TURNTABLE LAB

M-Audio
Aries Microphone

OVERVIEW
The Aries is a professional condenser microphone designed specifically to capture live vocals with the highest quality. While condenser microphones offer much better responsiveness than dynamic mics, they are usually confined to the studio because their sonic sensitivity is accompanied by handling sensitivity. Now M-Audio's proprietary internal shock-mounting technology allows the Aries to deliver studio fidelity while minimizing handling noise and standing up to the rigors of the road and live performance. Use the Aries with confidence either during live performance or recording in the studio.

USES
- record vocals
- live performance

OUR OPINION
The Aries is a great mic option, because it does the job of two separate mics (performance and recording), and performs well in each category. The Aries is especially useful for vocalists (ie hip-hop emcess) that like to hold the mic while recording. M-Audio asks: why settle for the average sonic quality of a dynamic on stage when you can have the superior quality of a condenser?
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
performance mics

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M-Audio
Audio Buddy Mic Preamp

OVERVIEW
Preamps are a very necessary link in the recording chain. They amplify (increase the volume) of audio signals, which are often times too low for recording purposes, without causing distortion or sound degradation. The Audio Buddy is M-Audio's best selling preamp, and serves as an easy and inexpensive way to boost both mic and line signals in your home studio. Simplicity is the Audio Buddy's strength as it offers just the essential features while keeping the price very affordable.

USES
• amplifying mic and line signals
• increasing the level when recording vinyl to a computer
• supplying microphones with phantom power

FEATURES
The Audio Buddy features two (2) independent preamp channels, each fitted with both a balanced XLR input and an unbalanced 1/4" instrument input. Each channel has individual gain controls. For outputs, the Audio Buddy includes two (2) 1/4" outputs, which can be either balanced or unbalanced. There are light indicators for phantom power, clip, and active signal. The overall design of the Audio Buddy is extremely compact and the unit runs off a 9V power supply that is included.

OUR OPINION
To many, mic pre-amps are one of the most mysterious pieces of the modern recording studio. Few products vary so widely in price ($50-$6000) yet offer such similar features. The Audio Buddy's price tag puts it in the low end of the preamp market, but its quality build and M-Audio's "less-is-more" design principle place it above preamps more than three times its cost. This is an excellent starter amp, or a compact portable piece. In addition, the Audio Buddy's signal boosting power can be used to increase any audio signal. Thanks to its stereo design, another great use for it would be increasing the signal of vinyl recordings when transferring them to a computer ( you would still need a phonograph preamp or mixer as the Audio Buddy can't take a turntable signal directly.)
reviewed by the mgmnt

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performance mics

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Shure
PG58 Wireless Microphone System

The PG58 Wireless Mic system contains everything you need for quality wire-free performance on the stage or in the studio. This set contains the Handheld Wireless Transmitter with PG58 Cardioid Microphone and the PG4 Diversity receiver. The PG58 Microphone is a rugged mic tuned to accentuate the clarity of lead and back-up vocals. It has a frequency response of 60 to 15,000 Hz and handles extreme volumes without distortion with power, mute and battery status LED and runs off 9V battery (included) for up to 8 hours. The PG4 wireless receiver features an internal antenna display, up to 10 selectable channels, 8 compatible systems, and 1/4" and XLR output. This system has a 75m (250ft.) operating range.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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performance mics

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Shure
SM48-LC Microphone

The little brother to Shure's industry standard SM58, the SM48 has many of the same features at a more affordable price. The SM48 offers vocalists a bright mid-range, controlled bass and a lot of room before you'll experience feedback. The SM48 also boasts Shure's legendary mic ruggedness with an all-metal construction and shock-mounted cartridge.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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performance mics

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Shure
SM57-X2U Instrument Microphone w/ USB Adapter

Shure's industry standard SM57 microphone is now available with the X2U USB signal adapter for easy, straight to digital recording anywhere you're computer takes you. The X2U adapter features a 16 bit, up to 48 kHz sample rate for better-than-CD quality audio, plug and play USB connectivity, built-in headphone monitoring with zero latency, and easy controls to balance microphone and playback audio. The SM57 instrument mic is a dynamic microphone cartridge with tailored frequency response delivers clear reproduction of amplified and acoustic instruments. It features a uniform cardioid polar pattern that isolates the sound source while minimizing background noise, internal pneumatic shock mount that minimizes handling noise, and legendary Shure construction and versatility for consistent performance under rugged use and abuse on stage or in the studio. Set includes break resistant mic clip, padded mic bag, and 6 ft. USB cable.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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performance mics

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Shure
SM58-LC Microphone

Over the last 20 years the SM58 has become the industry standard for vocal microphones, the SL-1200 of mics if you will. It's built-in features offer a warm and clear sound with minimal background sound pick-up, high resistance to wind and breathing noises, and an incredibly durable all-metal construction. For most pros and consumers, the bottom line is that these mics sound great and will last a very long time, even under rough conditions. Things don't become "industry standard" for nothing.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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performance mics

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Shure
SM58-X2U Vocal Microphone w/ USB Adapter

Shure's industry standard SM58 microphone is now available with the X2U USB signal adapter for easy, straight to digital recording anywhere you're computer takes you. The X2U adapter features a 16 bit, up to 48 kHz sample rate for better-than-CD quality audio, plug and play USB connectivity, built-in headphone monitoring with zero latency, and easy controls to balance microphone and playback audio. The SM58 vocal mic is a dynamic microphone cartridge with a frequency response tailored with brightened mid-range and bass rolloff to deliver legendary warm and clear vocal reproduction. It features a uniform cardioid polar pattern that isolates the sound source while minimizing background noise, internal pneumatic shock mount that minimizes handling noise, and legendary Shure construction and versatility for consistent performance under rugged use and abuse on stage or in the studio. Set includes break resistant mic clip, padded mic bag, and 6 ft. USB cable.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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performance mics

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Shure
X2u - XLR To USB Microphone Adapter

record digitally with any mic

Shure's X2u XLR-to-USB Signal Adapter works with any microphone and lets you digitally record wherever and whenever your computer takes you. Use your most trusted microphones and plug and play to get the best digital recordings for multi-tracking with built-in headphone monitoring, zero latency, and easy controls to balance microphone and playback audio - all in 16-bit, 48 KHz sample rate. This slim, portable and simple digital recording solution also provides +48V Phantom power for use with condenser microphones and works with Windows Vista, XP, 2000, and Mac OS X 10.1 or later. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
performance mics

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