Blue Snowball iCE USB Mic for Recording and Streaming on PC and Mac, Cardioid Condenser Capsule, Adjustable Stand, Plug and Play – Black

A Comprehensive Guide to Online

Hi everyone, your friendly neighborhood Bulldog here. I've been seeing several questions lately concerning online classes & procedure, and while I'm not technically affiliated with the university (therefore do not take any of this as law), I do work on campus and am fairly well informed. Hopefully this can help clear up some of your questions.

Methods / Academics

Guess what, it's past July 20th. Therefore, according to original plans and dates, all classes have been decided and updated on delivery method. This is still subject to change, so check your schedules often! (Banner->MyBanner for Students->Academic Records->View Class Schedule & Grades). You'll notice a new column named "Method"--that is the key for how that specific class will happen.

F -- Face to Face. Normal(ish) class. More on that below.

O -- Non-synchronous Online. You will not have a specific time to log in. Assignments and pre-recorded lectures / notes can be viewed at your leisure (and before the due date!)

Z -- Synchronous Online. This does have a specific Webex / Zoom time.

Q -- HyFlex. This is the most common. Essentially this means a combination of online and face-to-face for all students. What this will likely be is come to class once a week with the rest online, but every class may differ.

Above all else--check your syllabus and email your professors! We're all working through this together, communication is crucial.

The academic schedule has changed slightly. There will be no fall break and classes officially end on November 16th. This will hopefully prevent being in class during the (supposed) most dangerous time.

Like many of you, I considered taking a semester off so that I might enjoy my full college experience. Scholarships is not offering deferment at this time, they need the tuition money. It sucks for everyone, but that's just the way it is. So, DO NOT temporarily drop out of the university without specifically asking financial aid and your advisor first!!! You stand to lose your scholarships and may not get them back--you would have to ask a review board upon re-enrollment and, for better or for worse, I highly doubt administration would think highly of you and be generous in giving them back. I have no idea how or if this will change or even what discussions are being had. There are obviously other possibilities--internships, co-ops, study abroad, graduate school: I don't know the availability of these but they could be a way to delay your student experience until this all passes. Talk to your advisor.

Emergency / Individual Scenarios

There is, in fact, an option to go all online if you are a student with a health-risk / feel uncomfortable returning to campus / can't leave your state / whatever. This will be handled and arranged on a case-by-case basis, but if this applies to you, contact your advisor. All classrooms are being equipped with video and audio streaming equipment for this reason. A bit of advice from a senior, though, don't be lazy. If you want to go all online simply so you can sleep in, you will set a very poor precedent for yourself, as well as losing out on getting to know your professors / classmates, letters of rec., higher quality education, etc.

Everyone is also very concerned about potential outbreaks. We have no way of knowing if this will or will not happen. The obvious contingency plan is to go back online. There's also talk of, if there's a significant breakout, going online for 2-3 weeks so that campus can hopefully return after people have recovered. This will all be subject to change and depend on context.

Financial aid: we're all broke college students. Thanks to COVID we are now broker college students. The university has some emergency funds available. Book voucher funds can be applied for at student.msstate.edu. Any other COVID-related requests can be made to [email protected]. If you're asking for rent / lost wages, probably out of luck. Don't abuse this.

Student Life

It's going to be a very different year to say the least.

Let's start with classroom procedure: classrooms will be spaced so that students can observe appropriate social distancing between themselves. This is going to cause some odd places for class: Sanderson, the Hump, possibly outside in tents--it's all a fight for square footage. Everyone will also be required to wear a mask at all times. Sanitization wipes will be used and available before every class. Sanitizers will be everywhere: use them.

The Student Health Center is still taking appointments and has very fast testing (I got my results back in 29 hours.) The SHC is also free for students (except for medication, tests, etc.) Take advantage of this universal healthcare before getting to the real world--if you have COVID symptoms, please go get checked. The Counseling Center (another incredible resource) will be operating, although likely online. Your mental health is important, especially in very stressful times like these!

Masks will be required in dorms unless you are in your room. Everywhere else mask up. Dining halls will be streamlined and mostly to-go. Not sure about on-campus restaurants.

Let's say you do test COVID positive: the university is creating designated quarantine spaces in spare buildings and dorms that you will be moved to and taken care of. Drink plenty of fluids, go live on Instagram, whatevs, just get better and don't get anyone else sick!

Students are being asked to self-quarantine for two weeks before returning to MSU. The feasibility of this is...doubtful, at least. I get it, I also am working / seeing family / etc. Just be conscious of this and avoid any "Pass the Corona parties" (if I find out any of you fuckers are doing this I am personally going to come beat your ass while wearing you a mask.)

Avoid parties / bars. I know it stinks. I'm human too, we all are. I am likely going to cave and end up at a get together at some point or another. Just try to avoid it best you can and be responsible while there.

Sanderson Center is allowing workouts with masks and socially spaced. Last I checked you need to reserve a workout time here: play.urec.msstate.edu. Bring your own water bottle, bring your student ID, you'll be screened upon entry. No pick up basketball at this time, not even shooting around on your own (I am particularly heartbroken about this.) It is important to stay active though! Starkville has several public parks with decent outdoor rims and workout availability. See here: https://www.cityofstarkville.org/270/Parks-and-Recreation

Cheating is going to prominent, technology allows for that. Don't do it. It's immoral, you will be unqualified for your job, and the university has more ways than you know to see if you do it. Nothing you do online is non traceable, so opening up a second canvas tab to view your notes might just create a time stamp that professors can might just check and might just notice that it was during your test. Seriously. Don't do it.

If something seems unfair, respectfully reach out to SA. I'm a Senator, feel free to message me. We're here to represent you.

Things are going to change. Check your email often and plan ahead. Think specifically about leases, working, unemployment, graduate school, gap years.

Athletics / Events / Clubs

Currently, fuckall.

Teams are practicing and anticipating a season. Stadium capacities, student section, amount of games, all unknowns right now. But hey we do get a sweet new electronic ticket system.

Bulldog Bash is likely a no-go, although I don't think official word has been dropped yet.

Rush is going to be online. I'm not part of the elite Greeks so I dunno what this means. I highly doubt date parties and some of the other big events will happen though.

Shameless plug: The Streetcar (MSU's Creative Arts Journal) is still going to be meeting and creating a journal. Fuel that quarantine boredom into something artistic for us to review. https://www.thestreetcarmsu.com

Starkville

Starkville currently has a mandatory mask resolution. This means that inside businesses you must wear a mask.

Don't worry though, you can still get that amazing Southern food. Restaurants are operating, but you must mask whenever not at your table. Consider eating outside: Bin 612, Bulldog Burger, Mugshots, Two Bros etc. all have open air seating and Mississippi in the fall is beautiful. Most restaurants close at 9 and some of the bars stay open till 12. Drive throughs are open, no dining available at fast food places. Please do support local businesses if you can--they need it, so treat yourself to those Little Dooey ribs (and tip your takeout waiters! They've lost out on a lot lately.)

Both Walmarts are open and I believe close at 8:30. Consider contactless delivery through their app. If you get the munchies at 2 AM, the only thing open that late is Cookout and the Sprint Mart on 12 across from CVS. Cookout till 3 and Sprint Mart, WaHo, and McD’s 24 hours

Feel free to direct questions to our Mayor Lynn Spruill. She's an incredible lady and very active on Twitter @lynn_spruill. Just be polite.

Technology

Going online is likely going to require some new software additions to your computer. Please, please don't download anything that doesn't come from https://servicedesk.msstate.edu/TDClient/45/Portal/KB/ArticleDet?ID=1210 Testing services (like Honorlock, Secure Browser, etc.) gain access to certain capabilities of your computer, like webcams, keystrokes, microphone, etc. As such, it is very common for viruses to pose as these softwares. If you're not sure, check with ITS or your professor, and make sure to install an antivirus (MSU offers some for free, Malwarebytes is free). Through MSU you can also find Microsoft Office, Webex, and a bunch of other handy softwares for the upcoming school year.

There are going to be software glitches. Let your professors know EARLY and test the software out before the test.

The library is also offering rentable equipment. Please take advantage of this if need be. https://msstate.libcal.com/reserve/dmc

For online class, you might also need a decent webcam and microphone, if your laptop doesn't come with one for whatever reason. Here is what I use: https://www.amazon.com/Amcrest-Microphone-Computer-Streaming-Superior/dp/B085STB7FR/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=webcam&qid=1595517668&sr=8-4 https://www.amazon.com/Blue-Snowball-Condenser-Microphone-Cardioid/dp/B014PYGTUQ/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=blue+snowball&qid=1595517705&sr=8-2 Also please consider getting yourself a decent desk setup and a devoted study space. Don't let COVID mess up your back along with your life!

My Own Musings

This sucks. There's no if, ands, ors, or buts about it. But let's not allow COVID to sour our opinions towards Mississippi State or to each other. We're all struggling together, and that's okay. While this is not the student experience we hoped for, there may be silver linings to be found here and there. Whether that be picking up a personal project, adopting a kitten, practicing the stories you'll one day tell your grandkids about how you survived the end of the world, learning how to cook, any way to kill time, this too shall pass.

So if you're a little behind on schoolwork, if your mood is a little off, if you're feeling a little down, if you slip up and forget a mask, don't beat yourself up. Keep an eye on each other, don't be afraid to reach out and get the help you need, give encouragement to fellow students and your professors (they need it too!), and do your best. We're all part of the Bulldog family, and there's no place I'd rather be than during a literal global pandemic. Hail damn State.

 As always if something is incorrect please let me know.
 I'll be updating as I learn / remember more.

Is something like this too excessive?

https://www.amazon.com/Blue-Snowball-Condenser-Microphone-Cardioid/dp/B014PYGTUQ/

Headphones really don’t matter, even something cheat like the EarPods that come with your phone are fine. AirPods or a Bose/raycon type thing are the most commonly used option. For a mic, I recommend this it’s studio quality, easy to use and only $50.

I've got the blue snowball and it worked good for 3 months but now it records my voice very quietly. Sure it looks nice, but i would NOT recommend it. That being said i do keep it in my backpack and record from all over so maybe i beat it up.

https://www.amazon.com/Blue-Snowball-Condenser-Microphone-Cardioid/dp/B014PYGTUQ

The cam seems fine to me, as for a mic, I would reccomend Blue, since they are cheaper but still have good quality for recording and streaming. I can't speak for this model specifically, but this is their cheapest mic: https://www.amazon.com/Blue-Snowball-Condenser-Microphone-Cardioid/dp/B014PYGTUQ?ref_=ast_sto_dp

First of all, you'd be surprised at how good phone mics can be....try yours out.

If you want a USB mic that works with Android, the Blue Yeti is the standard "cheap good enough condenser mic".

For mic options I would recommend the Blue Snowball iCE: https://www.amazon.com/Blue-Snowball-Condenser-Microphone-Cardioid/dp/B014PYGTUQ?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1&psc=1

i was about to snag one but the estimated delivery is mid july lol

You should probably invest in a better microphone. Even something cheap like a Blue Snowball would be a big improvement.

https://www.amazon.com/Blue-Snowball-Condenser-Microphone-Cardioid/dp/B014PYGTUQ/

To get rid of the echo try recording in a medium sized room with carpeting. A room with lots of objects in it like furniture can also help reduce echo. Of course nothing beats a well made recording booth but unless you have lots of money and time it's not really practical to build one.

Blue Snowball or Yeti. Under $80, good quality for the price, USB. You can get a nice pre-amp and Rode microphone for under $300.

https://www.amazon.com/Blue-Yeti-USB-Microphone-Silver/dp/B002VA464S/

https://www.amazon.com/Blue-Snowball-Condenser-Microphone-Cardioid/dp/B014PYGTUQ

Hey man,

Sry for the long response...

TLDR: For recording & mixing you can get outside help, or do it yourself. I suggest trying to do it all yourself.

​

Recording:
Studio/Friend or at Home options:

You could try to rent some studio time or reach out to a friend who you know records songs and see if they want to help you. I personally recording my first rap at a friends house, to see how I liked it before doing anything else. It does help to have someone else there, but this is not necessary.

The other route would be to use Audacity or another similar recording program and to buy a microphone. Then to record your songs at home. I personally would recommend this route, as you won't be depending on anyone else and you can record and listen to yourself hundreds of times. I find that the ability to record at any time, in my own home is the absolute best way for me to create music. I also think being able to record one day, then come back and listen to yourself the next and redo things is extremely helpful to me. Since your new I would go this route as it's 100% free and easy to record and learn at home.

If you go this route here's the microphone I use. FYI this is my gaming microphone and that's why I bought it, so I don't really know if it'd be the best one to use just for rapping:

https://www.amazon.com/Blue-Snowball-Condenser-Microphone-Cardioid/dp/B014PYGTUQ/ref=sr_1_3?crid=Z5YPF3FYW0LC&dchild=1&keywords=snowball+microphone&qid=1593780280&sprefix=snowball+mi%2Caps%2C176&sr=8-3

​

Mixing - producers/mixer help or do it yourself:

You could reach out to the producers you got the beats from and see if they do mixing. Or you could try and reach out to either friends or other people you've met online or elsewhere to help you mix. This will probably cost money.

Or you could use Audacity and try to figure it out yourself.

​

For recording & Mixing:

I've done both methods, and would suggest the do it yourself approach for both options, as you'll learn the most that way. Your music might not be as good right away, but in the long run you will be much more knowledgeable and self sufficient.

Seriously, laughed out loud to the valorant in the wild section. Your creativity shines through there and it's special, keep trying stuff like that, don't be afraid to make a flop!

all-in-all great stuff and great to hear you are looking to make those improvements. You got a sub from me! I have a blue snowball that was about $50 that i use, it's not the most spectacular thing in the world but price for performance think it's wonderful and unless you're doing crazy sound stuff should work great if you're interested and have the money, heres a link: https://www.amazon.com/Blue-Snowball-Condenser-Microphone-Cardioid/dp/B014PYGTUQ

/u/stl (since you are the first off the top of my head for folks "in the circle"), is there any hope of the conference actually doing this?

It's pretty much guaranteed that some folks will end up with a very poor quality audio setup, resulting in their talk bieng almost non understandable.

There is no need to send out fancy $1,000 setups. Simply having a blue yeti (like This) for $50 and a pop filter (like This) for $15 will be better than most setups out there. The money the conference saves on renting out space should more than cover sending out a few of these to those who need it.

> Every weird voice sound I make

If you're using a headset mic, the problem could be that your mic is just too close to your mouth, maybe? I remember I used to have to push the mic up to almost eye-level because I had the same issue.

I'm just guessing, though. =P

If you can, I would definitely recommend this little mic with a $10 clamp-on pop filter. This was the set-up I used for years, and while the Blue Yeti I have now is definitely better, it got the job done for sure.

Don't give up! With all the different hardware and software out there now, you can definitely figure out a set-up that works for you.

Blue Snowball iCE USB Mic for Recording and Streaming on PC and Mac, Cardioid Condenser Capsule, Adjustable Stand, Plug and Play – Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B014PYGTUQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fab_jFnBFbGAP15FQ

And

MOUNTDOG Photography Studio Softbox Lighting Kit Continuous Lighting System Photo with 3pcs E27 95W Bulbs Arm Holder Photo Video Soft Box Lighting Set for YouTube Filming Portrait Shooting https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07G334LP9/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fab_2FnBFbZQ8TB67

this is on sale for exactly 49.99 if you can go a little over 50. blue snowball is a really great mic https://www.amazon.com/Micr%C3%B3fono-condensador-cardiode-modelo-Snowball/dp/B014PYGTUQ/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=blue+snowball&qid=1597286484&sr=8-2

You could probably even find a cheaper blue mic on ebay or a even higher quality blue mic (blue mics in general are really good) for cheaper on ebay if you don't mind having used.

I use these 2:

https://www.amazon.com/Blue-Snowball-Condenser-Microphone-Cardioid/dp/B014PYGTUQ

https://www.amazon.com/Microphone-Condenser-Recording-Streaming-669B/dp/B06XCKGLTP

Are you looking for just a stand-alone mic, or is a headset okay?

For a headset, this seems pretty solid: https://www.amazon.com/Jeecoo-Headphones-Cancelling-Microphone-Computers/dp/B083HZFG5W

$30, plus there's a coupon to save 15% (about $4.50).

Stand-alone mics, this one seems to have decent reviews: https://www.amazon.com/ZekPro-Computer-Microphone-Podcast-Recording/dp/B083G8QM5V

$21.99

Any cheaper than that and I'd say you're likely to have quality issues, though someone else around here may be able to prove me wrong.

I know you said cheap, but if you find yourself with the money, a Blue Snowball is definitely worth it. Mine's lasted me several years now, well worth the $50 I spent at the time. Looks like it's still about that price too:

https://www.amazon.com/Blue-Snowball-Condenser-Microphone-Cardioid/dp/B014PYGTUQ?th=1

Make sure to read the specs on the adjustable mic stand to see if it is right for you https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DY1F2CS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/Blue-Snowball-Condenser-Microphone-Cardioid/dp/B014PYGTUQ?th=1

Alright, so one way to do it is quite simple. You already have the most expensive piece of equipment (the laptop). The only other thing you need is a microphone! My personal favorite budget microphone is the Snowball iCE

Watch this video, this video, and this video to learn how to record an distribute a podcast. It’s a step by step guide and it’s easy to understand.

I am looking at 4 right now, which one would be the best, I forgot to add that I also have a mechanical keyboard with red switches and o rings:

FIFINE Studio Condenser USB Microphone Computer PC Microphone Kit With Adjustable Scissor Arm Stand Shock Mount for Instruments Voice Overs Recording Podcasting Youtube Karaoke Gaming Streaming-T669 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Y1C6GDS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_XQvvEbWQWBS5Y

TONOR USB Microphone Kit Q9 Condenser Computer Cardioid Mic for Podcast, Game, YouTube Video, Stream, Recording Music, Voice Over https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JMYG6LF/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_FSvvEbW7KCWXW

USB Streaming Podcast PC Microphone, SUDOTACK professional 192KHZ/24Bit Studio Cardioid Condenser Mic Kit with sound card Boom Arm Shock Mount Pop Filter, for Skype YouTuber Karaoke Gaming Recording https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MZP3N5C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_TSvvEb2665RS8

Blue Snowball iCE USB Mic for Recording and Streaming on PC and Mac, Cardioid Condenser Capsule, Adjustable Stand, Plug and Play - Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B014PYGTUQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_kTvvEbXGVE140

Alr so for headphones, I would recommend the DT-770 Pro, which is on sale for 139.99 right now.

(https://www.proaudiostar.com/beyerdynamic-dt-770-pro-250.html?utm_source=Google_Shopping&gclid=CjwKCAjw5Kv7BRBSEiwAXGDElRbwRlAJEGgkGYyDcdtHclthswCYcVAcqJ0OkNXpVBdg3TYIhBsoNxoCh_EQAvD_BwE)

I would also recommend getting a Blue Snowball, but be warned, it picks up background noise, so i would recommend using that leftover money to buy a pop filter, or a mic arm

​

https://www.amazon.com/Blue-Snowball-Condenser-Microphone-Cardioid/dp/B014PYGTUQ/ref=pd_lpo_267_t_0/137-2944666-5711124?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B014PYGTUQ&pd_rd_r=3808e2f7-2992-4887-91b8-406d6a878127&pd_rd_w=i7JaP&pd_rd_wg=sp1fN&pf_rd_p=7b36d496-f366-4631-94d3-61b87b52511b&pf_rd_r=E5PSPH4EAYJX82YJVECM&refRID=E5PSPH4EAYJX82YJVECM&th=1

If you want to go low budget, you can buy a gooseneck phone mount for $15 on Amazon. It lets you reposition your phone into a top-down position.

If you're interested in investing some money into this:

• A cheap microphone, like the Blue Snowball
• Good lighting, either some clamp lights (budget option) or softboxes (fancy option)
• A camera that can shoot at least 1080p (Here is an old but decent one, there are much cheaper options if you dive into the world of ebay and such.)
• A tripod with a boom arm, like this one

Obviously, you don't need any of the extra stuff just to start out, but it's nice to have a direction in case you want to upgrade at some point.

You are looking for a designated Mic? For that budget I would recommend something like the Blue Snowball or Snowball Ice. Razer Mice are pretty decent I use a mamba wireless and love it. Corsair has some decent mousepads that are not to pricey I attached their big one below I use the smaller one. I can not find any other decent left handed mouse other than the Razer. The rest seem to be ambidextrous. For Webcam Logitech always has decent value options. The one below would still fit in the budget but is only 1080p 30fps. There is a more expensive one that can also do 720p 60fps. It depends on if you want frames or pixels to decide if it is worth it to you.

https://www.logitech.com/en-us/products/webcams/c920s-pro-hd-webcam.960-001257.html?crid=34

https://www.amazon.com/Blue-Snowball-Condenser-Microphone-Cardioid/dp/B014PYGTUQ?th=1

https://www.corsair.com/us/en/Categories/Products/Gaming-Mousepads/Cloth-Textile-Surface-Mousepads/MM350-PRO/p/CH-9413770-WW

I would recommend either a 1440p 144hz monitor or a 1080p 240hz monitor depending on what you play. I do like corsair keyboards but I despise of their headphones. For headphones if you have a large enough budget I recommend the Sennheiser HD 599 with a ModMic or Blue Snowball, but If you are on a tighter budget, any of the SteelSeries headsets will do you well. I am a bit of an audiophile myself and I am aware that there are very prominent issues with most of Corsair's headset lineup. I think their mouse are okay, but I would advise for either a Logitech or Razer such as the G502 HERO or Deathadder v2 mouse instead. I know some people will bash me for liking Razer but I found that their mice have the best comfort, while still maintaining quality. I myself use a Razer Mamba Elite because I find Logitech mice too uncomfortable. Also if you decide to get a keyboard with loud switches (MX Blue, MX Black) or equivalent I would recommend a dynamic microphone so you do not annoy your friends and teammates. To pick a keyboard I would either go with the K70 MK2 or the K95 Platinum, with your choice of switches. I hope this can help!

There are plenty of free audio softwares you could use to actually record. I wouldn’t skimp out on a mic and soundcard. As much as I hate using - Audacity is great if you’re just starting out. For around $100 or so you can Ableton Live Intro which is much more flexible and would have plenty of functionality if you’re only doing voice work. If you’re on Mac then GarageBand is free.

I suggest the Shure SM7B. It’s a great dynamic mic that’ll be crisp and clear while also picking up great low end.

Also I’m a fan of Focusrite for soundcard (it’s not really a soundcard per se, but it works for this discussion). I suggest looking into the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2. It’s be a great device to start with. I don’t know what your budget is, but this is a very nice intro setup. Not super expensive, but not “cheap”.

If you want relatively good quality for cheaper than that you could always look into the “Snowball”. It is a condenser mic. You can get them for under $100 and they are a microphone and soundcard all in one. It’s not the best, but it’s better than any other “starter mics” and will have a profesional sound as long as you record somewhere without a ton of background noise.

As for eliminating background noise: there are things you can buy that will help reduce background noise, but without soundproofing they only do so much. I suggest finding a closet you could use as a vocal booth. They’re easy to get quiet and kill a lot of reflections that come from a small space. This is great for voice work. You could hang some clothes in there or even just a mattress on the wall behind the microphone so that there aren’t any reflections. This sounds rough, but it works - especially on a budget. You can buy those “mattress toppers” that are like eggshell to put on the walls, but in my experience they’re pretty useless and don’t stop the reflections like you would expect.

Lastly one great thing for voice work are a couple of plugins that can do a decent job of “cleaning up” your recording. First note - you want the best quality recording you can get before using plugins. Most intro audio programs come with basic EQ which you’ll need. It’s also good to use some compression and a noise gate. There are plenty of YouTube videos on how to use these things effectively. Also with voice work finding a good balance with the distance you are from the mic. The closer you get the more “bass” you’ll get in your voice from the “bass proximity effect”. This is great for people with a “higher” voice like me. The trade off is that the closer you are to the mic the more you’ll pick up “pops” and “plosives”. So you’ll need a pop filter (you should have one either way). I recommend getting a double filter (it’s designed with 2 windscreens in sequence) to really eliminate plosives.

Most of the plugins discussed above if not all come standard with any software. I would recommend a couple more if you can swing them. Izotope makes the Rx7 (I think that’s why it’s called) which is an audio repair plugin. It can remove little amounts of noise (room noise, hum, static) from your recordings making them sound even cleaner. It’s pretty expensive, though, so a great alternative is the Accusonus Era bundle. It’s around $100 I think. It’s absolutely not necessary, but can help clean up a bit.

Another commodity, but powerful tool to have, is Izotope Nectar 3. If you don’t know much about editing your voice with EQ, compression, etc. - it has a “vocal assistant” that can analyze your audio and make the proper adjustments. It’s power, but again - not cheap.

I hope all that info. helps. Source: I have a Bachelor’s degree in music production with a minor in music. I have produced for artists and have their albums online. I also have my own music published online. I don’t say that to humblebrag, but just to let you know that I know a little about this stuff. Have fun in your endeavors!

Edit:

• Shure SM7B - About $400

• Ableton Live 10 Intro - $100

• Download Audacity - Free

• Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 - $159

• Blue Snowball - $50

• Double Windscreen - $40

• Izotope Rx7 - Between $129 - $1200 depending on whether you get “Elements”, “Standard”, or “Advanced”.

• Accusonus Era Bundle - $150 (but I had found a site selling it for $100 so you be able to snag that if you can find it).

• Izotope Nextar 3 - Between $129 - $299 depending on whether you get “Elements”, “Standard”, or “Advanced”.

Gaming pc

CPU: ryzen 5 Price:149.99 https://www.walmart.com/ip/AMD-Ryzen-5-2600-6-Core-3-9-GHz-AM4-Processor/312473574

CPU cooler Price:119.99 Amazon.com: Corsair iCUE H100i RGB Pro XT, 240mm Radiator, Dual 120mm PWM Fans, Software Control, Liquid CPU Cooler: Computers & Accessories

MOBO. PRICE:106.99 https://www.amazon.com/MSI-Performance-Gaming-Crossfire-Motherboard/dp/B07XHH4YG

SSD. Price:87.99 https://www.amazon.com/PNY-CS900-Internal-Solid-State/dp/B07Y5VDNT9

Case. Price:69.99 https://www.amazon.com/NZXT-H510-Management-Water-Cooling-Construction/dp/B07TD9C5HS

Fans. Price:40.99 https://www.amazon.com/upHere-Intelligent-Addressable-Adjustable-Controller/dp/B07HK88YK6

PSU. Price:99.99 https://www.amazon.com/EVGA-Warranty-Power-Supply-100-GD-0700-V1/dp/B07W956JBC

HDD. Price:89.99 https://www.amazon.com/Seagate-BarraCuda-Internal-Drive-3-5-Inch/dp/B07D9C7SQH

RAM 64gb Price:134.99 Corsair Vengeance RGB Pro 32GB (2x16GB) DDR4 3200 (PC4-25600) C16 Desktop Memory - Black at Amazon.com

GPU 1660 ti. Price:279.99 https://www.amazon.com/GIGABYTE-GeForce-DisplayPort-Windforce-Gv-N166TOC-6GD/dp/B07NJPKZQG

Monitor. Price:149.99 https://www.amazon.com/Viotek-109013NH-Ultra-Thin-G-Sync-Compatible-Zero-Tolerance/dp/B07XD6HJPP

Keyboard/mouse. Price 29.99 https://www.amazon.com/Redragon-S107-BA/dp/B07RJTTTBD

Mic. Price:49.99 https://www.amazon.com/Blue-Snowball-Condenser-Microphone-Cardioid/dp/B014PYGTUQ

Total: 1407.87

Neither of those are interfaces.

The line mixer could work to send signal to an ad/da converter, but that is another piece and price.

Or you could send the mixer outs to your stereo/pa and record with a room mic to a cassette deck or boom box........eh...

or you could get a usb device ranging from a single usb microphone to a dedicated audio interface/mixer.

This is the best answer, as you can still do the other options as well.

But you need to ask yourself some questions first:

What gear do you already have? Do you have a microphone for singing/micing acoustic guitar? Do you have the cables for mics/guitars/bass?

Do you have a computer with a decent (dual core or better) processor and sufficient RAM (4 gigs or more)?

Do you have headphones and/or speakers you can use to monitor performance and mix on?

You will need computer software to mix and produce your work.

REAPER is basically free, and is full featured and professional grade.

GARAGEBAND and AUDACITY are used by millions and has almost no learning curve.

Is your budget for the entire project 80-90 CAD?

In my opinion you absolutely get what you pay for in the audio recording market and the big names are big names for a reason. Most of the (insert unknown Amazon Chinese brand name here) stuff will leave you disappointed and frustrated at best. THat being said, SOME of it might be unbranded items from the same factories making brand name stuff, so a little research is good. That being said, you can't go wrong with the entry level stuff from AKG, Audio-Technica, SHURE, BLUE, etc. Anything you can find on Sweetwater, Zzzounds, or Musicians Friend will probably be usable at a minimum.

Are you going to do all the playing and singing yourself? If so, you only need 1 or 2 inputs.

If you are recording yourself and another and you both sing you will need 4 inputs to record the performance in a way that allows you to mix all elements later.

If you already have a pa for rehearsal or performance and can get a listenable balance of instruments and voice, you only need 1 input and a microphone.

I will try to give you a breakdown of how you might implement the options in each configuration.

A USB mic will send 1 channel of audio to a computer. These get good reviews:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B014L7LB0A/ref=sr_1_20?s=musical-instruments&keywords=CAD+U37&qid=1589168323&sr=1-20&dchild=1

As do

https://www.amazon.com/Micr%C3%B3fono-condensador-cardiode-modelo-Snowball/dp/B014PYGTUQ/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Blue+Microphones+Snowball+Ice&qid=1589168471&s=musical-instruments&sr=1-1

and:

https://www.amazon.com/Technica-AT2005USB-Handheld-Dynamic-Microphone/dp/B007JX8O0Y/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=Audio+Technica+usb+mic&qid=1589168632&s=musical-instruments&sr=1-2

Note that each mic has different features which may help and or hinder your quest.

With any of these you can:

Record yourself and/or a friend singing and playing guitar(s) or bass to a single track, playing together with the mic out in front of you. You will need to balance yourselves as an ensemble before recording.

Record just 1 guitar, and then overdub another, the bass, vocals, whatever as many times/tracks as you like, and mix them later on the computer.

This can also be accomplished with the items that follow, but interface/mixers have more flexibility.

Unfortunately for your budget, the market of under $100 interfaces is thin, at best.

This one is popular:

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/UMC22--behringer-u-phoria-umc22-usb-audio-interface

Here are a few options under $100 usd:

https://www.sweetwater.com/c695--USB_Audio_Interfaces?sb=low2high&params=eyJmYWNldCI6eyJQcmljZSBSYW5nZSI6WyIzIl19fQ

​

Check ebay for used items. You can up your inputs and features greatly buying used. Lots of quality older units in the $100 range.

Most if not all of your questions have been asked and answered already. www.gearslutz.com is a great place to research and ask questions.

Good luck! Enjoy it!