Microphone Mic Clip
July 15th, 2010Introduction to Computer Audio Recording
I wanted to start briefly with a very short history on audio recording to express the incredible journey we have already taken, and explain how we can move forward dramatically.
As many of you know, around the 80′s, if you wanted to record audio to your computer, or even tape, you needed a microphone, or two, (still do), and they in turn, had to be connected to a mixing console, which in turn required tape machines typically of the open reel type, if you were serious. The reason for the open reel machines was that for any editing to take place after the fact, you had to actually move, or jog the tape across the heads of the reel to reel recorder, and know how to precisely mark the point on the tape that needed to be cut, as well as then putting the machine into play mode, while the unwanted tape segment spooled off the reel, and onto the floor, till you then found the out point, to cut the tape again.
Some of you may be thinking back to those glorious days of audio editing with some fondness, but believe me, it was time consuming, and certainly not for the every day person. The machines cost a substantial amount, and you needed to really be into the whole idea of editing, and what can be done in a matter of minutes today, by a seasoned operator, could take a good few hours back then.
I felt it important to raise this issue of history, to appreciate the tremendous strides that have taken place in audio recording today. I understand that for a new person to the recording scene, it may all still seem a little complicated, but it is relative. Unlike back then, which required the best part of a good few thousand dollars, and then some, you can be set up today for under one thousand dollars, and sometimes, much less, depending on what you already have.
So, that begs the question- what do you actually need to set off on this journey?
I would like to say at this point, that there are any number of combinations of equipment that you could use. Apart from the essentials, (again, open to variation) of a computer, microphone, mic stand and USB cable, there rest are truly options, for the more serious minded. Audio is, and always will be a possible area for sinking large amounts of cash, if you want to always be getting the next best thing. However, please remember I am talking about setting up a basic studio here, and will discuss the optional extras in future articles, as I know that some of you are interested in processing equipment, like sound finalizers, reverberation equipment, compressors, and let’s face it, the list can be endless, or at least as long as your budget!
Having addressed that caveat, I would like to advise that as I understand that for many people, the budget is a big factor, many home recording enthusiasts, or artists wanting to record their work, for that matter, can start off small, and add more equipment as their success grows. However, please do not fall for the sales line that you absolutely must have product x or y, or your recording will be terrible. It simply is not true.
In fact, the audio purist line goes in favour of the least possible amount of electronics in the line, for maximum fidelity. Just a thought there for everyone.
Having said this, laptops can be purchased relatively cheaply these days, and whilst disk size is nice to have, an average laptop will really do quite well. If you need to splurge on your laptop, the best area is on greater amounts of RAM, or memory, as this will enhance the performance of your machine. In addition, there are two software packages that I recommend, one is free, being Audacity, as well as the Sony Audio Studio, that I still very reasonably priced, but if funds are tight, Audacity is fine for a start.
I mentioned the use of a mic stand, as this will make it easier to suspend over the centre of the piano, or to place with resect to any other instrument you may be playing. Please ensure that your mic is a large diaphragm type, so that you can capture the rich bass of the natural sound. The primary difference between a consumer mic and a professional or ‘pro-sumer’ (the mic that is above a consumer, but on the budget end of professional), is the size of the diaphragm, or part that captures the sound waves, and converts them to the digital signal. This si where the USB mic comes in, in as much as it is a plug and play arrangement, where your laptop, if running windows, or Mac software, will typically recognise and self install the drivers for the microphone to work in a matter of a minute or two.
If you were not interested in anything else, this point will get you going, albeit with less than you can actually do. I mean that the software is quite powerful, but if this is the limit of your technical interest, this much will get you started. All you need to do now is experiment with your microphone placement, for the best sound quality. Regardless of the software you are using, you need to ensure you set the recording levels to a little below the peak area on the metering.
In digital audio, unlike with analogue, you can record at quite high levels, but if you go just a little bit higher, where you over load the input, you will get a terrible distortion, as the sound wave is actually cut off in this case, whereas with analogue, the distortion is gradual, and not so immediate. Hence, look after your levels, where you are about ten decibels below total overload peak. However, please play around to test this for yourself. The technical term for the above is leaving some head room, or ‘safe level’ area before you clip the sound, and distort it. Digital systems allow a high recording level, but do not clip it.
About the Author
Are you able to store your piano performances for future listening? Have you been having trouble recording your piano performances , for the long term?
Not only can you record your performances, but also gain an enhanced comfort from your playing. To learn more, see the Piano Magic Touch.
http://www.ThePianoMagicTouch.com
In addition to the above, I also use my computerf for profit web pages- systems we can all use our space pc capacity for.
Samson Q1U Dynamic USB Mic / Microphone, C01U – Review / Product Demonstration
Kenwood KMC-45 Speaker Microphone w/ Listen Only $69.99
Compatible with Kenwood FreeTalk and ProTalk models, including the following: TK-2200 series, TK-3200 series, TK-208, TK-2100, TK-2102, TK-2130, TK-220, TK-240, TK-240D, TK-248, TK-250, TK-260, TK-260G, TK-270, TK-270G, TK-308, TK-3100, TK-3101, TK-3102, TK-3130, TK-3131, TK-320, TK-340, TK-340D, TK-348, TK-350, TK-353, TK-360, TK-360G, TK-370, TK-370G, TK-372G, TK-430, TK-431, TK-3201, TK-2160, T…
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Oklahoma Sound Wireless Microphone $29.63
Oklahoma Sound Corporation Wireless Microphone LWM7 Microphones…
Click here to learn more about Oklahoma Sound Wireless Microphone
AT8420 by Audio-Technica $6.93
Clothing clip, metal…
Click here to learn more about AT8420 by Audio-Technica
Mini Lapel Clip Mic $75.00
39 Cord for PFM, PPA, and TGS products. 3.5 mm plug. Directional mic. Recommended for T16 Transmitter, T17 Transmitter, T30 Transmitter, T31 Transmitter, Pocketalker, R31 Receiver….
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Oklahoma Sound Corporation Lectern $1029.99
This beautifully crafted podium by Oklahoma Sound features a powerful 50 watt amplifier to effectively reach large audiences. The podium also includes a wireless tie clip microphone for professional presentation.
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ProLine Standard Microphone Clip $3.99
Standard Microphone Clip with plastic mic swivel retainer holds your microphone securely. 5/8″ female threaded insert in base. Black.
Click here to learn more about ProLine Standard Microphone Clip
Proline Standard Microphone Clip $3.99
Standard Microphone Clip with plastic mic swivel retainer holds your microphone securely. 5/8″ female threaded insert in base. Black.
Click here to learn more about Proline Standard Microphone Clip
Rolls MP13 Mini-Mic Microphone Preamplifier $64.95
The Rolls MP13 Mini-Mic microphone preamplifier is a small, simple, and inexpensive microphone pre amplifier for a variety of applications. The unit has XLR and 1/4 inch Outputs, XLR and 1/8 inch Inputs, and a single Gain control with a Clip indicator. Switchable Phantom Power is included for use with a condenser microphone. The unit comes complete with a power adapter.
Click here to learn more about Rolls MP13 Mini-Mic Microphone Preamplifier
On-Stage Stands Clothespin Microphone Clip $6.99
On-Stage Stands crafts the Clothespin Microphone Clip from tough ABS plastic. The sure-grip mic clip is versatile and can be positioned just about anywhere. Works with any standard mic and microphone stand.
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On-Stage DM01 Drum Rim Microphone Clip $8.5
The On-Stage DM01 drum rim shock proof clip securely attaches to a drum rim and works with any 5/8″- 27 mic clip.
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Applied Microphone Technology AMT VSW Clip On Condenser Mic for Shure Systems $391
The AMT VSW – Shure Clip-On Condenser Microphone System was designed to operate with Shure wireless systems. The VS is an ultra miniature, feather-weight, low-profile condenser microphone specially designed for the violin, viola, and mandolin. The AMT mic attaches firmly to instrument with a clamp designed to not harm it or dampen its natural sound or vibrations. The clip on microphone provides pure tonal reproduction without being obtrusive. With the included AMT Interface, the microphone can plug directly into the interface which then plugs directly into Shure wireless transmitter. Requires phantom power.
Click here to learn more about Applied Microphone Technology AMT VSW Clip On Condenser Mic for Shure Systems
Applied Microphone Technology Amt Vsw Clip On Condenser Mic For Shure Systems $391
The AMT VSW – Shure Clip-On Condenser Microphone System was designed to operate with Shure wireless systems. The VS is an ultra miniature, feather-weight, low-profile condenser microphone specially designed for the violin, viola, and mandolin. The AMT mic attaches firmly to instrument with a clamp designed to not harm it or dampen its natural sound or vibrations. The clip on microphone provides pure tonal reproduction without being obtrusive. With the included AMT Interface, the microphone can plug directly into the interface which then plugs directly into Shure wireless transmitter. Requires phantom power.
Click here to learn more about Applied Microphone Technology Amt Vsw Clip On Condenser Mic For Shure Systems
ProLine Rubber Microphone Clip $5.99
Rubber mic swivel retainer holds your microphone securely. 5/8″ female threaded insert in base. Black.
Click here to learn more about ProLine Rubber Microphone Clip
Proline Rubber Microphone Clip $5.99
Rubber mic swivel retainer holds your microphone securely. 5/8″ female threaded insert in base. Black.
Click here to learn more about Proline Rubber Microphone Clip
Rhythm Tech Wireless Microphone Stand Clip $4.95
Especially for use with wireless microphones, this tough Lexan clip holds the mic securely and allows “easy-on and easy-off” with a new quick release design.
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Applied Microphone Technology Amt Lsw Clip-On Mic For Shure Systems $394
The AMT LSW Clip On Condenser Microphone is the ultimate in a woodwind or brass microphone and designed for direct connection to Shure or Sabine belt pack wireless systems. The mic system is meant to clip onto a flanged bell instrument. (Saxophones and Brass). The AMT LSW – Shure Microphone System is meant to be used by the player that requires a multi-channel professional level wireless system. (AMT Recommends the Shure ULXS14 and the ULXP14 wireless units). The AMT LSW allows the player to easily convert their direct connecting wireless microphone to any AMT preamp version. With a change in a cable, you can convert your LS from a “W”ireless setup, to a “Belt pack”, or the AMT “Studio” series. The microphone is suspended in a 4 point isolation ring reducing key and handling noise. It is powered via the wireless beltpack. This LSW system comes with microphone, universal clamp, case, and AMT disconnecting cable technology to allow the microphone to be used as “W”ireless or “BP” models if needed. (Additional cables for a variety of setups sold separately. The AMT Interface is also sold separately to allow connections for many wireless mic systems). Requires phantom power.Clip-On Condenser Microphone for a woodwind or brass instrument”Off the bell” clamping systemConverts from an LS “W”ireless setup , to a “Belt pack” model, or the AMT Studio setupIncludes soft case and cables
Click here to learn more about Applied Microphone Technology Amt Lsw Clip-On Mic For Shure Systems
Applied Microphone Technology AMT LSW Clip-On Mic for Shure Systems $394
The AMT LSW Clip On Condenser Microphone is the ultimate in a woodwind or brass microphone and designed for direct connection to Shure or Sabine belt pack wireless systems. The mic system is meant to clip onto a flanged bell instrument. (Saxophones and Brass). The AMT LSW — Shure Microphone System is meant to be used by the player that requires a multi-channel professional level wireless system. (AMT Recommends the Shure ULXS14 and the ULXP14 wireless units). The AMT LSW allows the player to easily convert their direct connecting wireless microphone to any AMT preamp version. With a change in a cable, you can convert your LS from a “W”ireless setup, to a “Belt pack”, or the AMT “Studio” series. The microphone is suspended in a 4 point isolation ring reducing key and handling noise. It is powered via the wireless beltpack. This LSW system comes with microphone, universal clamp, case, and AMT disconnecting cable technology to allow the microphone to be used as “W”ireless or “BP” models if needed. (Additional cables for a variety of setups sold separately. The AMT Interface is also sold separately to allow connections for many wireless mic systems). Requires phantom power.
Click here to learn more about Applied Microphone Technology AMT LSW Clip-On Mic for Shure Systems
Atlas Sound Microphone Clip $14.99
The MICCLIP is an outstanding microphone clip from an industry-standard brand, Atlas Sound, whose mic stands have been used for the past 70 years by artist such as the Beatles and Elvis to todays hottest bands like Gym Class Heros, Fall Out Boy, and The Academy Is. This mic clip is made from rugged molded plastic and is just as durable as it is reliable. Available in black, it can accommodate microphones with a tapered diameter of 1″ to 1-1/2″.
Click here to learn more about Atlas Sound Microphone Clip
Korg CM100L Clip On Contact Microphone For Tuners $9.95
The CM-100L Contact Microphone is a perfect compliment to any tuner that offers an audio input jack. The mic can be positioned to get a more sensitive reading, while allowing the tuner to be positioned for easier reading.
Click here to learn more about Korg CM100L Clip On Contact Microphone For Tuners
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Tags: audio, clip, mic, microphone, microphone mic clip, newproject