something like 10 to 100 times stronger signal than mic a mic signal. If you imagine how a microphone generates its signal - the only thing powering it is the air hitting the capsule. Contrast this with the signal from an iPod or CD player - this kicks out a beefy level as they are full of electronics which boost the signal.

Perhaps your best option could be something like a Protools M-Box? (I use one at home and they have 2 focusrite mic preamps, plus inputs for electric guitar etc... phantom power.. pretty good). Using that you record dry to disk without using eq or compression, then use plug ins to warm up the sound.

Another advantage of the MBox is that it enters the Mac via USB, not into an analogue line input. You should always assume that the line input on a mac or pc will always sound much poorer than a specialist card like a MOTU or whatever. They usually sound nasal or 'coloured', and have lots more noise problems.

I haven't tried the 'M-Audio' or Protools 'M-powered' stuff yet, but they will be good as Digidesign endorses them. Does it have phantom?

If you intend to use condenser mics [see below] in the future, make sure that whatever you buy has phantom power on the mic input channel [not needed for sm57 / 58]. (Not all gear has phantom power - this is a power supply that runs down the mic cable into the mic, boosting the output level to increase sensitivity and reduce noise.)

As for mics, although you can get good results with an sm-57, but note that is a mic normally used for guitar amps / snares / toms / brass etc. They do get used for vocals, but to be fair not often. On voice (and acoustic guitar) you might get better results with an SM58 or (better still) a Beta 58, which have a sweeter response.

For acoustic guitar, if you want a more 'splashy' detailed sound that will respond nicely to reverb, suggest you go for a small-diaphragm condenser mic - something like an Audio Technica 33a is a great mic for the money http://www.dv247.com/invt/2682. They also work on all sorts of instruments - from accordian to piano to drum overheads and hi hats.

For vocals, you would probably look at a 'large diaphragm' condenser, which will give you a silkier sound for voice, but maybe not quite as good for acoustic guitar.

Something like a Rode will give you some great sounds for not a lot of money. I use a Rode Classic (valve), a Neumann TLM103, a stereo pair of Calrec full range small diaphragm mics, a Beta 58, and an sm57.

The Rode and Neumann are large diaphragm mics, and sound much better on voice. The Nuemann is better for traditional music as it is less coloured than the valve mic, which can sound very 'samey' after a while. The beta 58 is often used for guide vocal (as you can hold it in your hand - the others need suspension cradles etc), and often the soft warmth of the 58 beats the trebly thin-ness of the Neumann on some occasions, but the detail and silkyness of the Neumann is undoubtedly better on a whole range of instruments. Having said that I prefer the acoustic guitar recordings from the AKG33a, which sound less 'wall of treble' than the big condensers.

Suggest you check out Sound on Sound magazine for reviews of mics buys, they will tell you what's what. Just as some mics are good on some instruments, others not, the acoustics in your room will also make a huge difference too... http://www.soundonsound.com/

Hope that helps!

KM