USB Mic vs. Audio Interface

Posted on

Mans reach exceeds his grasp
Member Since: Oct 23, 2007

I'm at an odds with myself on this.

I have about 250$ to sink into mics and/or an interface. I've been looking 2 setups:

1) A Line 6 TonePort UX1 with an AKG Perception 100- 229$

or 2) Samson CO3U Multi-pattern Condenser kit with shock mount and desk stand- 189$

I want multi pattern, but I've never used USB Mics and I'm not acquainted with the cons of such. My conventional train of thought leads me to believe the USB mic is the best option. Anyone have any advice?

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Member
Since: Jan 24, 2006


Oct 30, 2007 01:02 am

USB mic is far less flexible than a Toneport. The Toneport lets you plug in a mic but also gives you guitar and keyboard inputs along with all the guitar, bass and preamp modeling and effects.

As far as USB mics, then at this point they are fine, really no different than Mic-Toneport-PC cause it ends up USB.

The two choices you are offering are really two very different choices.


Mans reach exceeds his grasp
Member
Since: Oct 23, 2007


Oct 30, 2007 01:19 am

I only really need it for vocals and guitar, and I hate piezo guitar sound. I'm really just looking for a cheap way to record quality music at this point.

Prince CZAR-ming
Member
Since: Apr 08, 2004


Oct 30, 2007 07:56 am

I would not even consider the USB mic, (personally speaking, of course). I would challenge the idea that the samson mic quality, plus the preamp quality would be nearly as good as the mic quality of the AKG plus the preamp quality of the UX1.

Plus, should you want to change things in the future, you can use the AKG with a different preamp, plus use the UX1 for adding effects or whatever to the guitar sound.

Plus, you'll get some mic / preamp modelling with the ux1.

Course, if I could do it, I'd look at getting the UX2 plus a mic =). That extra channel will always come in handy.

.02$us

Member
Since: Jan 24, 2006


Oct 30, 2007 10:27 am

How does Piezo factor into it ??? Both Toneport and USB Mic are going to use a Mic right ??

I also agree that the UX2 is worth the extra, you'll need/want it one day soon and regret not having it. Personally, as a home recorder, I'd be happy with a $50 MXL mic and the UX2.

The Eternal Student
Member
Since: Oct 08, 2005


Oct 30, 2007 02:38 pm

if you don't have an interface yet, I'd suggest getting that first. If you use a quality mic into a crap soundcard, you still have crap sound.

*i think*

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002


Oct 30, 2007 07:50 pm

RED ALERT ON USB MIC'S

You will find you can only use one USB mic at a time. It is the nature of the beast. From what I have seen so far all of them will not function as a pair. They act as their own audio interface and will only allow one instance of it to be used at a given time.

I do agree that if your end result is to use 2 mic's at once the UX-2 is the killer option here. I know it will set the mic purchase back a bit, but as stated the interface is the most important part of the chain.

I use the UX-2 a lot over my higher end multi channel interface's now. Mostly because of the mic pre amp emulations in it. They are absolutely killer, and the thing will power a pair of LDC's just fine without chocking at all.

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