There are many things that you need to take into account when purchasing your first microphone for Pro Tools. When you are just getting started, it is quite easy to get instantly and mightily overwhelmed.
Right off the bat there are a few things you should consider.
#1 – What is your budget?
#2 – What are the instruments you will be recording (or is it for vocals)?
#3 – Where will you be recording?
If you are just getting started, and have nothing to go off right the bat, you might be looking for something that is simply all encompassing and that can do it all. Something that you can plug in and start recording with Pro Tools in a matter of minutes.
Obviously the best microphones for recording are extremely expensive, and you will more than likely have to spend a couple thousand dollars to get “one of the best.” But for the purposes of this article, let’s say you want to buy a microphone for under $800.00.
Less dependent upon your budget, you now want to think about what you will be recording. Will it be drums? Vocals? Your Acoustic guitar? Different microphones have different frequency levels.
Here are three microphones that absolutely get the job done when you are first starting out with pro tools.
The Blue Microphones Bluebird – The Best Microphone for the Singer/Songwriter
“Beautiful mic with great sound”
Synopsis
This great looking and great sounding microphone can usually always be found at your local music shop or GuitarCenter. They always have it in stock and that is because people absolutely love it. Here are a few great things about this very popular microphone:
POSITIVES
- Great for recording acoustic guitar
- High Sensitivy
- Offers proximity effect with a slightly hot top end
- Great for using with audio interfaces
- has a flat frequency response from 100 hz to 2khz
Things to note:
- You might want to consider spacing when singing or playing an instrument into the mic
- If you are looking for a rough handler, this might not be the one
- functionality of the accessories may be a bit cumbersome
- May not be the best microphones for rappers
- May present some “esss” problems for some singers but this problem can be fixed with the correct positioning
Dynamic Microphones Versus Condenser Microphones
In short, condenser microphones are great for studio recording however are comparatively much more expensive and a lot more fragile. Dynamic microphones are great for the stage, more durable, and a little bit more affordable. However this very short comparison is not at all adequate. Check out the table below for more details on how the Dynamic VS Condenser Mic comparison breaks down.
Condenser mics |
Dynamic mics |
| Use smaller & lighter diaphragm | Heavier diaphragms |
Best when used with High Frequency instruments like:
|
Best when used with Low Frequency instruments like:
|
| Known as “active” (requires “phantom power”) | Known as “passive” (no need for external power source) |
| More fragile diaphragms (may break at high sound pressure levels) | Less fragile diaphragms (may be able to withstand some wear and tear – like dropping it on a stage) |
Philip had the founding vision for Audio Assemble, previously known as Pro Tools Tutorial. In 2008 Philip began recording and producing songs and had a hard time finding free and accurate information on Pro Tools software. From there the website was born. Philip currently works as a Software Engineer for Amazon and handles the editorial strategy as well as much of the technical aspects of Audio Assemble’s website.