Reddit mentions of Blue Microphones Spark Condenser Microphone, Cardioid

I believe they currently use something like the sE2200a which has been discontinued. If I'm not mistaken, Lewis uses the sE2200a II and the same mic was used to record Simon's vocals on Diggy Diggy Hole (based on the live-action video).

I personally use the Badaax UM900 (not to plug, but you can find an example of me using it here) which isn't exactly studio quality, but certainly gets the job done nicely. If you're looking for something that's more entry-level, there's always the Samson CO1U, the Blue Yeti, the Blue Spark Digital, or the Blue Spark.


All of these are very good microphones, and you should be able to find various tests of them on YouTube. Hope this helps. :)

What I would get in that range:
Reaper - $60.
Focusrite 2i2, Mic, Cable and headphones bundle - $240
then either a
Blue Spark - $170
or a pair of KRK Rokit monitors - $265
or an SM 57 - $92
and a cheaper set of monitors. - $135

So,
Reaper + Bundle + Spark = $470
Reaper + Bundle + KRK Rokit = $565
Reaper + Bundle + SM57 + Other monitors = $527.

Note that you don't need to buy reaper immediately, and can buy it later if you like it or switch to a more expensive DAW if you don't like it.

My monitor recommendations are very uninformed, but they're to give an idea of price range.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0FIG0EXmK94&t=1m41s

Eh I thought he'd go into more detail when I linked the vid, but he mentions the brand and gives you a much better look, should be enough to hunt it down.

Found it https://www.amazon.com/Blue-Microphones-Condenser-Microphone-Cardioid/dp/B004BR20OM

I have a buddy who runs a music studio, but if you needed the space, he'd definitely set it up for a podcast interview.

I do tend to agree that you should be able to get pretty close to studio sound on a budget assuming you have a computer already. I understand that sometimes owning stuff is a huge hassle itself, but if it's something you want to do a few times, the cost savings would start to be there.

Since no one has given you any real advice on how to do this, I can give it a shot.

I'd start by installing Audacity on your computer. It's super basic, but what you're doing is super basic. And it's super free. That's a huge plus.

Next, decide how you want to do microphones. First, you'll want stands. If it's an interview/two person thing, you'll need a couple of these (or more if you want more mics). We're at $25 for two now.

Next, decide what quality you want to be at. The Blue Snowball is a pretty great entry level microphone. I've honestly never run two into a computer before, but I imagine it'd be easy enough to record two different microphones on two different tracks in Audacity. That would bring our total to around $150. To upgrade in this way, you would go to something like the Blue Yeti. At over $100/unit, that adds another $100 to your cost.

The other way to do microphones is using a USB Interface for your computer and buying standard microphones. I'm keen on that option because it's a little more flexible if and when you look to upgrade your setup. You can use $15 microphones to get by or if you're locked and loaded, you can upgrade to really nice condensers.

As far as soundproofing goes, you can decide if that's possible wherever you're at. The last voice over project I worked on, I hung blankets in my bedroom and that was perfectly fine. Obviously that's not the most professional look, but there wasn't a pile of ambient noise to deal with and the directional mics do a good job focusing on your voice. You can build sound dampening walls with plywood, insulation, and fabric if you really want. It takes a staple gun, some screws, and about an hour per panel.

Assuming you have the time, an okay computer, and about $300, you could really build yourself a nice studio. If this is a one off kind of thing, it's definitely not worth it. My buddy's place is called, The Petting Zoo and I'd be more than willing to ask him details if you want.

Either way, good luck!

I can only imagine that the PAD would shut them up. If your that concerned about picking up background noise in an open mic setting the only way I see to go about it is to have an audio interface (I have the modestly priced scarlett2i2 http://www.amazon.ca/Focusrite-2i2-USB-Recording-Interface/dp/B005OZE9SA which has wonderfully warm sounding preamps) and then a mic that hooks up via 1/4 inch or XLR. In which case you cant go wrong with a blue spark (http://www.amazon.ca/Microphones-Spark-Condenser-Microphone-Cardioid/dp/B004BR20OM) Which I love or even something cheaper. Ive had a couple apex mics around the 100 dollar mark that actually sounded quite nice as well.

EDIT-I can't spell

I found a very helpful post on an audio reddit, that said dynamic mic's are really great for removing background noise. I see a lot of recommendations for the ATR2100 but the Blue Spark looks nice too but it doesn't display that it's a dynamic mic. I think if I get the ATR2100 I'd use it for a USB at first, but possibly switch to the XLR hookup.

You don't even need to get an interface anymore: XLR-USB Converter + a Blue Spark would suit you well.

I have this, will it fit? Also, how does that balance? does the bottom piece stick to your desk?

https://www.amazon.com/Blue-Microphones-Condenser-Microphone-Cardioid/dp/B004BR20OM/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1504577762&sr=8-2&keywords=blue+condenser

Okay! You've got a pretty decent piano. If you like the sound on it, then buying a 2i2 and cables to connect it for analog audio would be great, or you could buy something like Synthogy (good piano samples pretty much start at $50, but I personally like Synthogy.) This would allow you to edit wrong notes, but might not sound as good if you like the yamaha's sound.

I would sell the Snowball, since it is really much better for podcasting than anything else. If you absolutely hate it, disregard my above suggestion for a Spark and look into other reputable brands of microphone.

You didn't say you wanted to record guitar, for that I would at a Shure SM57/58 to the list of things to buy.

So:
2i2 Interface - $150

Blue Spark - $170 new

Shure Sm57 - $100

The combination of the two mics could probably work well enough for the violin, so I would forget what I said about a piezo for now.

Now, you can either cheap out on cables or get good ones. Either way, this for $50 is a pretty good deal for 3 stands, and would give you 3 shitty cables. I have the same ones, and the fact that I'm telling you to buy three despite only telling you to get 2 mics says something about their quality.
But that's still way cheaper than any other set of 3 stands I've seen, and I actually like those stands.
Think of those cables as temporary or backup cables, wait for a deal on Mogami or other cables that are $20-30 each for the same length.

Amp: https://www.amazon.com/Focusrite-2i2-GENERATION-USB-Recording/dp/B005OZE9SA

Mic: https://www.amazon.com/Blue-Microphones-Condenser-Microphone-Cardioid/dp/B004BR20OM

You're my boy Blue! ^^^^^^^^spark

absolutely! wanna sound like a pro? get either this https://www.amazon.com/Blue-Microphones-Condenser-Microphone-Cardioid/dp/B004BR20OM

or this
https://www.amazon.com/Blue-Yeti-USB-Microphone-Silver/dp/B002VA464S/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_267_tr_img_3?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=DFW4543AVET6JSVCYRG9

i use the latter mic but i highly recommend the spark my dude. the yeti is also very nice. either are standard youtube quality stuff and don't require a mixer!