BEST

The Versatile Rig

 

Are you ready to have a real recording studio?  Then you are ready for this rig.  With careful shopping you can put it together for reasonable sum.  The versatile rig consists of two basic components: a mixer (with an USB connection for your computer) and a pro-style microphone.  With that said the variations on this setup are nearly endless making it adaptable to almost any recording situation.

 

Let’s take a look at the components in more detail:

 

The mixer is an external device that allows you to connect peripheral devices like microphones and electronics (CD player, compressor, sound effects generator).  The mixer also provides controls to adjust the sound level of each of the components in the “mix.”  Most mixers will also have other features like meters, panning controls and individual tone controls.  

 

Imagine having a host and a co-host on a Podcast.  One host (Dr. Mike) has a loud voice and the other (Dr. Julie) has a soft voice.  This would be a difficult situation for the GOOD or BETTER Podcast rigs.  However, by using a mixer, each host has their own microphone as well as their own microphone gain control.  Now adjusting their voices so they sound level is a snap!

 

The other component in the Versatile Rig is the microphone.  Here there are almost endless choices.  Now you can customize your microphone based on your needs and budget and insure the absolute best sound that you can afford.

 

There is also a downside to the Versatile Rig.  It can cost you more (and in some cases a lot more) than either of the GOOD or BETTER options.  In addition, the use of several components makes it more suitable for a permanent setup rather than the plug-and-go GOOD and BETTER options.  You will also need to buy some additional hardware, like microphone cables. Mixers usually require their own AC power making it more difficult to use this Rig off-site. Lastly, the addition of the many knobs and connections on the mixer may be a little confusing for the technically challenged.

 

Equipment Recommendations:

 

Alesis MultiMix 8-USB mixer (16 bit version)

Good construction, a fairly compact size plus an excellent price point ($149 street) make this mixer a real winner.  It offers 8 inputs, 4 of which support XLR connectors for microphones.  Phantom power is available on the XLR inputs allowing you the ability to use professional style studio-condenser microphones if you wish.  This mixer is also sold in a 24-bit variety that adds another $100 to the price tag.  Stick with the 16-bit version and enjoy excellent sound at an excellent price.

 

Shure SM57/SM58 microphone

Own a legend for less than $100!  Go to any recording studio or profession stage performance and you will likely find these microphones being used for vocal or instrument pickups.  Although the SM57 version is designed as an instrument mic I tend to like its sound a little better than the SM58 version.  What makes these microphones so desirable?

 

Benefits of the Shure SM57/SM58 microphones

 

1. They sound good

2. They are incredibly durable

3. They age well (they will sound the same 5 years from now)

4. They are good at dealing with handling noise and electronic hash

5. They can handle tremendous volume levels

6. They are suitable for both studio and field use

7. They are very reasonably priced for such a capable device

 

Next, Customizing your versatile rig