EQ Magazine - August 2008 - (Page 54)

BUT I WANT TO USE MY OWN MIC! You have your own favorite mic, but it’s not USB. Fortunately, both CEntrance and MXL make interfaces with an XLR connector at one end, a USB connector at the other, and electronics in between. The MXL Mic Mate ($99, www.mxl-usb.com) is the simpler of the two, with +48V phantom power, 3-position analog gain control, 16-bit resolution, and like other MXL USB mics, 44.1/48kHz sampling rates. The USB output works with any standard USB cable. We reviewed CEntrance’s MicPort Pro ($149.95, www.centrance.com) in the 03/08 issue. It’s similar to the Mic Mate, but the extra expense goes to adding a headphone jack (with volume control) for monitoring, mic level control for zero-latency monitoring, and 24/96 resolution. There’s also a +48V phantom power switch. For either adapter, I’d recommend throwing a female-to-male XLR cable in your backpack. While it’s convenient to plug your XLR mic into either adapter directly, sometimes you might not want the extra length/weight. FYI: CEntrance is about to introduce the AxePort interface for guitar, but it was not yet available for review. USB.007, sE USB2200a, or AT2020 USB. These mics illustrate why people have more than one mic in a mic locker: The MXL’s stereo capabilities and sonic accuracy are welcome in a USB mic, the AT2020 gives a hotter, more present sound that’s great for cutting through a mix, and the USB2200a’s smooth, neutral response is ideal for capturing a variety of acoustic instruments, including percussion. These are all fine mics on their own that you can use in recording situations, but if you need portability, you have that as well thanks to USB. The USB2200a is of particular note, because while it’s more costly, having the analog and USB outputs is a nice touch—and it has monitoring options if needed. And don’t overlook the C01U, just because it’s been around a while; it’s a good compromise of price and performance. Granted, not everyone needs a USB mic. But for those who do, the time has come where you no longer need to make any sonic apologies for using one. www.soniccircus.com serious studio infrastructure Toll Free: 1 - 8 8 8 - S C 4 - G E A R (724-4327) Representing the best in new analog and digital recording equipment, Sonic Circus has the world’s largest showroom of API, Neve and SSL consoles, as well as choice vintage outboard gear and microphones. We provide expert service, support, and integration to project studios and commercial facilities worldwide. Matrix The New is here! call for details NO MONTHLY PAYMENTS & NO INTEREST FOR 6 MONTHS. For qualiﬁed applicants.* 500 Series Deals All Month Long Client Spotlight GEARHEADS WANTED! Inquire about career opportunities at Sonic Circus. Send your resume to: jobs@soniccircus.com Apply Online And Get Fast Approval Derek Trucks Takes delivery of The Kinks Neve 8048 Console. 54 EQ AUGUST 2008 www.eqmag.com http://www.mxl-usb.com http://www.centrance.com http://www.soniccircus.com http://www.soniccircus.com http://www.eqmag.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of EQ Magazine - August 2008

EQ Magazine - August 2008 Contents Talk Box Sounding Board Lyrics Born, Fink, David Kahne on Working with Paul McCartney, What a Future with no Record Industry looks like Tool Box ?uestlove Guitar Trax Bass Management Key Issues Drum Heads Vocal Cords Mix Bus Cheat Sheet Cakewalk Sonar 7 Apple Logic Pro 8 USM Mic Round-Up USB Mics Chameleon Labs 7720 Sounds Room with a Vu

EQ Magazine - August 2008

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