The Samson G Track is one of the coolest devices I’ve seen in a while. There are a bunch of USB mics on the market, all of which provide a convenient way to record straight into the computer. But the Samson G Track does one better – you can connect additional instruments right into the mic itself. I think that’s pretty cool, and here’s why…

What makes the Samson G Track awesome?

When it comes to making music, it’s a little like sex. Once you get “in the mood” you don’t want to be fumbling around with “extra equipment” You just want to get down to business without anything getting in the way. Well the Samson G Track lets you do just that. You plug the mic in via USB, then connect any other instrument into the G Track. No other gear to deal with.

The Samson G Track as a master volume which controls the mic itself and the instrument. There are also independent volume controls for the mic and instrument as well so you can properly blend the two signals together.

Now let’s be honest here. The Samson G Track is no $3,000 microphone. You are getting a condenser mic with a built-in audio interface for under $150. There’s no doubt it’s a great value, but if you own other very expensive microphone and you have “golden ears” then don’t expect the G Track to sound like your U87

The Samson G Track is best used for recording demos, home recordings, and voiceovers.

If you need a solid, super convenient USB condenser mic to use with your computer – and you don’t want to deal with extra equipment – then click here to get your Samson G Track!

Here’s Amazon’s take:

Samson G Track USB Microphone and Audio Interface

The G-Track is a total solution capable of taking you from your musical inspiration to your finished tracks. It is the world’s first USB condenser microphone with a built-in audio interface and mixer, allowing simultaneous input of vocals and guitar, bass, or keyboard while also providing monitoring through an on board headphone output. Record vocals like a standard USB microphone or two mono instruments through the line/instrument input or a mix of one mono instrument and vocal. Now you can directly record vocals and instruments easily with one device, making the G-Track a must have for any songwriter’s home studio. Its ease of use and portability allows you to take it anywhere inspiration may strike you. The G-Track includes a desktop microphone stand, swivel stand mount, USB cable and all the cables needed to connect any musical instrument with a standard 1/4-inch or RCA output. Cakewalk’s Sonar LE is also included while the G-Track works brilliantly with Apple’s GarageBand.

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars GREAT for laptop recording solution
This will be a nice semi-quick review with a little more technical perspective than a lot of the previous ones. I’m a big home recording nut, who’s been on the road a lot the last year, mostly recording with my laptop, this mic, and a full version of Sonar.

First off, the audio quality:

Pretty decent. No noticeable glitches while using. Does sound a little tinny at times, but it’s definitely on par with most of my other $100+ mikes (my most expensive one is a $200 Rode). Very usable for recording vocals (singing), but I haven’t tried it with an acoustic guitar or other acoustic instruments. VERY-usable-plus for recording spoken words. Frequency range seems decent, but again, I haven’t really ran the thing through a full range of applications.

Build quality:

Nice and solid. Almost too heavy though for easy lugging on small trips…but I keep it in the manufacturer’s box and slide it in my suitcase, and so far it has made every trip just fine.

Ease of use:

Big plus here, despite a stable Windows OS possibly being as much responsible for the super simple use of the thing as the mic itself. Plug it in via USB, and you’re ready to go. No special driver install or software required to get it working.

Extras:

- Line in and headphone out are constructed directly on the mic…this lets you use the mic as a line-in for recording an electronic keyboard or electric guitar directly into your recording software. And then you can use the microphone part of it to record vocals or any acoustic instruments. Nice double-feature to have in the same piece of hardware

- Comes with a very usable desk mic stand

- Comes with all the necessary cables to use right away

- Comes with some scaled-down Cakewalk recording software for your computer

I expected the sound quality would be usable and it is, but I admit the all-in-one extras and the acceptable price were what ultimately snagged me and prompted the one-click order.

Final thoughts:

If you’re only doing podcasting (no music or instrument input required), you might consider a lower priced USB mic without the extras. BUT, if you’re doing music with the thing, the line-in and line-out features and easy direct monitoring are way nice and worth the price.

5 Stars Awesome for me and my band
I got this for our band practice so we can review our parts. We play mostly rock & hard core so it can get pretty loud. The mic handled everything pretty well after setting the levels. Granted it wasn’t crystal clear as in a recording studio, but for practices and hashing out sections, it’s served us perfectly. I use Audacity to record. I think my next purchase would be the shockmount.

4 Stars Samson G Track USB Mic
The Samson G Track USB Mic is a well built mic that offers many options. The mic offers the ability to record vocally or through line inputs. It also offers a nice headphone input. Each input offers individual volume controls. It sounds great and works flawlessly with Mac products and Garageband. The software that comes with the mic is not usable by the Mac society. Overall, I think this is an excellent purchase for someone interested in podcasting and demo recording. It is certainly not the highest quality mic, however you end up getting a pretty decent mic for the money.

4 Stars Great microphone
I bought this to improve the quality of the audio voice-overs I do for eLearning classes. It does the job very well and produces professional sounding audio.

4 Stars Good Quality… Bad Software
The microphone has great record sound quality. The line in feature is great for recording my Taylor and my friends Fender, picking up every sound and showing how awful we really are at playing. The mics profile is good, picking up all sounds in front of the mic and none to the side, something like a super cancoid profile. We were able to record both of us playing in space, even picking up the birds chirping.

The problem I have with the package is the included software. It comes with Sonar 6 LE. I could not get this software to work properly, even after installing the ASIO drivers that the forums suggested on my HP laptop. I did not go to the manufacturer to solve my problem but I did go to the forums. What resulted from that was several unhelpful posts and one user bragging about his tutorial over other Samson mics. So using those forums, nothing was solved. I did however find a program that worked out of box for the mic named Acuostica Mixcraft. The program is very similar to Garage Band. Its easy to use and did not require any fumbling around to get started. The interface is simple and not cluttered feeling, which is how Sonar 6 LE feels, even as a LE version. Mixcraft will set you back 65 dollars to purchase but I think it is well worth it.

All in all the Samson G-Track is a great buy for someone who does not want to mess with the complexities of buying a separate sound card and several microphones. I recommend it.

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A post from: Microphone Reviews

==>>Click here to check out the Rode NT1A Anniversary Vocal Condenser Mic Package on Amazon<<==

The Rode NT1A Sounds Awesome!

…especially compared to other condenser mics around the same price. Most sound harsh, cold, brittle, etc. But the Rode NT1A has a nice smooth top end, and a good amount of low end as well. It works especially well on vocals and midrange instruments like acoustic guitar and piano. You won’t be disappointed by this mic.

Need more proof? Check out the most helpful Amazon review:

27 of 27 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars

The Mic I’ve Been Looking For

…I’d heard a lot of positive hype about the Rode NT1A and claims of it being the “quietest mic in the market”. I was very much surprised by the low-cost and comparisons to microphones in a much higher price range, so I picked one up figuring that if it didn’t live up to the claims, I’d return it and buy a more expensive mic.

I didn’t return it. And I don’t ever see myself selling it either.

Quite simply, this mic is amazing. Read the rest…

==>>CLICK HERE to Buy the Rode NT1A Anniversary Vocal Condenser Mic Package<<==

My favorite application for this mic is in a 2-microphone setup while recording drums. Unless you’re recording metal or another genre where you’ll be slicing up the drums and you need total separation, this method will give you great results. It’s called the recorderman drum mic technique.

Here’s a good video teaching you exactly how to do it:

The best part about this technique is that it ensures that the two overhead drum mics are in phase with each other – a common problem when using overhead mics.

Click here to get your NT1A and try it out! Let me know how it works in the comments.

A post from: Microphone Reviews

Rather not spend the cash on a Shure SM58?? Check out the PG58 for the same great sound and an even better value!

Shure SM58 LC Shure SM58 Vocal Microphone

The legendary Shure vocal mic is tuned to accentuate the warmth and clarity of lead and back-up vocals. It’s consistently the first choice of performers around the globe. The Shure SM58 is a unidirectional (cardioid) dynamic vocal microphone designed for professional vocal use in live performance, sound reinforcement, and studio recording. A highly effective, built-in, spherical filter minimizes wind and breath “pop” noise. A cardioid pickup pattern isolates the main sound source while minimizing unwanted background noise. The SM58 has a tailored vocal response for a sound, which is a world standard. Rugged construction, a proven shock mount system, and a steel mesh grille ensure that even with rough handling, the SM58 will perform consistently. Outdoors or indoors, singing, speech – the SM58 is the overwhelming choice of professionals.

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Microphone works great
Shure microphone in place in our lunchroom. Works fine. Easy to connect and disconnect.

5 Stars Great mic
I bought this mic about a month ago, its really great. Sounds very clear, and audible. The tone isn’t completely accurate, but most of that has to do with my recording device. Anywho, its a good mic, and I hear its durable. I’ll be writing another review after I drop it down a flight of stairs, to see just how o.0 (I’ve heard its THAT durable, but I’m not really clumsy so…)

5 Stars A podcast gem!
I bought this microphone after reading many reviews on Amazon.com, magazines, advice of friends. I have started my own series of podcasts, and this microphone is exactly what another reviewer says: A WORKHORSE!

Coupled with the M-Audio USB Fast Track, i am able to use this in my office / studio setup, as well as take it on the road for location podcasts.

I highly recommend this microphone. Good price for the quality, longevity and most importantly sound quality.

5 Stars Great product
The SM 58 produces very clear and crisp tones. Also has a nice, balanced weight, at the same time is pretty sturdy. I think it is an excellent buy for the price.

5 Stars The most famous!
This is with out a doubt the most famous microphone in the world.

It is resistant, very resistant, that’s why I recommend it for live shows, gigs, talks, etc.

The sound is great!!

Compared to microphones from other great brands as jts, peavey and fender the sound of the SM58 is more clearer and more defined,.

No wonder is the choice of many many professionals for singing, for vocals and fot backround voices.

Even though is a little bit more expensive than other brands, the quality of sound and durability and resistance of the materials make the justification of the price.

I have seen that most professionals prefer the SM-58 without on/off switch. Tahe note on that detail, they say it sounds a little better, for my experience I couldn’t hear the difference, but it is a point to consider.

On the other hand, if you want an even better and more expensive vocal microphone, you may want to check the Beta 58A.

Please note this microphones are made specially for vocals, not for instrument pickup, if you need one for instruments such as a guitar, harmonica, or wind instruments, you may need a Shure SM-57. It works for vocals too! but is not as resistant as the SM-58 that’s why I prefer it.

In conclusion it is a good buy, and you will never repent to have the most famous microphone in the world in your studio and in your giggs.

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A post from: Microphone Reviews

Here’s Amazon’s take:

Shure PG58XLR Vocal Mic with XLR to XLR Cable

The Shure PG58 is a unidirectional (cardioid) dynamic vocal microphone tuned to accentuate the clarity of lead and back-up vocals.

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Good Mic
I bought this one to replace a Shure 8900. It’s a big step up from that one. I am pleased with it. The old one had a lot of handling noise. This one has a little but it is very good for the money I paid for it. My next one will be an SM58, but that will be awhile from now. I’m very happy with this PG58.

4 Stars shure pg58
im pretty sure its good… i just have it today oct.23 2008 i place the order last oct.18 2008… the only thing i dont like is the cable it should be xlr to xlr but when i open it its a xlr to 1/4 but its ok… i got the pg48 back in 2002 and its still working pretty good now that i have the pg58 i think the mic is better than what i got

5 Stars Does exactly what I wanted

This is a GREAT mic! I bought it specifically for Karaoke. It is used along side a well worn SM58 and you know what? It actually sounds better than it’s more expensive counterpart. Granted it is 20 years newer, but hey…It’s great. It makes my crappy voice sound great when singing Karaoke and thats all I care about! For the price, it’s a decent mic.

It came with a mic stand holder, a case and a double ended XLR cable. Perfect for my needs. Shure makes good stuff!

5 Stars Excellent mic at 1/2 the price
Purchased 2 of these for a gig and they performed as good as our SM58′s, no problem.

5 Stars I’ve always had good luck with Shure
This mic is built well and it has good quality for the price. I’ve always had good luck with the shure mics I have bought over the years. This one is no exception. You’ll do well with this mic I prefer a low impedance mic and this one delivers

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A post from: Microphone Reviews

The Blue Microphones Snowflake USB Microphone is a great sounding, high quality USB mic that blows away your average compact microphone!

Here’s Amazon’s take:

Blue Microphones Snowflake USB Microphone

Featuring Blue Microphones’ renowned circuitry, the Snowflake is a professional quality portable mic that combines a USB bus powered capsule with a class compliant design to make the Snowflake truly plug and play on both Mac and PC. Not just an eye-catching design, the Snowflake is highly functional. The mic folds into a single compact case which also houses a USB cable for easy transport in a laptop bag or even a pocket. Unfolded, the case serves as a desktop stand or a laptop clip, making the Snowflake a natural for everything from podcasting, calling over the web, narrating a home video, or sketching out a song idea on the go.

Where Do You Put It?
The Snowflake’s unique design allows you to place it on a desk or flat surface near your computer, or mounted to the screen of most laptops. Gently grasp the top and bottom halves of the Snowflake mounting box and slide them away from each other (figure 1, on the right). You’ll find the USB cable snugly fit inside. The top half of the mount can then be positioned on any flat surface (figure 2), or hung over the back of most laptops (figure 3). The Snowflake capsule also pivots back and forth and rotates side-to-side for optimal positioning.

When not in use, just disconnect the USB cable and store it in the mounting box, sliding both haves together to close. When traveling with the Snowflake, gently swivel the active side of the round capsule head (with the metal grille) so that it faces down and into the box (figure 4). This will help protect the precision capsule from damage.

Technical Specs

• Transducer Type: Condenser, Pressure Gradient w/USB Digital Output
• Polar Pattern: Cardioid
• Sample/Word Rate: 44.1 kHz/16 bit
• Frequency Response: 35Hz – 20kHz

System Requirements

• Macintosh: Mac OSX; USB 1.0 or 2.0; 64MB RAM (minimum)
• Windows: Vista or XP; USB 1.0 or 2.0; 64MB RAM (minimum)

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Great Microphone!
I have pretty simple recording needs–I use my Snowflake microphone to record podcast material both in quiet spaces and in public spaces like coffee shops and cafes. So far the microphone has picked up the sound clearly, is portable, plugs and plays perfectly with my MacBook, and works seamlessly with my software. I took a look at more expensive microphones, but settled on the Snowflake, and I’m extremely satisfied with this product.

2 Stars Low output
I hung the microphone on the top of a notebook PC screen. I had the record volume turned up to maximum. My head was at a normal distance from the screen. The output from this microphone was so low that it was useless.

5 Stars Very pleased
Perfect for my application, recording music demo’s using my Macbook Pro in my recliner. Easy to use, plug and play. Well designed, matches the Mac in form and function.

4 Stars Blue’s SnowFlake USB Microphone
The packaging calls it a “Portable professional USB mic. When I think of a pro mic, I think mesh grill, great sound quality, extraordinary sound pickup – things like that. Low noise, hi-gain. It’s pretty much just that – though the gain could be better, the sound quality is far superior to most of the portable microphones you’re likely to encounter. I like the fact that I can use the Snowflake hooked over my flat screen monitor, or setting on a shelf or desk. There’s a spot on the back (white plastic) shell to plug in a standard USB cable (included). The case acts as storage for the USB cable, but also doubles as a stand for those times when it’s not hooked over something. To mount on a flat screen, simply slide the two halves apart to reveal the smooth loop.

The head of the microphone swivels 360 degrees – made possible by that USB port in the back. A very versatile recording device! To be fair, I didn’t expect such clarity nor the gain levels I’m experiencing. As a former SnowBall Mic owner, I loved the cool design, but was always disappointed by the low recording gain levels. Even the patches provided by Blue failed to improve it. The Snowflake doesn’t seem to have any of those problems!

This microphone, despite it’s size (the head of the mic is about the size of a golf ball), peforms very well for me. Even siting back in the chair with the device sitting back on my desk, pickup quality was excellent.

CONS: Only one con, which is why I gave this 4 stars (it should be 4.5 if the option were available) – is the slight echo exhibited under full gain settings.

It’s a great microphone and I highly recommend it.

3 Stars A very good mic with some flaws
This is a good mic. It is very portable, and it sounds great. However, there seems to be a minor wiring problem that causes it to malfunction if the mic is turned in a specific direction. That said, I do not regret the purchase.

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A post from: Microphone Reviews