I bought a cheap microphone on Amazon a while ago. The Neewer NW-800 and the Neewer 48V phantom power. I don't like the sound anymore and I have also expanded my budget so that I now want to buy the Rode NT1-A.
Unfortunately, I don't know that well, so my question:
What else do I need so that the sound of the Rode is optimal? Is the 48V phantom power enough? Have heard often I still need an interface, but is that possible so that I can connect it to my laptop via USB?
So I want to record FL Studio / Audacity on my laptop and have it sounded great and not spend too much money. Interface if so what a few recommendations would be very nice that are in the approx. 80 euro segment, or whatever else I need.
The focusrite Scarlett is ideal for the Rode nt1a. Most of them (including me) also use it in combination. Whether you take the Scarlett solo or 2nd is up to you
Is now even in the third generation
https://m.thomann.de/de/focusrite_scarlett_solo_3rd_gen.htm
You will not achieve a great sound with this in audacity. That's not what it's made for. That works perfectly for FL Studio. Of course, you have to choose the right settings in the program. I just don't know how good your laptop is. It could be that it is simply too weak for this program. The interface is simply plugged into the laptop via USB
Yes, an interface is recommended if you want a good sound. This is connected to your laptop / PC via USB and does the job of your built-in sound card. It does this job in better quality and it can also do more, such as Supply the 48V phantom power.
The classics would be the Focusrite Scarlett Solo or the Steinberg UR12, but a Mackie Onyx Producer 2x2 or a Presonus AudioBox should also be considered.
If you will allow me to comment on your micro-idea: I now neither know your recording environment nor what you want to do with it. But if you don't have a finished studio at home, with absorbers, damping, decoupling, acoustically optimized room shape, etc., I would not recommend a large-diaphragm condenser like the NT1A. Such microphones are simply designed for a studio environment and in normal rooms record even the smallest background noise - fans, steps in the corridor, the street in front of the window, keyboard & mouse, etc., everything is included in the recording.
Better look for dynamic microphones (often found under "stage microphone"). They are much more robust, not as sensitive and still give good results even under difficult conditions.
My honest opinion: The NT1a is overrated. If you buy a good interface, you will be amazed that the Neewer can be used for normal things after all. I would buy a Steinberg your 12 or a Yamaha AG 03 as a mixer (a Steinberg interface is installed here, I have the AG 06 and I'm satisfied). This will improve your sound by at least 200%
It is important not to go further than 20 cm away from the microphone when recording. Master to 50%, micro volume to zero, turn up the gain from zero while talking into the microphone. When the peak indicator lights up, turn back a little. Then turn up the micro volume, then adjust with master.
You will be amazed
Hi! Basically: You can use inexpensive hobby equipment… And in this segment you move, do not expect any studio sound… If you have that in the back of your head, you will be disappointed with every constellation, because it is as good as the worst of your devices.
And: these highly sensitive large-diaphragm microphones like the Rode pick up every little background noise and if the place where you record is not optimized, you will probably not get it under control.
Have you ever been to a specialist shop and have you had advice about the optimal equipment? I would do that first and then think about it further. Before continuing to buy cheap stuff, it might make more sense to save a little and spend a little more money. Greeting
Yes it is!
Thanks for the answer, I'll definitely check it out!
Many thanks for the answer. I haven't been to a shop yet, I haven't even thought about that, that's a really helpful idea!
And in addition to the "studio sound" with the background noise, the Neewer microphone has actually managed to do well, at least after the noise removal function in FL Studio / Audacity. My problem with the microphone was that my voice came across as slightly distorted, so it just sounds a lot worse than in real life, and then my guess was the microphone.
So do you think you'd better try an interface in front of a new microphone and see what's going on? As I said, my problem with the Neewer is that my voice sounds worse than in the original or other microphones in live perfmoances.
Many thanks for the answer. I have now understood about the interfaces. I'm also happy to take tips for a microphone, maybe even that will solve my problem. My voice sounds falsified and bad on my current microphone, which I also said in the other answer, that it sounds much better when performing on stage. Could be due to the microphone then. Do you have a recommendation for such a microphone?
As long as you go over the built-in sound chip, that's how it is. The part costs a few cents. What should that sound like? Like my colleagues, I'm of the opinion that your problem is the interface. If you have any doubts then order it from Thomann. 30 days money back guarantee
Sounds logical, thanks for the tip! I will probably try it out.
Hi! You should definitely do that. Just if you buy things that are well coordinated, you can probably tear more than buy an expensive microphone and then realize that that wasn't actually the problem… Otherwise you have already received some tips from EntertainerNRW and Monster1965 .
But about the voice again: the thing is that you hear yourself through the bones of your skull and so the voice sounds different than when you hear it recorded. You have to get used to it, I know it myself too. You have to learn to recognize where the recording technology is and where it is not. I would be there with Monster1965 and would rather try a stage mike and an audio USB interface. Before you ask: As a drummer, I myself have an AKG headband microphone, so I can't recommend any to you. One of the best-known is the Sure Sm58, but you can also find out if this suits you by visiting the store. Again from my own experience: buy something sensible, buy something (too) cheaply, buy twice… For both you should calculate 250 to 300 euro together (a good AudioUSB costs from 100 - 150 euro, the Sure SM58 costs around that 100 euro).
And one more thing: good mixing requires a lot of experience and know-how. It is not for nothing that there are jobs for… This could also be your problem. Greeting
Thank you very much for all the tips, I'll try it that way and hope that it will work…
I've definitely learned a lot of new and important things!
I'm happy when I can contribute to a new understanding.
Where are you recording Normal room?
What are you recording Language? Singing? LetsPlay?
How much can the microphone cost?
I record singing at home. Mostly without instruments or only slightly so in the direction of acoustic.
And price would be optimal if it wasn't so incredibly expensive. So I expected the Rode NT1-A so everything else in the area would be ok around 150 euro
Ok, the price range is great. The dynamic micros are nowhere near as expensive as the large diaphragm condenser. It's good to do something with it.
I have a Sennheiser E935 for vocals and I'm very happy with it. The Shure SM58 is of course also a real classic that you can't go wrong with.
That sounds very promising, thank you very much for the help! I will probably try the SM58
