Recording Mics, Help.

[Robbiethebassis]

I've been trying to find a good way to record my band for a while now. I don't have a lot of money, so I need something rather cheap but still get a decent sound. I have just been using one of those stick computer mics to record my whole band. Recording bass, drums and guitar all at the same time on this one tiny mic and adding in lead and vocals. And using Mixcraft, and Audacity to mix it. You can hear some of our stuff here www.myspace.com/bittersweetbandga ...its not too bad considering the equipment used. But I need to get a better sound than that to make a demo. I was planning on buying one of these "Tapco by Mackie LinkUSB 2-Channel USB Audio Interface" http://www.zzounds.com/item--TAPLINKUSB
and using a couple mics to record. I'm planning on mic'ing the bass drum, and then mic'ing the rest of the band with another mic because I was told by my intrument intrustor that we needed more kick drum and bass on the recordings.

My question is..what Mic's should I buy to get a good sound going into Tapco interface without having to spend more than $100 for the both of them.

Thanks TB, for any response.
-Robbie

[lennyonbass]

If I had $100 and had to buy 2 mics, I would do my best to find some used Shure SM57s. Although not ideal for a kick drum, it's far from unsatisfactory.
I have a friend who did some nice work with just this package, too:http://www.musiciansfriend.com/produ...age?sku=273166

Or...try these as a pair of room mics and put a dynamic mic on the kick...http://www.americanmusical.com/item--i-BEH-C2.html

FWIW...You are now stepping into the abyss of recording...be afraid....

[seamonkey]

I'd get one fairly good multi-pattern condenser mic:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/produ...one?sku=277061
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/produ...6&src=3SOSWXXK

In omni mode, a condenser will pick up bass drum just fine with the rest of the band. If you still need it, you can buy a cheap mic for the bass drum, stuff it in a pillow. This will a little extra oomph.

[geoffkhan]

When it comes to mics, you really get what you pay for. Like seamonkey said, it would be better to get one good mic than several for that money.

[anderbass]

I thought your recordings sounded pretty good,
considering the mic you used. (good job...

I haven't had great luck using (bargain priced/entry level)
large diaphragm condenser Mic's for live band recording.
I'd suggest you seek the best pair of small diaphragm
condenser Mic's you can afford.

If you spend some time reading posts on this sight, you'll
find lots of good info about mics and home recording :
http://homerecording.com/bbs/

[Count Bassie]

Scour ebay. I found an old Realistic PZM (Crown 'second) for cheep, also a couple AT-871R boundary mics for $100. These are very nice for drum OH, mounted on plywood or similar.

An SM58 is good for bass drum...

SM 57's are great- and I got an old Shure 580SB dynamic from a guy for $20. It looks cheep, but sounds great! If you let a few people know what you're up to, you're likely to get some help here and there. People love to help out a small, noble cause.

You can get a suitable recording from a whole slew of mics- you learn to use 'em. And if you're not starting a pro studio, maybe you don't need to be as picky as a pro engineer. Money vs "Bang" is a comfortable table to use for one such as I, and maybe you it sounds like- and I don't think I'm making any recommendations that'll piss off the population here...