07-06-2007, 09:22 PM

Hey guys

Me and my friend are trying to mess around on my MacBook and make a little hip hop mixtape for fun... we're using the built in mic and some sony headphones in my bedroom... I was wondering if any of you can offer advice as far as a cheap mic for <$100, a better place to record or things I can do to my room to make it a better environment, any tips with Garageband, etc!

Any tips or advice is much appreciated!

Thanks

07-07-2007, 08:23 AM

Hey there

As far as mics go, a Shure SM58 is pretty much industry standard and comes cheap these days. It's designed specifically for vocal use. You see it a lot on stage in live performances. Can't really go wrong with an SM58. It's difficult to give tips on how to make your room a better recording environment as every room is different and has different characteristics. It's trial and error really unless you have a degree in acoustics and know exactly what your doing!

07-07-2007, 11:00 AM

Although remember if you get the SM58, you are going to need some form of interface in front of it as macs do not come with an XLR input for the mic

~~ TS ~~

07-07-2007, 12:41 PM

Or you could use this cable with that SM58 instead of using an external box.

07-07-2007, 01:29 PM

For fun, any mic will do. If you wanted to get a great sounding tape out though, look at condenser mics, as they capture every sound in their range. This is a great one for a good price. http://www.zzounds.com/item--STUB1

The best places to record are usually quiet place, and for hip hop a smaller room, like a bedroom so that you're not making too much echo.

As for garageband, if you're using loops, heres a great article on some tips with a really cool part for getting fills and such for beats/drums. http://www.synthtopia.com/Articles/GaragebandTips.html

Good luck!

07-07-2007, 03:09 PM

Guys your answers were awesome!

I've seen people with some sort of dark foam on their walls that looks like egg shells... what is that?

07-07-2007, 06:20 PM

Audio Technica 2020 = $100. Great buy.

07-07-2007, 10:05 PM

That egg shell stuff is sound proof foam. It's really handy to keep sound from bouncing off the walls and keeps outside sound out. It's pretty expensive. I still use blankets as a crude (removable) alternative. A couple of strategically placed blankets on the walls can be just as good as buying that stuff.

Audio Technica 2020 is way more suitible than what I showed you. Good find Village.

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/AT2020/

07-07-2007, 10:38 PM

Hmm.. I think I'll stick with blankest heh.

That AT2020 looks awesome! I think I might spring for that one

Thanks again guys.

07-08-2007, 01:29 PM

I almost forgot! Before you buy a Condenser mic, they require some kind of outside power. Most mixers have whats called Phantom power, usually to power these mics. If you had only 100 though, SM58 doesn't require any outside power and with <A HREF="http://www.zzounds.com/cat--2367">these </A> you can plug right in to your computer.

Lets us know if your interested in a mixer, everyone seems to know a ton here.

07-08-2007, 01:29 PM

Originally Posted by Fobus Maximus

That egg shell stuff is sound proof foam. It's really handy to keep sound from bouncing off the walls and keeps outside sound out. It's pretty expensive. I still use blankets as a crude (removable) alternative. A couple of strategically placed blankets on the walls can be just as good as buying that stuff.

Audio Technica 2020 is way more suitible than what I showed you. Good find Village.

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/AT2020/

I have one I use in my studio. For the price, it's pretty amazing. You need a pre amp for it though.