The basic equipment is a measurement microphone, an audio interface, and a computer.
Microphone
It’s important to use a measurement microphone, not just a vocal mic. Measurement microphones are designed for a very flat frequency response, and omnidirectional response. Nearly all measurement microphones are condenser mics, and require “phantom power” (voltage supplied by the recording equipment, to power the microphone’s internal electronics).We suggest one of the following:
You’ll also need a microphone stand, and a reasonable length microphone cable (with XLR plugs at each end).
Audio Interface
The audio interface provides phantom power to the microphone, amplifies the microphone signal, and converts the signal to a digital input for the computer to record. Since the mic needs phantom power, it’s not possible to use a regular computer soundcard. The audio interface should include “line-in” as well as microphone inputs, and must be able to record stereo at 44.1KHz (not just 48KHz). Some suggestions for USB interfaces include:
- Tascam US-122, M-Audio MobilePre, Alesis iO|2, Edirol UA-101, Lexicon Omega
- At the ultimate end, something like the Aphex 1100. (Dream!)
Some PCs have FireWire interfaces as well as USB. A wide range of Firewire audio interfaces are available, in addition to the USB interfaces listed above.
A third option is to use a high-quality computer sound-card and a phantom-power microphone preamp; I prefer a self-contained USB interface because it’s easily connected to a laptop computer.
Instead of a PC-based system, it’s also possible to use a standalone digital recorder such as the M-Audio MicroTrack or Marantz PMD660, with phantom power microphone input, line input, and stereo 44.1kHz WAV recording capability. If you have one of these, then you record directly to the device, instead of to the PC-based recording software; otherwise, the steps are approximately the same.
Cables, etc
A microphone stand is essential. Yes, you can balance the microphone on books or pillows, but that’s just a pain.
To connect the microphone to the audio interface, it’s useful to have a long microphone cable — 20 feet or more. This will usually have standard XLR connectors.
You’ll also need a cable to connect one channel of the Squeezebox analog output (or your DAC’s analog output) to the audio interface. This will usually need a single RCA plug at one end, and a quarter-inch (line) jack at the other.
Finally, to connect the audio interface to the PC, use a USB or FireWire cable as appropriate. If your PC is not in the listening room, you might want a USB extender (we’ve had success with 30ft USB extensions).
Recording Software
You’ll need software to record from the audio interface or soundcard.
One good choice is Audacity. There are several commercial alternatives, including Adobe Soundbooth.
Ready? On to the recording process.
