Need help deciding what audio equipment to buy.

[jhands]

Hello, I am a beginner to recording... I use logic express 8 on my regular mac book. I have been making beats using my keyboard through Midi and for christmas I want to get a microphone and such to record lyrics. What do I need to buy? I am allowed to spend around 500 total. Thank you for responding, Justin.

[paul999]

Welcome! If you have an audio interface I would try to get a used AKG b-uls for about $500. As for new an sm7b or an re-20 Especially if you are doing electronic music and RAP. (I'm guessing though) If you don't have an interface then get a 2 channel one and an SM7b.

My 2 cents

[jhands]

I do not have an interface. I looked up the sm7b and everyone was saying something about a preamp? Also, is this a good deal? And would it work with my equipment?


Buy Digidesign Mbox 2 Mini Recording Bundle | Studio & Recording Packages | Computer Music Packages | Musician's Friend

Thanks!

[bozmillar]

that package will get you everything you need. If you want to go the protools route, that wouldn't be a bad way to get started.

If you are already using logic, then you can go with this Buy PreSonus Audiobox USB Recording Package | Studio & Recording Packages | Computer Music Packages | Musician's Friend

It's $50 cheaper and has a (slightly) better interface (2 mic preamps + MIDI I/O).

[jhands]

Thanks! The PreSonus AudioBox USB Recording System for 150$ looks great and looks like it would work on a normal macbook. The only part I don't like in that deal is the mic.Would it be a bad idea to try and get the Shure SM7B Microphone with that audiobox?

[bozmillar]

have you tried that mic? and have you tried the sm7b? Who's to say one sounds better than the other? Price tag?

[jhands]

Good point. No, I have not had any experience so anything better than my 20$ mic from bestbuy would make me happy. I just want to make sure I get a good quality sound.

[bozmillar]

I'm not saying that the MXL990 is the greatest mic ever, but I have found it quite useful. I'm just saying that price tag and quality are rarely correlated.

Here's a song I recorded with the MXL990 on vox.

[jhands]

That's impressive, thanks for the input. I'm assuming vox is the program you used? Also, it all sounds great but I want to make sure it would work with my macbook (not pro) because I know of a friend whose audiobox worked with the macbook pro and not the regular macbook.

Thanks for your time btw

[bozmillar]

sorry, vox is short for vocals.