Korean Job Discussion Forums

[camaroclow]

Hey. Im looking to purchase a mircophone either from someone used here or new if someone can point me in the right direction. I am looking to use it to record some vocals and my didgeridoo into my computer. I have a M-audio interface so I can go directly in and record in logic pro. Im quite unfamilar with mircophones so can anyone recommend a mid level microphone that wont cost an arm and a leg. Also, if anyone is selling something along these lines id be more then willing to hear what you have. Thanks for any help and info.

[ZenMoto]

Where are you located ?

[bassexpander]

Well, you already have an audio interface. How good of quality are you looking for?

I have an Audio Technica AT818 I can sell you for 10,000 won. It's in very good condition. I'll send you a sound file sample, if you want. What's your email?

[bassexpander]

If you're looking for something mid-priced but excellent, look into a Shure SM57 (music) or Shure SM58 (better for voice because it has a ball filter on top) mic from Yongsan. Michael Jackson recorded "Billy Jean" with a Shure SM57. Having a nice preamp makes a big difference, too, but you'll be good to go with what you've got for your purposes. You can use it for singing too (some prefer it over the 58, actually) but you need a pop filter if recording voice.

There are some places across the street from Yongsan's ET Land that sell them new for around 100,000 to 110,000. I bet either of these would sound good with what you're recording.

The SM57 is a good dynamic mic (doesn't require phantom power). I own one. I bought it for a good 2nd interview mic. I picked it up for around $60 used. They take a beating and last forever. I use it for my podcasts sometimes, but not so often, because I have a more expensive Shure KSM27 that I use mostly. That would be a good mic for you too, but you need phantom power, pop filter, and a quiet room (it picks up EVERYTHING, because Condenser mics do that.

Hey, I had an idea... I put an audio file sample of the Shure SM57 for you. Go to www.themidnightrunner.com and click on my profile link. You can scroll down on that pop-up window and find a file you can play to hear it.

[camaroclow]

Thanks for the info. Im located on line 2 at Konkuk University in Seoul. What would my options be for a stand to record my didgeridoo close to the ground. Just a regular old mic stand?

[bassexpander]

You can get a small table stand (that you'd put on the ground) for around $30. Or you could get a boom stand for about the same price, and just lower the boom to the ground.

If you want more of a warm instrument mic, which would sound a lot more realistic for your instrument, maybe you'd want to come listen to my Shure KSM27. It's really a lot more mic than I need (it's more suited to instruments than newscasts). I have only had it about a month. I'd let it go for $300. You can hear it on my podcast opens. It has more oomph. Requires phantom power, though. Not sure if your unit has that or not. It's a consdenser, so not a good mic if you have background noise to deal with. You could some listen to it if you like. PM me your number. I'm very close to Hyewha.

It looks like this:
http://www.gmarket.co.kr/challenge/neo_goods/goods.asp?goodscode=152041355&pos_shop_cd=SH&pos_class_cd=111111111&pos_class_kind=T&keyword_order=shure+ksm27&search_keyword=shure%20ksm27

[ernie]

you should do a bit of research before you buy your mic. the main distinction is between dynamic and condenser mics.

dynamic mics are what you're probably used to seeing. most mics under $150 are dynamic. dynamic mics don't require external power. they are usually a bit darker and less sensitive, which means that they can handle higher sound pressures and can take more of a beating. the shure 57 and 58 mics are great dynamic mics that can be used in a variety of situations, and are commonly used for recording guitar amps and amplifying the voice in a live setting (usually not on recordings, though).

condenser mics are generally more expensive than dynamics. these are the kind of mics that you see in front of singers in a studio. condenser mics require external power, from either a battery or 'phantom power' from the preamp via an XLR cable. condensers are generally brighter and more detailed, but are more delicate and can't handle high sound levels like being right in front of a raging guitar amp. condensers sound great on acoustic instruments, as room mics for guitars and drums, and for vocal recordings. a top of the line neumann will set you back about $2000, but the AKGC1000 is a versatile, high quality mic for about $300.

i'm not sure about digeridoos, but since they're acoustic instruments, i'd recommend a decent condenser mic that has good bass response. this will also give you the flexibility to record decent sounding vocals.

[Underwaterbob]

I saw a band that had a didgeridoo player. He mic'd it with a big, flat, square thing that was either a contact mic or some kind of capacitive mic on the floor in front of him. The sound was awesome.

Newbie hint for recording vocals: use an eq, cut out everything below 100Hz and compress the shit out of what's left.

[bassexpander]

My Shure KSM27 (condenser) is a kick-azz mic for guitar and other instruments. It's good for singing too, but isn't edgy enough for news reads with my type of voice. It sound much better with singers because it's as smooth as silk. Much warmer and bassy. It can handle the high-pressure sound levels, though, and has a cut switch specifically for that.

I found that, on my mid-ranged voice, the SM57 works better for news reads because it's got a more gritty sound to it. As you can imagine, that's pretty good for singers at live performances, too. When recording VO for the news on it, I EQ the shnitz out of it by boosting the bass a ton and adding a smidge in the lower to mid upper range. I then compress the shnitz out of it. I probably wouldn't compress the digery-do much at all, as you would want to enjoy the full dynamic range of it.

The digery-do has a buzzy sound to it, and might sound a little harsh on the SM57 dynamic mic. I would suggest a condenser, too (as long as you have a very quiet room) but that's out of the OP's price range.

By the way, stay away from the cheap MXL990 condenser. It's tempting at $150, but is muddy as hell in the midrange. I returned mine after I got it.

[camaroclow]

Thanks a lot for all the help. I think i might try the Shure SM57 my first go as I will be using it for some vocals as well. Then if the need arises and if im not happy with the sound from the didge, Ill be sure to step up to a condenser. Best off to go to Yongsan to pick one up? Is there a music area in Yongsan? Id also like to pick up a usb keyboard as well... Thanks again!

[bassexpander]

A few big places...

Nagwon arcade. Jungro 3-ga exit 5. Across the street from exit 5, you'll see a building built over the road. That big building is all full of shops.

Another place is North across the street from Yongsan Electronics market ET Land. There are a few microphone shops in there.

Another place is Technomart at Gangbyeon station on the green line. I can't remember what floor they're on, but there are some mic shops selling audio crap... maybe floor 3, 4, or 5?

Stay away from the cheap condensers by MXL, Behringer, and the like (as in under $200). You really get what you pay for.

[camaroclow]

Ive been to the Nagwon Arcade. Its a good spot. Would you reckon its the best spot to find an affordable usb keyboard? I just want a basic one to control midi. Or would Yongsan be more likely to have this? Im not familar with Yongsan. Would like to kill 2 birds with one stone and pick up the mic and keyboard in one go if its the best bet. Thanks for the help once again!

[lion]

camaroclow, which model of audio interface do you have, and does it have a preamp on it?

[ernie]

check out this website (it's in korean). you can find a lot of good deals on used stuff. usually you can arrange to meet the seller and buy it the same day.

http://www.mule.co.kr/

do NOT buy anything from yongsan. a microphone is music gear, not computer gear. nakwon is ok, and check out the music stores in hongdae too.

p.s. i believe the contact mic that underwaterbob is talking about is called a PZM (pressure zone mic). this might sound cool, especially if you use two mics on the didg, i.e. the PZM close up and a condenser a few feet away. i highly doubt you can use the PZM as a vocal mic (unless you're into throat singing - maybe, who knows?).

[camaroclow]

Hey. My interface is the Behringer FCA202 F-Control Audio FireWire Interface. http://www.zzounds.com/item--BEHFCA202 I used it to play my electronic drums through my computer. Worked great for that, not sure how it will work for a mic. Like I said, at this point Im not looking something super high quality. Just to lay some vocal and didgeridoo down to the beats Im making and sort of go from there to see what I can do. I use a Kaoss KP3, Kaossilator, Korg PadKontrol and Logic Pro 7. So if I can find a mic and a mini usb keyboard ill be set for the time being. Cheers.