I’m what you would call a starving musician.

When I am not working my 9 to 5  you can find me writing songs and using some outdated recording microphones to pick up my sound. They always made me and my guitar sound muffled. Well after a couple complaints for studios and recording companies that I sent my demo to I knew it was time to upgrade. I was worried about the cost of a new microphone but found the Samson Meteor Mic and my problems were solved.

I got mine at a super-good discount at Amazon.com. Click here to view the Meteor at Amazon.

Product features:

USB hook-up! It is the best thing an at home musician can hear. This means there are no required drivers to use or any specific software to add to the computer. This made it easier for me to just plug in and play. It cannot get much easier than that!

There is a 25mm chrome diaphragm and a built in headphone out jack to give you a monitor feature built in. With a separate volume control you have complete control over your recordings. The cardioid pickup pattern lets you utilize 16-bit, 44.1/48 kHz resolution which gives you that smooth professional sound I’m looking for.

As an added bonus you do not always need to hold the microphone. This will allow you to play an instrument since it was built to mount on a boom or can be used on its own flip out tri pod at your desk. This microphone can also be used for online chatting or podcasting too.

Warranty Information:

It comes with a one year warranty. This is great news for any person trying to take their practices or jigs outside of the home. We all know it is all too easy to drop an item. Even if it is extremely valuable to you accidents can happen.

What I like about Samson Meteor Microphone:

It looks great and is un-intrusive. The microphone’s portability is good. If I’m out in the park with my Ipad and guitar I can plug in and just record right there. No need to carry around any extra equipment. I do not need to constantly write all my lyrics down anymore. It saves me time by just being able to record anywhere I want.

I like the look of the microphone. It is made to look like it is a thousand dollar microphone with the chrome pops and looks amazing just sitting on my desk. The monitoring system was nice just plug in to it and you are good to go. Instead of getting all the settings right on your computer and transfer through it you have constant access.

I must say my absolutely favorite thing about this product is that it’s simple. Easy set up easy tear down and I can record my acoustic on it as well as vocals. There is one thing I cannot forget to mention. The price is outstanding. Anything you can find in the recording field that works at all for under a hundred dollars is a deal let alone something that works so well.

What I dislike about the Samson Meteor Microphone:

As easy as this product is to use to record I did have a problem using it live for webcam. There was a delay and was not working for me. I did look in the instructions and there were minor tweaks to be made but they were easy to follow. Once I set it up correctly everything worked just fine.

Conclusion:

I like it. It looks great, and is easy to use. It’s smaller than I thought it would be which is handy. I’m glad it has a screw thread in the bottom of it so that you can attach it to a mic stand. The built in stand doesn’t elevate it very high. All in all a good buy.

Music is a something which almost everyone likes. Depending on the mood, one would like to listen to different kinds of music. As everyone knows, the quality of music also depends on the way it has been captured and delivered to the ears. Not only music, for that matter, any sound or speech that reaches the ears has to be recorded well to deliver the required impact on the listener.

The effect of sound in the horror movies is what makes the movie even scarier than visuals at certain times. The recording of the sound made in a perfect way would cause the required impact not only in horror movies but also in any kind of movie or picture.

One may be surprised to know that even without picture, the sound recorded and delivered properly can create an impact. Especially audio files like songs, speeches etc. need to be recorded with fine detail to enable the listener to have the complete feel and impact. There are different kinds of audio recording devices in the market today. Ever since, the audio and video recording technology came into place, there is lot of research being done to improve the quality using the latest equipment. Especially, for recording the speeches, sounds and songs, as many would know, microphones are used.

The shape, size and technology behind the microphone has been changing ever since microphones are being used to record sounds, songs, speeches etc. Audio recording is being done today, with a lot of precision and clarity that one would be amazed to hear the sound of even air! This is not only because of the excellent sound delivery equipments but also the microphones used to record. The clarity of the sound is determined by the quality of the microphone and the environment in which the sound is recorded.

There are different types of microphones which may be broadly divided into two. They are: 1) public speech mics and 2) recording mics. Public speech mics are connected to speakers to amplify the sound or speech that reaches the microphone, while the recording mics are used to record and edit the sound.

The recording microphones form the basis of recording systems for various purposes. Among the home recording systems, the commonly used ones are the studio-in-a-box, computer based and stand alone. Among the three, the computer based is the easiest to be used as everyone owns a computer or a laptop these days. It is also easy to record and edit with minimal knowledge of sound editing and MIDI sequencing.

Many people today, including great musicians and recording experts use computer based recording systems which need USB microphones. A USB microphone such as the well respected Blue Yeti mic can be directly connected to the laptops or computers and used to record the required sounds, speeches and music with no hassle.

USB microphones unlike other types of microphones need minimal effort to be connected and used with a laptop or a computer. The quality would be reasonably good as compared to the regular recording microphones. There are also USB microphones today which offer exceptional quality in recording. One can avoid the heavy room noise while recording with the latest USB microphones. While installation and using of USB microphone is not only easy and affordable, the editing would also be easy. This is because the microphone can be connected directly to the computer to edit the recorded music or sound files.

ne can find a lot of information about the USB microphones that are available in the market on the internet. However, due care has to be taken to go for the right one that is sleek, small, affordable and easy to maintain. Check out the website to know more.

It is essential that any person handling a microphone needs to understand that a microphone is an electronic item and hence should be handled carefully and gently. A common misconception with microphones is that the only abuse that we subject this equipment to is dropping it around.

If you’re buying a USB microphone it’s worth investing in a well built one such as the Audio Technica AT2020.

But in reality there are many instances where we subject the device to much more extreme conditions than just dropping it. Hence, it is important to understand that the life of the device also depends on how well we handle it and that Microphone care and maintenance is essential for longer life.

Here are a few typical abuses that a microphone can be subjected to:

Though the work of a microphone is to amplify sounds the intensity of sound levels that it can withstand are limited. Hence, any intensity more than the threshold limit will affect the microphone adversely. One such practice that troubles the equipment is blowing. Blowing into the microphone to test it is a common practice, which needs to be totally avoided to make sure your microphone works for a longer period of time without any repairs and complaints. It is better to stick to the conventional, “test, one, two, three” for quality check.

Another common issue with the Microphone care and maintenance is with storage. The method of storage for microphones should be as advised by the manufacturer. For most of the brands it is good to remove the battery packs before storing it. Make sure that it is placed in a dry and cool place away from excessive moisture and any direct forms of heat. Make sure you place it away from all types of strong magnetic substances. Avoid placing it along with heavy substances which can damage your microphone accidently. Hence, it is important to take enough care while storing it too.

Moisture especially from the mouth of the person using the microphone is another major problem. Microphones are designed to catch sounds from quite a distance; hence it is necessary that you keep the microphone slightly away from your mouth while using. This will also help to give a clearer sound as such disturbances such as your breath are avoided. In case it comes with a pop shield, make sure you use it while in usage. This will make your microphone work for longer. In case your microphone comes with a windshield make sure that it is used while usage and removed during storage.

Cleaning is an essential part of the Microphone care and maintenance procedure. It is important that your microphone is minutely cleaned periodically with the right sort of tools that won’t harm the device in any sort of manner. Generally with most of the handheld set the top portion, i.e., the metal grill along with the pop guard is generally removable. This makes the cleaning procedure much easier for you. You can easily take out the removable portion and clean it in mild soap or detergent solution and rinse it in clean water. This will help to remove all the air borne, microscopic materials that might be embedded in the mesh like structure. Once the parts are completely dried they can be reassembled.

In case the device isn’t removable then you should never use soap or detergent solution. Rather using a soft brush for cleaning the outer portions is preferable. The soft brush can be used after wetting it with a little water. This facilitates easier removal of the air borne particles. Hence, regular Microphone care and maintenance is essential for long and problem free service life of your microphone.

A pre-amp is essential equipment in any audio studio (yes even before your USB microphone!). This is the magic device that is used to boost all types of audio signals such that they can be recorded onto a recording device. A good quality pre-amp is necessary to make sure that good quality audio signals are recorded. This is the reason why even if you have a top class microphone you cannot hope to have perfect recording quality unless you have proper pre-amp. Though the vice versa also holds true you need to check for the quality of your pre-amp if you have problem recording sound.

In most cases, most mixers come with internally built pre-amps. But most of the time professionals might want to utilize external pre-amp for better results. It is possible to decide whether or not you require an external pre-amp by checking your recorded sound quality; if the recorded sounds are good then you can forgo the external pre-amp. If not then you might want to purchase a good and quality one for quality recording. Investigating the different types of pre-amp can be an essential factor in case you want to select the best model suitable for your needs.

Broadly speaking, depending on the working mechanism inherently present there are three types of pre-amps available: the solid state pre-amp, the vacuum tube pre-amp and the hybrid variety. Though all the about types are available for various purposes, it is essential to understand which type suits your needs the best. Though all types of pre-amps are quite popular, most people prefer the solid state pre-amps. The main reason for this is that this type of pre-amps uses transistors to boost sound levels. Hence depending on your requirement you can either get crystal clear voice or you can opt for distortion for the twist in the audio required.

Investigating the different types of pre-amp can be a great idea if you want to choose the best model available within your budget. Most pre-amps are generally active. This means that they require proper power supply for them to work well. Though there are also the passive types available the dissipation increases, which is why the active ones are better preferred than the passive ones. But before you make the actual purchase make sure that you put in enough research so that you can understand the type of pre-amps that are suitable with your audio devices. The internet is the best source to get all the required information and for investigating the different types of pre-amp that are available.

Depending on the output provided by the preamp device, pre-amps can be classified into two types; balanced and unbalanced. The unbalanced pre-amp uses conventional cables that have two wires where as the unbalanced ones use the three wire standard cable. Deciding whether to purchase balanced or unbalanced pre-amp, completely depends on the device that you are connecting the pre-amp to and the plug-in ports that are available with the device. Hence, before making a purchase make sure that you know about the devices well so that you can understand which is most suitable and which isn’t that suitable for your audio systems.

Through the online websites and various blogs dedicated to pre-amps and related audio equipment you can find all the required information regarding the types and models available as well as the standardization particulars and the price tags. The prices of the pre-amps depend largely on the features and the quality of the final output. As such you can find pre-amps that cost a few hundred to thousands of dollars.

Ever since man started inventing various gadgets to record sounds, voices and music, he has been trying to find the right approach in order to get the best results.

As most people are aware, various recording instruments are being used today to record the sounds in a perfect manner. A well recorded sound or voice would produce the desired effect for the listener than a badly recorded one. To create the required effect of sound to the listener, the output devices of sound are not the only ones responsible. Every care has to be taken to record the sound with the required clarity and precision with the microphone being used. It is also important to choose the right microphone to be used to record the sound or voice.

There are different kinds of audio recording systems available in the market today for clear voice and sound recording. However, it is important to choose the right recording equipment to get the best quality audio. It can be observed that the effect of sound or voice would be impressive and long lasting if the right microphone is positioned properly to record the sounds at the required levels. Positioning microphone may not sound to be too important to record audio. It is quite important to position the microphone properly to avoid unnecessary sounds and noises being recorded. Contrary to the conception of many people, the positioning of the microphone greatly affects the audio being recorded.

It is always recommended to position the microphone at a level where the sound reaches it at the required level. For a voice or sound which needs to be projected in extreme clarity, the microphone has to be placed at a distance where adequate sound reaches it. Placing the microphone quite nearer to the source in these situations may result in recording additional sounds like the breathing of the speaker or the rattling of leaves or air blowing around. Hassle free recording can be done in a closed set up like a room unlike in open area where the wind and traffic may cause noise.

People have been inventing various gadgets that record, edit and amplify sounds in the way needed. However, technology can be of help only to some extent and adequate care has to be taken while recording the audio by positioning the microphone at the desired level.

Another important aspect in positioning microphone while recording is the angle of the microphone to the source of sound. It is recommended to place it straight to the source of sound for regular speeches. However, placing the microphone at particular angles may improve the quality of sound in particular situations. Positioning the microphone to create special effects is only being used in theaters and movie making in Hollywood. For regular audio recording, it is important to position the microphone at a comfortable level and angle so that the sound reaches it aptly.

If the voice of a particular person is being recorded, adequate care has to be taken that the microphone is at a required distance from the source. The angle and distance of the microphone should not only be adequate enough to record the voice but also comfortable to the speaker. A USB microphone can be of great help for recording the voices of people. As these USB microphones can be connected to the computers and laptops, they can easily be placed at the required distance and angle on the desk. The microphone should be placed on a stand so that it is steady all through the recording of the audio.

Check out our Blue Yeti review for a more in-depth look at USB microphones.

Contrary to the popular misconception, microphones aren’t a one-type-fit for all occasions.

When you are actually planning to purchase one and when you visit the market you will understand the diversity of shapes, sizes and types of microphones that are available.

Basically deciding which type of microphone to buy always depends on what you need it for, as this decides what features are required. Hence, the deciding factor when purchasing a microphone is always its intended use.

There are a plethora of different mics available these days. Prices vary depending on the characteristics, the features available and obviously the quality. Deciding whether you need a high end version or a low end version depends completely on how you are going to use it.

Obviously, a microphone required for your personal use or hobby such as the Blue Yeti microphone needn’t be as expensive as the one used for a live show, right?

In basic terms a microphone’s job is simply is to amplify sounds. A simple basic mic will do this. Then there are those high end devices that have unlimited features which can be used for live shows, TV and radio shows, by journalists, etc. All the latter ones are expensive and are specific to the function they perform.

When deciding which type of microphone to buy it can be advantageous if you know what the various types of microphones are where they are generally available (Amazon is usually a good bet) and which model is suitable for your needs. Here are a few common microphone models and the various situations in which they work best:

The hand-held microphones are the most conventional models and can be useful for all-purpose use. These can be used by amateurs and professionals alike. These are generally used for live or stage performances, by singers or orators. A common model is the Shure SM58.  These are the hardiest type and can resist abuse to a better extent than most other models. These microphones come both in the wired as well as the wireless format the latter or which are more commonly used.

Next common types are the headsets which come inbuilt with ear phones. These are generally used by people who frequently use the internet for communication (voice, video chats and calls).

The next common variety generally used in public places like airports, malls, hotels, etc are the mounted microphones. This model is also popular with computer users and podcasters. The main feature of this microphone is that it is generally fixed to a location generally a work desk. Often a USB microphone (mics that plug simply into your computer) is designed for desktop use only.

Next there are the hanging microphones that are most common in television sets and radio stations. These have the ability to catch even the slightest sound and hence should be used in a closed environment.

Finally, the most convenient microphones are the clip-on mics that are frequently used by news reporters.

So, one factor that is crucial for deciding which type of microphone to buy is its requirement. The second factor is the quality. Opting for a good quality device can obviously make the choice easier for you in the category of microphones you require. But it has to be understood that quality determines the price of the equipment and when the quality of the device increases the price automatically goes up.

Thus along with the price you should also consider your pocket when deciding which type of microphone to buy. Obviously how much you are ready to invest depends on why you need to purchase the microphone. The best advice in terms of quality and price is to select a microphone that is good quality-wise and is also affordable!

If you do voice over work, are a musician or podcaster, the Blue Snowball mic is well suited for your home studio needs. With a look that is retro-styled, but sound quality that is extremely modern day, read on to find out more about this cool looking USB mic.

For a more advanced Blue mic that has superior sound and features (and is therefore a bit more expensive) check out our Blue Yeti review.

The Blue Snowball mic is a plug and play device that works easily with either a Mac or PC.

With it’s unique three-pattern switch and dual capsule design, it can handle anything from soft spoken word recordings to a loud rocking garage band and all without any additional software necessary.

This condenser style mic produces a smooth natural sound without requiring any additional extra power source such as batteries. All the power is provided directly through the USB connection.

(By the way you can usually get a 33% discount at Amazon here. They won’t show the price until you put it in your cart for contractual reasons but it’s under $70)

While older models (pre-2007) were not compatible with Windows Vista, newer models are compatible with current operating systems. The output from this mic is strictly digital so while this mic is not designed to work with a traditional analog mixer, it does very well for all digital recording needs.

What’s So Special About The Blue Snowball Mic?

This microphone is perfect for anyone with a laptop or home computer that wants to to create home recordings with clear high quality sound without spending $500 or more on a microphone that might also require an audio interface. It is particularly well suited for both podcasting and musicians that want professional digital recordings.

With competitive pricing, great sound quality and easy set up, this device is a natural fit for home digital recording. It’s sleek design reminiscent of the golden age of radio also makes it a very attractive accessory for your computer as well as a very useful plug and play device.

Check out this incredibly in-depth review of the Snowball:

This mic is available cheap at Amazon here

Pros

• 3 mode pattern settings for different types of recording. For podcasting, vocals and live room recording
• Easy plug ‘n’ play set up – Mac or Windows
• Swivel mount so you can direct it easily
• Looks awesome
• No additional software needed which means no installation hassle

Cons

• Users have reported receiving faulty or older model units from online retailers
• Some reviewers have said the gain can be too low

Here’s what some users are saying about the Blue Snowball Mic at Amazon

Blue Yeti Microphone

If you record music at home, like classical guitar or songs accompanied by guitar then the Blue Yeti microphone might just be exactly what you’ve been looking for.

In this Blue yeti review we’ll look at the top features of the mic, the pros and cons and what other people have said about using it.

This is a microphone that looks good and is perfect for recording musical instruments, vocals,  voiceovers, or podcasts.

(By the way you can usually get a discount at Amazon here. They won’t show the price until you put it in your cart for contractual reasons but it’s under $100)

What’s So Special About the Blue Yeti Microphone?

The Blue Yeti microphone is a multi-patterned USB microphone that combines a three capsule feature and offers four different pattern settings.

The triple capsule allows you to choose from different patterns that include cardioid, bidirectional and omnidirectional, allowing the user many recording capabilities that would usually require the usage of several microphones.

The analog to digital converter sends the audio right into your computer and has a built in headphone amplifier which has controls for volume, pattern choice, immediate mute, and microphone gain.

No driver has to be installed, it just needs to be simply plugged into your PC or Mac.

Pros

The Yeti creates great sound quality for the price it is. Additionally, it can be mounted on a mike stand, but it’s also good for home desk recording and can easily be put on any table or desk.

Its plug and play functionality makes using it for the first time simple, since you can just plug it right into your computer.

No pre-amp or other device is required to use this microphone. As the only THX certified mic available, it delivers great sound capture through it’s three capsule array and four directional settings.

Watch this in-depth review of the Blue Yeti

This mic is available cheap at Amazon here

Cons

Of course, the microphone does have it’s drawbacks. At a foot tall and 3.5 pounds, it is rather large in size, making it difficult to carry, so it’s not a great choice for those who are looking for a portable microphone. There isn’t a protective cover with it either.

It also seems to have a slight issue of handling noise when its connected to a regular mic stand, and doesn’t come with a shock mount. The condenser capsules should have been shock mounted on the inside. There is a possible question of durability, with it’s jiggly plastic knobs. you should probably get a shock mount too if you’re buying it.

This microphone is best for people who are going to use it to record podcasts, interviews, or home recordings, particularly acoustic sets.

Since it is rather large, it’s probably not the best choice for someone who needs a microphone they can travel with, and there also isn’t a protective cover with it, and since there’s a question of durability, it’s probably best to use this microphone in a stationary manner and keep it in one spot.

Similar microphones are priced much higher and don’t always deliver the quality that this microphone seems to have.

Here’s what others are saying about the Blue Yeti Microphone at Amazon

The Audio Technica AT2020 USB Microphone is a great investment for anyone wanting their own home recording studio. Some say it isn’t right for them, but many say you can’t beat the sound quality.

It’s similar in style and quality to the Blue Yeti Microphone but is smaller and lighter. It’s got a really nice vintage radio mic look and feel to it. (you can read our Blue Yeti review here)

This mic is a must see for anyone wanting to start recording on their laptop or home computer, or if you’re doing some podcasting. So if you haven’t already, you should take a look at the several great features that the AT2020 microphone has to offer.

Top 5 Features of the Audio Technica AT2020 USB:

1. USB Digital Output Condenser Mic (Windows and Mac compatible)
2. Perfect clear sound for podcasting, home music studio, outside broadcast or voiceovers
3. Low self noise making it perfect for use with laptops and computers
4. Awesome look and feel
5. Fixed Cardioid Polar Pattern which improves isolation of the intended sound source and reduces extraneous noises.

So why does everyone like the Audio Technica AT2020 Microphone? Well, my bet would be the sound quality and sleek design. Or possibly the fact its very easy to set up and use. Below you will find a list of the pros and a list of the cons of this mic.

Pros:

• Plug and Play with USB.
• Sleek and elegant design.
• Nice and light and easy to handle (great if you have a small desk).
• Doesn’t require a lot of know how to use.

Cons:

• You might need a better stand (thank the one that comes with it) to avoid background banging and shock noises.
• It can under some circumstances pick up a lot of room noise.

Here’s a video of exactly what you’ll get if you order this mic

Get this USB mic at Amazon with a great discount

This product is great for anyone wanting to create professional recordings, record podcasts, or produce online talk shows. Also a great product to use if you want to put your voice out there on sites such as YouTube, and there are many other great uses for this microphone. Really, I would say you must check out this mic if you’re interested in home recording.

It’s good enough to be used in a pro environment if you use a proper stand, cradle and pop shield.

Here is what a few people have to say about the Audio Technica AT2020 usb.

Summary

A great looking and mic with a good feel to it and high quality performance. Most people have said they absolutely love it. If you do buy it make sure you have a good stand and pop shield.

Check out what people are saying about it on Amazon.