Five Great Mics for under $200

I've installed Samson CO1U Condenser Mics in two of my client's home studios with remarkable results.

Firstly, it's a condenser mic which normally translates into a warm low-end and a crisp high-end output. Secondly it's a USB mic which allows you to plug it right into the USB data port of a computer or portable recorder, making it particularly handy for podcasters. However, I was pleasantly surprised to discover how good this mic sounds with voice.

It has a flat, wide frequency response and delivers an uncolored reproduction of full-spectrum sounds. It features a hypercardiod pattern, making it useful for acoustically-challenged rooms prone to reflection problems. Additionally, after A/B comparisons, it closely matches the quality of my two main condenser mics. And all this for under $100. It's a steal!



If you're looking to add a little variety to your stable of mics, there are many affordable choices. www.about.com has a review of Five Great Mics for under $200 from the popular Rode to the Stereo MXL 993s.

A Multiformat Converter and Ripper

It seems like I'm always in search of the do-it-all audio file converter and ripper. There's always that one client who sends commercials in the .wma format, which of course is not recognized by the automation. dB power Amp "Pro" has a really sleek interface and is easy to use.

Now, a company called My Music tools unveils their creation...a true multi format converter and ripper.

Clear Channel's Creative Services Group

Radio World profiles the Atlanta-based Creative Services Group, a mini-agency within the CC juggernaut that services some of the company's larger clients.

Hear some of their samples at this link.

Sony announces Sound Forge 9

We're devoted ProTools users at this humble home studio. However, even rabid ProTools users might find something to like with the new graphical interface and array of plug-ins.


On the heels of the recently released Acid 6, Sony announces the release of Sound Forge 9. At $299, it's still competitively priced. A trial download is available, too.

Hoffs & Sweet UseTelefunken

The mere mention of the name Telefunken to a home-studio enthusiast causes two simultaneous reactions: one of drooling over the pristine audio output delivered by one of the world's great mics, and also the jaw-drop routine when the producer eyes the sticker price of the vintage mic.

In 2000, Toni Roger Fishman purchased the Telefunken brand and changed the name to Telefunken USA. Today, they provide restoration services and build reproductions of vintage Telefunken microphones. Producers, vocalists and musicians have taken a liking to the vintage sound, including The Bangels founding member Susanna Hoffs and producer Matthew Sweet.

Read more about their second and latest collaboration and their home-studio set-up.

iPod mixes

Not only is it very convenient to mix directly to an iPod, it's just very cool, too. I use the 40g device not only to shuttle audio files from the home studio to the office, but also to back up data as well.

Now, Alesis announces the iMultiMix 8, a sleek-looking module that connects via USB and comes packed with over 100 digital effects. Transfer your mixes through iTunes as 16bit 44.1kHz or 48.Hz recordings. It won't be available until Fall, but at $500, it may be worth the wait. WordPress Test has the review.

Rank and Files

Digital Music Doctor ranks editing software from their latest Internet Popularity poll. In this poll, Garage Band picks up steam.