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Mac Pro's external noise isolation

J

justit

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Dec 1, 2007
640
1
I need to record vocal mono on the same desk as my 3,1 MP for screencasts. I'm considering an mxl 990 condensor mic as I've read it does a decent job at isolating most external noise. But my internal hard drives and MP fan have that constant idle noise hum. I realize I'll still have to do post noise cancelation filtering for each session.

Is there a better condenser USB mic for about the same ~$100 price point that can better isolate the vocal?

I'm trying not to use my Mac Book for the audio recording as my MP records the screencast at a much smoother frame rate for things like zoom in/out.
 
long cables. easiest if you don't record the problem in the first place.

also, consider using a dynamic (shure sm57, shure sm7) instead of a condenser if you're concerned about room noise.
 
zimv20 said:
long cables. easiest if you don't record the problem in the first place.
Click to expand...

Wise words, but I need to be there with the MP for the video part of the screen cast so that no frames are dropped. If I could run cables from my basement to my office I would. :eek:

Will look into the Shure's
 
It's interesting that you recommend a dynamic instead of a condenser. My understanding is that the USB condensers, even though preamp is built-in and low power, is better for freq. range and warmer and less muddy. I always see podcasters using condensers.

Will I lose that voice quality for better sound isolation using the dynamic sm57?
 
justit said:
It's interesting that you recommend a dynamic instead of a condenser. My understanding is that the USB condensers, even though preamp is built-in and low power, is better for freq. range and warmer and less muddy. I always see podcasters using condensers.

Will I lose that voice quality for better sound isolation using the dynamic sm57?
Click to expand...

This can be true. Condensers tend to be more sensitive, hence picking up more computer noise.
 
justit said:
Will I lose that voice quality for better sound isolation using the dynamic sm57?
Click to expand...

cheap condensers tend to sound a little brighter (a little too bright if you ask me), so the sound will likely be different. but i love a good dynamic, and i think the 57 is a fine mic.

radio personalities tend to use dynamics (the sm7 and EV RE20's are very popular), including for their noise-rejection characteristics. i think it'll work fine for podcasting.
 
Why not just put the computer in a closet or in another room? They sell extender cables that are as long as you like. The really long ones use some little boxes that amplify the signal.

If you can't do that then at least get some of those ceiling tiles and drywall screws and build a simply box for the computer. A few layers will cut the noise in half.

One other thing, if the environment is noisy, think about the mics the TV news sound guys use rather then the mics used in recording studios,
 
ChrisA said:
Why not just put the computer in a closet or in another room? They sell extender cables that are as long as you like. The really long ones use some little boxes that amplify the signal.
Click to expand...

Cables for DVI, power, USB, Firewire... I'd spend more on cabling than the mic itself.

ChrisA said:
One other thing, if the environment is noisy, think about the mics the TV news sound guys use rather then the mics used in recording studios,
Click to expand...

I may just end up tying to dampen the MP under the desk.

Would the sm57 need a guard as well? Is it poppy?
 
zimv20 said:
i disagree. any mic that sounds good on the source is fair game. here is a song i recorded using a 57 on all vocals.
Click to expand...


Great vocals, but you're leaving out a piece of the puzzle: the $1K preamp that's hooked up to the shure m57?
 
Like it was said earlier, a podcast is like a radio show. Most radio guys use the RE-20 or SM-7 (both dynamic mics) so don't rule them out just yet.
 
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