Reddit reviews Focusrite Scarlett Solo Studio (2nd Gen) USB Audio Interface and Recording Bundle with Pro Tools | First

I know that a lot of streamers use the audio technica microphones so here's one. There is also the Blue Yeti. In terms of budget microphones, there is the Blue Snowball and the CAD u37. You also might want to consider an audio interface as well. Here's an excellent combo, cause its awesome.

Hello mate!

From an absolutely newbie point of view looking to record some vocals and a guitar can EASILY be done by 'just plugging it in and starting to record.'

You need a Laptop which you have, some software like Audacity (which is free) some headphones, and a microphone.

The microphone you posted requires an audio interface with phantom power which will cost you somewhere between 50-100. Considering its not a very good microphone I would recommend looking at either:

USB microphones for ease of setup, no additional hardware needed like this-

https://www.amazon.com/Microphone-FIFINE-Computers-Podcasting-K670/dp/B079HRFH2Y/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1538688598&sr=8-10&keywords=usb+microphone

OR

A bundle with everything you would need to be a bit more serious like this-

https://www.amazon.com/Focusrite-Scarlett-Studio-Interface-Recording/dp/B01E6T54E2/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1538688671&sr=8-10&keywords=microphone+bundle

There can be more complications if for example you want to record a podcast in the same room to the same laptop.

Those links I posted are examples, not recommendations. If you can give some more information on your likely setup, your laptop specs, any software you've used before, any other hardware you have (like headphones), your budget etc... I'm sure someone could give you a better answer/recommendation.

Second the AT2020 it's a good place to start.

EDIT: If you don't have a interface (Which I'm assuming you don't) it might be best to start with a usb mic or look at expanding the budget a little and get an interface with it. The AT2020 does have a Usb varient but it exceeds your price range.

I know this is out of your price range but this is everything you would need, with upgrading in the future being an option. If you bought a usb mic now and wanted to upgrade to a xlr mic later you would need to by an interface on top of that mic anyway. Just something to be aware of.

https://www.amazon.com/Focusrite-Scarlett-Studio-Interface-Recording/dp/B01E6T54E2/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1541401196&sr=8-6&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=focusrite+recording+bundle&dpPl=1&dpID=41K2dCwPdgL&ref=plSrch

I have this set and its absolutely great, crystal clear audio in games. Picked it up to try and get into podcasting. I've also upgraded to a pair of Sennheiser HD 598s and they are wonderful, sound great through the Focusrite interface.

If you just need a cheap budget mixer for a few mics and game input I would look at this.

https://www.amazon.com/Focusrite-Scarlett-Studio-Interface-Recording/dp/B01E6T54E2/ref=sr_1_13?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1482728962&sr=1-13&keywords=audio+interface hows this? comes with protools

I do not have an audio interface yet, but the Scarlett FocusRite looks promising for a beginner. The solo is $100 and the studio is like $150:

Focusrite Scarlett Solo (2nd Gen) USB Audio Interface with Pro Tools | First https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01E6T56CM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_Z0WyybSDD32PH

You can also get the bundle (which I might purchase for myself as a late Christmas present), which comes with a mic and headphones. The solo version is $180, and the studio one is $220:

Focusrite Scarlett Solo Studio (2nd Gen) USB Audio Interface and Recording Bundle with Pro Tools | First https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01E6T54E2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_81WyybVE24PKK

Not sure how great the mic and/or headphones are, but it's a pretty good deal if you need all 3.

Focusrite Scarlett Solo Studio (2nd Gen) USB Audio Interface and Recording Bundle with Pro Tools https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01E6T54E2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_VOIvyb3VMHYR8

Here is a good intro package. Since you linked a USB mic I am assuming you do not own an audio interface.

Focusrite Scarlett Solo Studio (2nd Gen) USB Audio Interface and Recording Bundle with Pro Tools | First

https://www.amazon.com/Focusrite-Scarlett-Studio-Interface-Recording/dp/B01E6T54E2/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1521352373&sr=8-3&keywords=focusrite+studio

Thank you Petravita for the feedback. I have a Focusrite Scarlett mic [amazon link here] (https://www.amazon.com/Focusrite-Scarlett-Studio-Interface-Recording/dp/B01E6T54E2/ref=sr_1_3?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1522369658&sr=1-3&keywords=scarlett+studio+microphone) that I got from a friend. I was just holding it in my hand because I don't have a pop filter or proper stand. I also live in a 235sq foot apartment so I have to stay quiet which is a huge bummer sense I LOVE YELLING. Thanks for your offer on mixing help, and i'll get back to you about that if I can't get the vocals sounding right on the next song. Thanks again!

Well the blue yeti plugs in through usb so there is very little setup to do and it has a mute button on the front.
If you want a proper setup then you really need a proper microphone (that doesn't connect straight to your pc but to an audio interface, but honestly this is overkill imho), in this case you could just get something like a bundle like https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01E6T54E2/ref=twister_B06WWQP2YN?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1 which would really step up your game.
I would honestly just go for the audio technicas, less trouble with the setup.

Thinking about purchasing this Focusrite Studio bundle (mic, headphones, interface) along with my MIDI keyboard. I am dumb with this stuff so far so I have 2(ish) questions:

1.) What's the difference exactly between the solo studio and 2i2 studio?

2.) Would this microphone work well with Logic? And does it really straight up come with ProTools?

*Extra Credit

How much learning am I in here for technically being a complete noob at all this?

> Scarlett

what do you think of this bundle? looks really cheap and would be about right for my level. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Focusrite-Scarlett-Studio-Interface-recording/dp/B01E6T54E2/ref=sr_1_1?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1542968676&sr=1-1&keywords=focusrite+scarlett+solo+bundle