Need help finding a good vocal microphone.
 

OK, so some buddies and I rap on the side, more so for fun and as a joke than anything but doesn't mean we don't take it serious. I decided to pick up a pretty basic version of Antares Auto-Tune for more than just sounding like T-Pain.

Now, I am looking for a Vocal Microphone that is plug and play into my computer. I have found a couple good things on eBay and am just wondering what I should look for. Like what stats or specifications of a certain microphone might have over another. I have done a little research but honestly this category isn't my specialty.

Any help would be appreciated!

-The Fed

Re: Need help finding a good vocal microphone.
 

Link to any sound clips or videos? Lets hear it!

Re: Need help finding a good vocal microphone.
 

sm58 best well rounded mic ever made and durable as all get out. but if you want studio quality get ready to pay well over $300

Re: Need help finding a good vocal microphone.
 

Who is T-Pain?

Re: Need help finding a good vocal microphone.
 

+1

Re: Need help finding a good vocal microphone.
 

I've been making hip-hop music now for about 7 years and about to years back invested in a studio. I have a pretty basic condensor mic, its made by Sterling audio and its called the ST-51. For $100 brand new at guitar center it puts out incredible sound. what kind of computer do you run, do you already have a line mixer/interface

Re: Need help finding a good vocal microphone.
 

while the SM-58 style mics are good their mainly made for live production, and they usually run about 80-100 dollars new, so for about the same price you can buy a lower end condenser and have a way better quality

Re: Need help finding a good vocal microphone.
 

I will post sound clips/videos as soon as we get something more high quality put together. :) Our next release is gonna be, I'm in love with your sister, instead of I'm in love with a stripper by Mike Jones.

Anyways, here is the mic I found on eBay that is plug and play it is 140 bucks and that is pretty much my limit that I am willing to spend, let me know what you think of it.

http://cgi.ebay.com/OSP-USB-Condense...item2ea45ac4bf

I am gonna look at the mics that you all suggested here in a few minutes, I just woke up. :D

Re: Need help finding a good vocal microphone.
 

Sorry I meant T-Payne I think, not sure how he spells it. ;)

Re: Need help finding a good vocal microphone.
 

Your ebay special mic is a decent condenser, but your always going to loose sound quality if your going right into usb

Re: Need help finding a good vocal microphone.
 

I say head to Guitar Center and see what they have to offer. Most everyone there is pretty knowledgeable about stuff.

Re: Need help finding a good vocal microphone.
 

Alright, thanks for the input guys! Looks like I will head to guitar center and see what they have to offer. I will definitely keep the SM-58 and ST-51 in the back of my mind.

Re: Need help finding a good vocal microphone.
 

ok... who is T-Payne?

Re: Need help finding a good vocal microphone.
 

NM just youtubed it. I really hate that style of Hip Hop. Makes them sound like pussies.

Re: Need help finding a good vocal microphone.
 

So I got my Auto-Tune and I guess I need an iLok?

Anyone tell me what the purpose of this is? Is this just for security purposes?

Re: Need help finding a good vocal microphone.
 

I've had experience with this basic condensor mic. It's not bad. We recorded with Pro-Tools and with Garageband and it came through clearly. (we didn't use the USB one though-you can buy the non-usb version and hook it up to some small M-Audio Fast Track or Mbox and have a decent recording though)-nothing studio like,but enough to get demos and stuff tracked.

http://www.guitarcenter.com/MXL-MXL-...35-i1177542.gc

It's not the fanciest nicest thing like the upper end ones, but then again, it dosn't sound like you have a nice studio with equally nice equipment.

And are you wanting that Auto-Tuned T-Pain style or were you meaning you wanted to stay away from it? Because there is another program that is suppose to be smoother at the transistions of 'auto-tuning' called... Melodyne

Re: Need help finding a good vocal microphone.
 

USB Keys (ilok) are usually for licensing purposes. They should always come with the product. I would talk to the guy you bought it from. Suppose otherwise you could check the hacking sites such as Astalavista and may have a a crack for the software.

Re: Need help finding a good vocal microphone.
 

Thanks, good useful information At-Least-It's-An-Evo!

Basically, we do want the T-Payne style sound, but it doesn't mean that is all I want the Auto-Tune software for since we will make a lot more music without that type of sound.

I guess I should of maybe done a little more research than I did before purchasing Auto-Tune, which is uncharacteristic of me, but I was excited. However it is too late and luckily for me it only set me back $90. So I am hoping this software will help us record just in general without only sounding like Cher - Do You Believe In Love.

Re: Need help finding a good vocal microphone.
 

Thanks Tpunx, I will be making a phone call tomorrow. I don't actually have anything physical like a box or anything from the purchase. I received everything through email like the Serial Number and Activation Key. When I downloaded Auto-Tune EFX from Antares site and went to activate it it stated that I needed an iLok so I didn't go any further until I learned more.

Re: Need help finding a good vocal microphone.
 

LOL when i first read that i thought you meant Cher (At-Least-Its-An-Evo) lol