A well-chosen microphone is a key to high-quality sound recording. However, you can’t do just with a microphone. Additional accessories are often required. Learn more at microphonetopgear.
As a rule, no vocalist can do without a microphone mount, stand, various filters, and other small things, whether it is working in the studio or a concert performance. Let’s consider the necessary accessories for the microphone.
Sound card
If the microphone does not have its ADC and USB port, then it must be connected to the sound card. To record vocals, you will need a sound card with XLR inputs and phantom power. Devices from the lower price segment will not work. Gaming and audiophile models that primarily focus on audio reproduction will also fail. Embedded cards rarely have the right type of input. Therefore, it is best to use a professional-level external audio interface.
The device must support ASIO to minimize latency and record audio at 24 bit 44 100 Hz. However, all modern sound cards can do this. For example, Steinberg UR22mkII.
Headphones
You need headphones so the performer can hear himself when recording the voice. You can’t record a sound with the speaker system on – there will be a feedback in the form of a deafening whistling. The equipment may also burn, so studios use headphones. However, it will be bad if the sound from the headphones catches the microphone. Therefore, they must be inclusive and closed.
Monitoring plugs are only suitable if you plan to write a speech. And even then, the uneven frequency response of such headphones will be confusing. There will be difficulties with selecting the appropriate timbre. The smoother the frequency response of the headphones — the better.
You can start with the AKG K52, but the Sennheiser HD 280 will do the job even better with more soundproofing and smoother response.
Rack
Racks can be table-top, straight, and “crane” type. As the name implies, the table stands allow you to place the microphone on the table — they are small and convenient. This is what you need to record a video of your singing. Apart from this, you will also need the best microphone boom arm for your set up.
Straight stands are good for recording vocals. Crane stands are used for recording instruments since they can be used to attach the microphone to any point in space. They are also used by vocalists and guitarists since they do not interfere with playing the instrument.
Antivibration Mounting
The “spider” mount is a special microphone holder that dampens vibrations from the stand. Probably, many people have seen in the movies how the Studio microphone hangs on a web of threads when recording vocals. The fasteners used by amateurs are simpler, of course, but the essence is the same. First of all, it will help to eliminate the sounds of footsteps, knocks, and other vibrations. Often the spider comes with a microphone.
Pop Filter
The microphone membrane reacts to explosive sounds as if they are real explosions that drown out the rest of the signal. To avoid this, use a pop filter. It takes the main “shock wave” from the explosive sound on itself.
Ready-made kits
Ready-made recording kits are available for sale. Typically they include a microphone, sound card, and headphones, optimally matched to the characteristics and most likely produced by a single manufacturer. This can be more advantageous than buying them all individually.
