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[Emre Pekdeniz]

Hello everyone,

I am an intermediate-level flutist who is looking for a decent but cheap mic system for home recording. So far I have considered the following options:

1. an iCon U1 - USB condenser microphone i.e.
https://www.icondigitalusa.com/content/u1-usb-condenser-microphone
2. a M-audio Fasttrack II audio interface + some condenser mic (Icon O2 or some Shure model, not sure at this point).
3. any better options you may suggest? 

Help would be welcome! Greetings and love from Turkey

[Tim Perry]

Hello everyone,

I am an intermediate-level flutist who is looking for a decent but cheap mic system for home recording. So far I have considered the following options:

1. an iCon U1 - USB condenser microphone i.e.
https://www.icondigitalusa.com/content/u1-usb-condenser-microphone
2. a M-audio Fasttrack II audio interface + some condenser mic (Icon O2 or some Shure model, not sure at this point).
3. any better options you may suggest? 

Help would be welcome! Greetings and love from Turkey

If you enjoy struggling with drivers that don't work try the Fasttrack. 

Personally I have a couple of M-audio Mobile Pre's (among others) that seem to always work.

The recording guys will mutter about "color" or some such but just about any decent condenser should meet your stated needs. 

You could even default to the sound guy rule of thumb: throw a 57 on it and dial it in.

[Mark Gensman]

I would suggest you get a decent USB interface and then buy a CAD M179 microphone. Great mic for just about any instrument and inexpensive. I have three of them and they end up being used on just about everything.

[Tim McCulloch]

I would suggest you get a decent USB interface and then buy a CAD M179 microphone. Great mic for just about any instrument and inexpensive. I have three of them and they end up being used on just about everything.

Something like this?

http://www.heilsound.com/pro/microphone-accessories/usbq

[Emre Pekdeniz]

Something like this?

http://www.heilsound.com/pro/microphone-accessories/usbq

Would this also do the trick?
http://www.amazon.com/Shure-X2U-XLR-to-USB-Signal-Adapter/dp/B001PPXFAG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1362563965&sr=8-1&keywords=x2u

Okay, so Fasttrack II is a bad model. How about Tascam US-122?
http://www.thomann.de/gb/tascam_us122mk2.htm

I'm assuming 57 refers to Shure SM57. Also, I guess the iCon USB condenser is not a model you would approve of?

I've been told that the best kind of microphone for recording flutes are ribbon microphones. What do you think about these inexpensive ribbons?
http://www.thomann.de/gb/the_tbone_rb100.htm
http://www.thomann.de/gb/the_tbone_rm700.htm
http://www.thomann.de/gb/the_tbone_rb500.htm
http://www.thomann.de/gb/superlux_r102.htm

Finally, would you recommend buying two microphones and using them together? Such as, I dunno, a ribbon and a CAD m179 or SM57? Or should I rather buy one better mic?

I intend to use the system on an unused floor where there is very little noise (and the rooms have great acoustics, too). I will also be recording duets with my flute teacher and a friend who plays the harp.

Thank you for your replies!

[John Halliburton]

Would this also do the trick?
http://www.amazon.com/Shure-X2U-XLR-to-USB-Signal-Adapter/dp/B001PPXFAG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1362563965&sr=8-1&keywords=x2u

Okay, so Fasttrack II is a bad model. How about Tascam US-122?
http://www.thomann.de/gb/tascam_us122mk2.htm

I'm assuming 57 refers to Shure SM57. Also, I guess the iCon USB condenser is not a model you would approve of?

I've been told that the best kind of microphone for recording flutes are ribbon microphones. What do you think about these inexpensive ribbons?
http://www.thomann.de/gb/the_tbone_rb100.htm
http://www.thomann.de/gb/the_tbone_rm700.htm
http://www.thomann.de/gb/the_tbone_rb500.htm
http://www.thomann.de/gb/superlux_r102.htm

Finally, would you recommend buying two microphones and using them together? Such as, I dunno, a ribbon and a CAD m179 or SM57? Or should I rather buy one better mic?

I intend to use the system on an unused floor where there is very little noise (and the rooms have great acoustics, too). I will also be recording duets with my flute teacher and a friend who plays the harp.

Thank you for your replies!

Two mics on one instrument starts asking for "issues".  These issues can be handled, but for now I'd stick to one mic.  Read up on microphone technique.

Also, you're beating yourself up on finding the "best mic", when in fact you're looking at budget recording microphones under $200.00.  Don't worry about it.  Honestly, the SM57 is a very acceptable choice for your application, and will crossover into live sound work as well.  I wouldn't touch a budget ribbon mic.

At this level, the room acoustics and players are going to make as much difference or more than wondering which 100 Euro mic is going to be the best.

The Shure USB preamp would be fine.  FYI, this is considered one of the best:

http://www.sounddevices.com/products/usbpre2/

You may find one of the original versions on the secondary market for much less, but still expect to pay a few hundred dollars US.

Best regards,

John

[Jerome Malsack]

Just a note that with more than one mic one should be looking at the 3 to 1 rule.  This will help reduce problems. 

Second mic on the other instrument would also need to be in the 3 to 1 rule.   


Now another question would be where to position the mic for best pick up??  Anyone want to offer suggestions. 

Does the flute have a small square mount to allow a marching band type sheet holder??  Can you mount a small condenser (omni) to this and have about 6 inchs from instrument?   Then the second instrument will be 2 or 3 feet from the mic and be more than 3 to 1. 

[Mark Gensman]

Something like this?

http://www.heilsound.com/pro/microphone-accessories/usbq

That would work, but your options for expansion would be limited.

I would suggest a two channel USB interface with phantom power. There are several available that are not very expensive.
And a cheap ribbon isn't the answer. There is no evidence a flute sounds better with a ribbon than any other mic. Again I would stress the CAD M179. Multi pattern and under $200.

Do a search on some of the recording forums to see how much love that mic gets. An SM57 would need to be close and is pretty directional. A large diaphragm condenser can be used close or far depending on how your instrument sounds in the room.

[dick rees]

Hello everyone,

I am an intermediate-level flutist who is looking for a decent but cheap mic system for home recording. So far I have considered the following options:

1. an iCon U1 - USB condenser microphone i.e.
https://www.icondigitalusa.com/content/u1-usb-condenser-microphone
2. a M-audio Fasttrack II audio interface + some condenser mic (Icon O2 or some Shure model, not sure at this point).
3. any better options you may suggest? 

Help would be welcome! Greetings and love from Turkey

http://www.zoom.co.jp/english/products/h4n/

The Zoom H4n will do all you want.  You can record directly to it or use is to feed your computer to record on it.  With the on-board mics you can record yourself, a duo, or a small ensemble.  For the ensemble, obtain the desired balance the old-fashioned way:  position yourselves to achieve the desired balance.  Hey.....it worked for the recording industry for many years before mixers and multi-tracking came into play.

[Emre Pekdeniz]

Now another question would be where to position the mic for best pick up??  Anyone want to offer suggestions. 

I wouldn't know it myself, but this website has some good instructions (this is also the page which says that ribbons are the best choice for classical flute).
http://www.recordingmag.com/resources/resourceDetail/202.html

Does the flute have a small square mount to allow a marching band type sheet holder??  Can you mount a small condenser (omni) to this and have about 6 inchs from instrument?   Then the second instrument will be 2 or 3 feet from the mic and be more than 3 to 1. 

No, I do not have the apparatus you have described, but I can buy this:
http://www.thomann.de/gb/the_tbone_ovid_system_flute_clip.htm

http://www.zoom.co.jp/english/products/h4n/

The Zoom H4n will do all you want.  You can record directly to it or use is to feed your computer to record on it.  With the on-board mics you can record yourself, a duo, or a small ensemble.  For the ensemble, obtain the desired balance the old-fashioned way:  position yourselves to achieve the desired balance.  Hey.....it worked for the recording industry for many years before mixers and multi-tracking came into play.

Wow.. that seems very nice (and has the added benefit of eliminating the need for multiple parts). Thomann sells it from 255 euro minus VAT, i.e. 200 euros plus shipping. I wonder if I should buy a second mic to augment its in-built stereo mic, though? I think that somehow a single microphone may be insufficient for recording duets (I may be wrong).