Recording alto saxophone using GarageBand

Question

Level 1

24 points

Recording alto saxophone using GarageBand

Hi all,

I am a newibe of audio production, hope you can answer my question in the most simple way, thx.......

Here is my situation :
I'm own a powerbook G4 computer and i would like to record the sound produced my my alto sax. and the import the background music from a mp3 or a CD track.

Recently, i've tried using a very cheap and low quality microphone provided by the Creative soundcard bundle package. I've found the sound record is not good enough. I've asked my friend what's the problem will be and the answer are :

1. my powerbook have line-in only, which is not compatatible with my mic due to impedence mismatch. (is it correct ??)

2. also clipping always occur (i've already adjusted the gain of the mic, but still have clipping especially if i put the mic near the horn)

My friend suggested me that I should buy a better microphone with phantom power + a mixer, then using a cable to make a connection between the line-in on my PB and the line-out of the mixer.

Is my friend's suggestion enough for my purpose ??? or it is not necessary to buy a mic with phantom power ? (coz this kind of mic is very expensive)

Any better suggestions here ??? Thx a lot
my budget is about $150-$200

Posted on Sep 27, 2005 8:49 AM

Reply

Answer 1

HangTime

Level 9

53,853 points

Sep 27, 2005 8:54 AM in response to Tang Wailey

Overall I'd say your friend has given you good advice, and I would mostly agree with the proposed setup, however (IMO) I don't think a Condensor mic (this is the type that uses Phantom Power) is required, a very standard mic is the Shure SM57 and should work well for you.

--HangTime [Will Compute for Food] B-)>

Reply

Answer 2

Tang Wailey Author

Level 1

24 points

Sep 27, 2005 8:59 AM in response to HangTime

Hi HangTime,

Thx for ur kindly reply!

Why do you think it is not really require to use a condensor mic ?? what's is the pros and cons ?

Also what kind of mixer i should have ? a standard one or a USB mixer ?? what is the difference ??

BTW, I'm living in HK, so may be the internet ordering may not be availabe here. Can you suggest some device that i can most probably order in HK ?

Thx a lot

Reply

Answer 3

Schneb

Level 5

4,957 points

Sep 27, 2005 9:06 AM in response to Tang Wailey

Hi Tang. The reason why HT suggested a condensor mic is because the powered mic may just be a little overkill. For your need, I would suggest this little guy as your mic and something like this to input into the computer. Together, it will provide a dynamite recording of your sax.

Reply

Answer 4

HangTime

Level 9

53,853 points

Sep 27, 2005 9:10 AM in response to Tang Wailey

Why do you think it is not really require to use a condenser mic ?? what's is the pros and cons ?

For one thing, Condensers are much more delicate than a standard Dynamic mic (The Shure SM57 is humorously referred to as "the Hammer" by many musicians because it can be used as one in a pinch, and still be used as a Mic [not recommended, really])

Condensers are often employed for vocal recording (and I would very much agree ... and use one myself)

Also what kind of mixer i should have ? a standard one or a USB mixer ?? what is the difference ??

Since you have a PowerBook with a Line-In, you can use any standard mixer, and just plug it right into your PowerBook. A USB mixer would plug into your USB port. My personal preference, if I were recording a single track at a time, would be a standard mixer (small mixers can be had for $50US).

Can you suggest some device that i can most probably order in HK ?

I'm afraid I don't have any advice on this one other than to perhaps visit a local Music Store. Perhaps do a little 'Window Shopping" online to find what you're looking for, and then take that information to the store with you.

--HangTime [Will Compute for Food] B-)>

Reply

Answer 5

Tang Wailey Author

Level 1

24 points

Sep 27, 2005 9:12 AM in response to Schneb

Hi Schneb,

Thx for ur reply, I really like the mic you suggested but the overall cost is really out of my budget.
Can u suggest me a less expersive alternative ?

Reply

Answer 6

Sep 27, 2005 9:15 AM in response to Schneb

Of course, if you plan to record anything besides your sax, that mic would be limiting. If you ever want to do vocals, or a friend with a guitar, etc., HT's suggestion of the SM57 would be more versatile, and again, will give excellent results.

Reply

Answer 7

Tang Wailey Author

Level 1

24 points

Sep 27, 2005 9:18 AM in response to HangTime

Hi HT

Can you suggest which model of a mixer ??? Coz i have no idea abt that, thx...........
and I would like to know will this kind of mixer can also be provide the Phantom power ?

Reply

Answer 8

HangTime

Level 9

53,853 points

Sep 27, 2005 9:21 AM in response to Tang Wailey

This behringer model has been mentioned many times in this forum, and I believe it does supply Phantom Power if you want to use a Condenser Mic:

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/g=home/search/detail/base_pid/631238/

Reply

Answer 9

Schneb

Level 5

4,957 points

Sep 27, 2005 9:41 AM in response to HangTime

The above mixer with the addition of the following should do you just fine...

SM57 Mic
Boom mic stand

Reply

Answer 10

Kurt Weber

Level 6

13,969 points

Sep 27, 2005 10:12 AM in response to Tang Wailey

Sax is a powerful instrument and very easy to drive levels way over the top. You will need to experiment with mike placement and levels on your mixer. The Shure mike is less likely to clip and is often used on horns and drums.

Realize that not every note comes out of the bell. The more keys you press down the more directed towards the bell the sound gets. Closer recordings also pick up the key noise and air noises. Sometimes people want those things... you decide.

For an even recording through all the registers and with less noise try recording in front of the sax about 3 feet away and adjust the volumes accordingly.

Kurt

Reply

Answer 11

Schneb

Level 5

4,957 points

Sep 27, 2005 11:28 AM in response to Kurt Weber

Interesting. Good to know for any future mic placement.

Reply

Answer 12

Tang Wailey Author

Level 1

24 points

Sep 28, 2005 8:06 AM in response to Schneb

Hi all,

My friend suddenly give me a USB mixer produced by Yamaha (UW500),
However, i've find this device does not compatatible with OS X ?

Any suggestion ??????

Reply

Answer 13

HangTime

Level 9

53,853 points

Sep 28, 2005 8:45 AM in response to Tang Wailey

Check the other thread you started, Tang --HT

Reply

Answer 14

Sep 28, 2005 11:29 AM in response to Tang Wailey

Samson make a mic called the CO1U which can plug directly into your USB port: it is based on their CO1 condenser mic, which is extremely good value for money. Check out their website for HK distribution.

Reply