Subject:microphones

Posted by: Dave2

Date:8/14/2001 10:23:27 PM

Can anyone recommend a microphone for video voice overs. I have tried several with poor results. Main problems are unpredictable static & severe hum. I am using a Sound Blaster live value card. No need to explain recording levels, mic boast etc.

Other precautions I have tryed are: unplug the line going to computer speakers. turn off my studio stereo recivier and have bought one Radio Shack microphone that claimed to have a shielded cable. Also the computer I use is a video/audio editing computer only and I shut down all nonessential background programs prior to capture/record.

Currently I am voice recording to my camara then line in to S.F. I get clean Voice overs with this method however I would like to cut back on my camera useage.

Thanks

Dave M.

Subject:RE: microphones

Reply by: Rednroll

Date:8/15/2001 2:40:23 PM

That is a definite characteristic of a Sound blaster mic input or any other MIC input on a cheap sound card. The best thing for you to do is to buy a good "balanced" input microphone and a Mic pre-amplifier and run the line out of the pre-amp to the Line in of the sound card. The thing you haven't mentioned is your budget......seeing you're using a sound blaster sound card and plugging in 1/8" microphones into it, I'm betting you want to stay under $100. Probably not possible if you're looking for professional quality sound. If you're not looking for professional sounding sound, you could take a trip to radio shack and pic up a pretty good quality dynamic Microphone and a Mic Pre and get some alright sound, that won't have that hum noise for under $100. If you want professional sound, then you have to go purchase a good studio quality condenser microphone ($500-$1500), a good Mic-Pre/Processor ($200-$3500,) and a professional sound card ($350-$900). I guess it's all what you're looking to use it for and how much you're willing to pay for it.

Regards,
Brian Franz

Subject:RE: microphones

Reply by: 12StringDreams

Date:8/15/2001 5:27:00 PM

As previously mentioned, a pre amp will make a big difference. Even with a cheap mic, an expensive preamp will improve the sound to an acceptable level. I use a dbx 286A, which I bought new for about $150 from AmericanMuscial.com. It has phantom power so when you decide to upgrade your mic, you can. I used it with a cheap, Circuit City, mic and it still sounded pretty good.

Tracy Simants

Songwriter Loops
www.12StringDreams.com

Subject:RE: microphones

Reply by: Dave2

Date:8/15/2001 9:16:42 PM

Looks like I need to try the pre amp idea again. Frist time I tryed this I fried my sound card. I intend to call around tomorrow and see if anyone has a dbx 286a.

Terry, I tryed to connect to your link but came up with address not found. I am intrested in taking a close look at something that I know is working. Thanks for sharing that information. very helpful.

Rednroll--Yep, I argee, We get what we pay for. Problem with computer stuff, bigger & better usually requires more system resources. I need all I can get for video/audio capture. In the audio world my S.B. live value card may be a lowend 'cheap' card when autually I am pushing the envelope for the video capture card I use. Many people using the same video card/program I am prefer to use a Ensongiq card or something similar.

How deep my pockets are has little to nothing to do with my buying choices.

Thanks to all for your coments & advice. I plan to put them to good use.

Dave M

Subject:RE: microphones

Reply by: Rednroll

Date:8/16/2001 11:00:30 AM

A highend sound card will usually have less processing power on your system, because less CPU use is needed, due to more Onboard processing of DSP chips. Highend soundcards also have better quality A/D converters, thus another need for cost increase. So I guess I don't understand you're reasoning or have never seen any background data that a better sound card takes more resources to run. Where are you getting this false information from, because in actuality you're reasoning is backwards?

The DBX 286A is a great Mic/pre all in one processor for the price, they cost between $200-$250 new, and you can usually get a used one from Ebay for about $150-$175. Since cost is not a factor, then I would recommend a Focusrite Pre-amp, or DBX highend Tube pre ($3500-$5000)and a Neuman, or AKG professional condenser microphone($1500-$2500), but would not make much since using that high quality gear when you throw it through a noisy A/D converter on that Sound Blaster Sound card.

Subject:RE: microphones

Reply by: Dave2

Date:8/16/2001 9:55:55 PM

I am getting a real education from this thread. Rednroll, I appreciate the time you are taking to help me (and perhaps other's) with my basic lack of knowledge on this subject. I Bow to your superior knowledge.

To lend some credibility to my statements I ask that you have a look this thread:

http://webboard.pinnaclesys.com/read_messages.asp?lng=1&WebboardID=1&ForumID=9&ThreadID=48637&Search=1&ThreadStart=0

Oops, that was supposed to be a hot link don't know what happen. Maybe you can copy & paste. Anyway, this thread will give you a good overview of what 'We' are dealing with.

I found the DBX web site for the 266a. Looks like I can use it. Then found a dealer in my area. They will have to order it. Going to that store tomorrow.

BTW. Would you post your computer profile and include the Sound card You use. This will serve as a guide for the rest of us 'wanabe Audio Expert's'


Dave M.