Donations for Tbone's New Mic

[likwidtek]

Read thread for details. We are raising money so Tbone can have a better quality microphone. Input appreciated, but we think this microphone and pop filter will suit our needs:

MXL USB006 USB Cardioid Condenser Microphone

Pop Screen


As for tbone's voice, I think he has a great voice but shitty equipment.  I've said this before, we all need to pitch in and get him a great mic.  The reason for this is you can hear the dramatic difference in levels when mixing.  Listen to the quality of the starwars music in the back and then the tinny lossy quality of his voice.  Either we need to mix the music down or down sample it or we all can chip in $10 and get him something that will ROCK.

[Tbone]

As for tbone's voice, I think he has a great voice but shitty equipment.  I've said this before, we all need to pitch in and get him a great mic.  The reason for this is you can hear the dramatic difference in levels when mixing.  Listen to the quality of the starwars music in the back and then the tinny lossy quality of his voice.  Either we need to mix the music down or down sample it or we all can chip in $10 and get him something that will ROCK.

Yeah, it's really strange. It doesn't sound that bad on my computer, but after uploading it to YouTube, it does something to the sound quality that makes it sound pretty shitty. I'm not sure why that's happening (perhaps it doesn't convert flv files very well). If you listen to my hologram audio, the quality isn't too bad, though that audio has been heavily edited.

I think there are some tweaks I can do to maybe help it out a bit (noise reduction, bass boost), but like I said, I think this particular example is YouTube fucking with it. I'll see if I can figure it out, at least for future reference.

That being said, I don't mind someone sending me a nice microphone!

EDIT: Listening to the YouTube video again, it sounds like the audio is better. I guess that is one of the things that takes a while to process before it is up to quality. If that's the case, then yeah, it's on my end. Unfortunately, I can't afford a high end microphone right now (I can't afford much of anything)

[likwidtek]

tbone can you create a paypal donate button?  I did a quick look online to find a pro grade mic and they range from 100 - 250 bones.  Can any audiophiles weigh in on this?  We don't need the most top of the line but something that captures more bass and all the ranges to get good quality.  Something with a spit / wind guard would be nice too but I don't know jack about audio.

Either way, tbone can you get a donate button up?  I'm sure there are a bunch of us that can kick over $10 at least.

[Tbone]

I would love love love to get a high quality microphone, and if I even remotely had the money, I'd do the investment myself (as most of you know, I'm mostly jobless at the moment and can't afford any extra purchases).

It's very generous of you to offer to help donate, but I cannot ask that everyone donate. If enough people think it is worth it, though, we'd need to pick out the exact microphone that everyone agrees upon (experts chime in).

I'll throw up a donate block, though I hate asking for money. I won't accept more than what the microphone would cost, and I will refund all donations if not enough money is raised.

Likwidtek, can you link me to the microphones you have been looking at?

[Tbone]

http://www.webaudioadvisor.com/microphones.html

According to this, you also need a good "mic preamp" to get the benefits of a decent microphone. Hrmm...

[likwidtek]

yup, sec.  And you aren't asking for money.  This is my idea.  Plus how many times would this come in handy?  It's totally an investment for FA.  

I just poked around briefly:

http://www.zzounds.com/cat--Handheld-Dynamic-Microphones--2835

Bestbuy: http://bit.ly/cZEhI8

EDIT:

Here's a good one from newegg:  http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16836709014

[Tbone]

I know Dagonet has one with a sound guard and everything (I had it for a while after the FA get together...lol). What kind of mic is that, Dag?

[Tbone]

http://cgi.ebay.com/New-MXL-USB-006-USB-006-Cardioid-Condenser-Microphone-/270619982973?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0#ht_1800wt_1138
http://www.amazon.com/MXL-USB006-Cardioid-Condenser-Microphone/product-reviews/B000JUFEDO/ref=cm_cr_pr_redirect?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=0

Not bad. A little concerned about the "noise" one reviewer complained of, but other than that, it's a pretty cheap solution. I would also need a pop screen, apparently, but I would not need the preamp.

[Tbone]

And a pop screen: http://cgi.ebay.com/Studio-Microphone-Mic-Wind-Screen-Pop-Shield-Filter-New-/150481721022?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0#ht_2383wt_911

It'd be about $115 for the whole thing. What do people think?

[likwidtek]

I vote YES! Make sure you calculate for Paypal fees tax and shipping for the target!  

Don't worry though T. I know I can speak for everyone when I say trust you. This will be good for all of us.

[Tbone]

The eBay item had free shipping. How much does Paypal take out...like 3% or something? Donate button is up at the top left of the site.

[likwidtek]

Donated.  

LOL Check out the Confirmation number: 1FA813075T0201738.

Yeah I think they take 3%.  It's dumb.

[Tbone]

Thanks man!

If you've been wishing you could help out with the recruitment challenge but have felt useless, this is a good way to contribute to the project!

[Da6onet]

I know Dagonet has one with a sound guard and everything (I had it for a while after the FA get together...lol). What kind of mic is that, Dag?

Samson C01U Condenser Mic with heavy stand, spider mount and pop filter.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uXEPTFWx-n8&feature=related

[Fuse]

I have the condenser I used at the get together packed up. Studio Project C1. I couldn't let it go for free, but could make a deal and have it to you this weekend.