Picked up my first mixer today.

[z0n3d0u7]

I know, with my software only / mainly set-up, I dont need a mixer. BUT, i stumbled upon a Mackie VLZ 1202 PRO today, for $100. I snatched it up quick.

The money was set back for a mic [Was gonna go Samsung CO1U], But figured a $300 mixer, for $100 in the box, Couldnt be beat. So i guess with my paycheck friday, Ill buy a nice vocal mic.

I have a few in mind. Samsung co1 [Is it anygood, or is it boasted about, due to the CO1U's USB capability?], Shure sm58, And others around $60-100. Any suggestion's? It will be used for vocals, in my "personal studio" [Maybe 2-3 ppl will ever hear it.]

For now, im stuck with on-board sound. I am planning to upgrade soundcard's, but it will be a couple weeks at earliest.

So, from my computer's 8mm output, I got a 8mm to RCA [stereo], to a set of RCA cables, Then on the end i have PHONO RCA to 1/4" jacks.(they work, and are all Radioshack had. Return and order online?) Plugged into Channel 6 [Is this right?].

Then, from my "Control room" i have the same phono connectors, then RCA's, into RCA input on my stereo reciever.

Any way i can select between monitors, phones, and both? since i record in the same room my computer, and monitors are in?

How would i track back into the computer [Via line in, untill i get soundcard.], from my mixer? I tried Aux send, But nothing.

Btw, my set-up consists of:
Computer, onboard sounds, ASIO4all drivers.
Fruityloop6, Battery2, And audicity
Midi keyboard, and MPD16, both Via usb.
Monitoring using a stereo for now.

And my newly added mackie 1202. plus a few older yamaha and casio keyboards.

Edit: k, seen on Tweakz site, i need to go from ALT 3/4, to line in. Ill try that later tonight. Any option's on "Best vocal mic" under $100?

 

[5th Sequence]

i dont know if you're gonna be able to tell any considerable difference between mic's under $100 and the soundcard you are using. If you are going to record this for your own personal use and a few of your friends you'll be fine with what you got i guess. it really depends on what you are going for becuase you won't be getting all of the usage out of your microphone becuase of your soundcard.

onboard sound is terrible, if i remember correctly. i'd recommend getting a good soundcard and then a microphone preamp. Even if your mackie board has a preamps, you may still want a dedicated preamp for your mic. I use to use the preamps in my mixer but once i bought an actual mic preamp it was a considerable difference in quality.

If you're on a hella budget though, just stick with whats on your mackie.

 

[misscc803]

That mixer not gonna really do you much good if your soundcard aint hitting on nothing. I HIGHLY recommend u upgrade your soundcard before investing in ne more gear. With the onboard soundcard the convertors are gonna suck and the sound will all be discolored/terrible sounding. Though you may can pull some stunts but if u can spend the money on a mixer then im pretty sure u can cop an new audio interface. Go FOR IT.

Nicole

 

[djloccdown]

Soundcard is ur priority now.
Do not get a mic until u get a good soundcard. M-audio 2496, Emu 0404 or an Esi Juli@.
If u want a mic for $100 look 2 get the Studio Projects B1. I have heard good things bout em, and Im coppin 1 too. If u can get the B1 get an Audio Technica AT2020 (Both are condenser mics)

 

[The Bastard]

sm58s a good live mic. not really made for studio recording, although u could use it and prolly get ok results, for the price of a sm58 u could get an mxl studio condensor mic that will prolly be better for you. but like everyone else says yur first priority here is a good sound card. then after that,a good mic preamp. those are more important than the mic

 

[z0n3d0u7]

i do plan on upgrading to a EMU 0404 when i get paid.
I just couldnt pass up on a $300 mixer, for $100.