Who's Online Now
5 members (couchgrouch, rpirone, Guy E. Trepanier, Gavin Sinclair, 1 invisible), 928 guests, and 249 robots.
Key: Admin, Global Mod, Mod
Register Today!
Welcome to the Just Plain Folks forums! You are currently viewing our forums as a Guest which gives you limited access to most of our discussions and to other features.

By joining our free community you will have access to post and respond to topics, communicate privately with our users (PM), respond to polls, upload content, and access many other features. Registration is fast, simple, and absolutely free; so please join our community today!
ShoutChat
Comment Guidelines: Do post respectful and insightful comments. Don't flame, hate, spam.
What's Going On
Fox News Reports Stunning Archeological Discovery.
by couchgrouch - 03/27/24 08:02 PM
Wasting My Time
by David Gill - 03/27/24 07:42 AM
Can you save me from me
by David Gill - 03/26/24 07:16 PM
Song available
by JAPOV - 03/26/24 03:38 PM
YELLIN AT CLOUDS
by David Gill - 03/26/24 03:20 PM
"Reliving" the great Lou Rawls!
by Brian Austin Whitney - 03/26/24 01:49 PM
::: The Best In My Life :::
by Bill Draper - 03/26/24 01:32 PM
The show must go on
by ckiphen - 03/26/24 09:06 AM
NYC Motel 1972
by rpirone - 03/26/24 12:43 AM
usic Industry Summitt
by Gary E. Andrews - 03/25/24 11:32 PM
The Rant Arena
by JAPOV - 03/25/24 07:39 PM
Song available
by Raymond Byabazaire - 03/25/24 11:55 AM
Song available
by Raymond Byabazaire - 03/25/24 11:55 AM
Lancaster Festival, Lancaster, Ohio
by Gary E. Andrews - 03/25/24 10:51 AM
Wasting my time
by Rob B. - 03/25/24 03:45 AM
Tom Waits.. What's he building
by Fdemetrio - 03/25/24 12:09 AM
Rick Beato, bad lyrics
by Fdemetrio - 03/24/24 11:23 PM
Inspirational Videos Post Them Here
by Sunset Poet - 03/24/24 11:27 AM
Used to take a Genius to Mix
by Fdemetrio - 03/23/24 11:00 AM
"Broken Places"
by Gary E. Andrews - 03/22/24 07:45 PM
All You Are Is A Lie
by Sunset Poet - 03/22/24 06:55 PM
Pour Choices
by Gavin Sinclair - 03/22/24 05:29 PM
Billy's 30 year overdue song.
by Fdemetrio - 03/22/24 01:30 PM
Make my dreams come true
by ckiphen - 03/22/24 10:51 AM
Stuck Here At The Light
by David Gill - 03/21/24 10:40 AM
Because Easter bunny...
by David Gill - 03/21/24 09:44 AM
"I Miss You, Baby"
by Raymond Byabazaire - 03/21/24 08:39 AM
"I Miss You, Baby"
by Raymond Byabazaire - 03/21/24 08:39 AM
Top Posters
Calvin 19,857
Travis david 12,264
Kevin Emmrich 10,941
Jean Bullock 10,330
Kaley Willow 10,240
Two Singers 9,649
Joice Marie 9,186
Mackie H. 9,003
glynda 8,683
Mike Dunbar 8,574
Tricia Baker 8,318
couchgrouch 8,160
Colin Ward 7,911
Corey 7,357
Vicarn 6,916
Mark Kaufman 6,589
ben willis 6,114
Lynn Orloff 5,788
Louis 5,725
Linda Sings 5,608
KimberlyinNC 5,210
Fdemetrio 4,989
Neil Cotton 4,909
Derek Hines 4,893
DonnaMarilyn 4,670
Blake Hill 4,528
Bob Cushing 4,389
Roy Cooper 4,271
Bill Osofsky 4,199
Tom Shea 4,195
Cindy Miller 4,178
TamsNumber4 4,171
MFB III 4,143
Sunset Poet 4,125
nightengale 4,096
E Swartz 3,985
JAPOV 3,973
beechnut79 3,878
Caroline 3,865
Kolstad 3,845
Dan Sullivan 3,710
Dottie 3,427
joewatt 3,411
Bill Cooper 3,279
John Hoffman 3,199
Skip Johnson 3,027
Pam Hurley 3,007
Terry G 3,005
Nigel Quin 2,891
PopTodd 2,890
Harriet Ames 2,870
MidniteBob 2,761
Nelson 2,616
Tom Tracy 2,558
Jerry Jakala 2,524
Al Alvarez 2,499
Eric Thome 2,448
Hummingbird 2,401
Stan Loh 2,263
Sam Wilson 2,246
Wendy D 2,235
Judy Hollier 2,232
Erica Ellis 2,202
maccharles 2,134
TrumanCoyote 2,096
Marty Helly 2,041
DukeWill 2,002
floyd jane 1,985
Clint Anglin 1,904
cindyrella 1,888
David Wright 1,866
Clairejeanne 1,851
Cindy LaRosa 1,824
Ronald Boyt 1,675
Iggy 1,652
Noel Downs 1,633
Rick Heenan 1,608
Cal 1,574
GocartMoz 1,559
Jack Swain 1,554
Pete Larsen 1,537
Ann Tygart 1,529
Tom Breshers 1,487
RogerS 1,481
Tom Franz 1,473
Chuck Crowe 1,441
Ralph Blight 1,440
Rick Norton 1,429
Kenneth Cade 1,429
bholt 1,411
Letha Allen 1,409
in2piano 1,404
Stan Simons 1,402
Deej56 1,385
mattbanx 1,384
Jen Shaner 1,373
Charlie Wong 1,347
KevinP 1,324
Vondelle 1,316
Tom W. 1,313
Jan Petter 1,301
scottandrew 1,294
lane1777 1,280
Gerry 1,280
DakLander 1,265
IronKnee 1,262
PeteG 1,242
Ian Ferrin 1,235
Glen King 1,214
VNORTH2 1,210
IdeaGuy 1,209
AaronAuthier 1,177
summeoyo 1,174
Diane Ewing 1,162
ckiphen 1,118
joro 1,082
BobbyJoe 1,075
S.DEE 1,040
yann 1,037
9ne 1,035
David Gill 1,031
Tony A 1,016
argo 986
peaden 984
90 dB 964
Wolvman 960
Jak Kelly 912
krtinberg 890
Drifter 886
Petra 883
RJC 845
Brenda152 840
Nadia 829
ant 798
Juan 797
TKO 784
Dayson 781
frahmes 781
bennash 763
teletwang 762
Andy K 750
Andy Kemp 749
tbryson 737
Jackie444 731
Irwin 720
3daveyO3 704
Dixie 701
Joy Boy 695
Pat Hardy 692
Knute 686
Lee Arten 678
Moosesong 668
Katziis 652
R.T.MOORE 638
quality 637
CG King 622
douglas 621
R&M 614
Mel 614
NaomiSue 601
Shandy 590
Ria 587
TAMERA64 583
qbaum 570
nitepiano 566
pRISCILLA 556
Tink2 553
musica 539
deanbell 528
RobertK 527
BonzaiWag 523
Roderic 522
BB Wilbur 513
goodfolks 499
Zeek 487
Stu 486
Steve P. 481
KathyW 462
allenb 459
MaxG 458
Philjo 454
fanito 448
trush48 448
dmk 442
Rob L 439
arealrush 437
DGR 436
avweek 435
Stephen D 433
Emmy 431
marquez 422
kit 419
Softkrome 417
kyrksongs 415
RRon 408
Laura G. 407
VNORTH 407
Debra 407
eb 406
cuebald 399
EdPerrone 399
Dannyk1 395
Hobart 395
Davyboy49 393
Smile 389
GJShades 387
Alek 386
Ezt 384
tone 380
Marla 380
Ann_F 379
iggyiggy 378
coalminer 377
java 374
ddreuter 371
spidey 371
sweetsong 370
danny 367
Rob B. 364
Jim Ryan 360
papaG 353
Z - man 350
JamesDF5 348
John K 348
Jaden 344
TheBaz 340
Steggy 339
leif 339
tonedeaf 336
rickwork 334
Eddie Ray 332
Johnboy 328
Bob Lever 328
Helicon1 327
lucian 326
Muskie 321
kc 319
Z. Mulls 318
ptondreau 313
ONOFFON 312
Chris B. 310
trush 304
ed323 297
Ellen M 294
markus-ky 293
lizzorn 291
nicnac49 290
Char 286
ktunes 285
Top Likes Received
JAPOV 86
VNORTH2 45
bennash 38
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
Rate Thread
#804662 03/22/10 06:00 PM
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 32
Casual Observer
OP Offline
Casual Observer
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 32
Hi all,

Does anyone have any experience with Blue Microphones, specifically the bluebird and the Baby Bottle? How do they compare to others in a similar price range? Looking to record voice and acoustic guitars.

Thanks very much,

John


John Dunigan
Music for kids of all ages
http://www.johnduniganmusic.com
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,265
Serious Contributor
Offline
Serious Contributor
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,265
I think you'll find the baby bottle better suited to instruments and the bluebird to vocals.
As always, any microphone will be a bit different for each voice and instrument as well, depending on how it's played.

Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 32
Casual Observer
OP Offline
Casual Observer
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 32
Thanks Dak,

Wish I could try out a bunch before buying...

John


John Dunigan
Music for kids of all ages
http://www.johnduniganmusic.com
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 8,463
Top 20 Poster
Offline
Top 20 Poster
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 8,463
They are pretty good judging by reviews and reports from friends.....for those kind of bucks though I would go Neumann bottom range or better still mid range second hand. I have used the Blue mousy mic once (I forget the model but it looks like Mickey Mouse) is about $1000
Have not used bluebird or bottle so cannot really help.

Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 32
Casual Observer
OP Offline
Casual Observer
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 32
Big Jim,

How's $400 for a K2? Fair price?

John


John Dunigan
Music for kids of all ages
http://www.johnduniganmusic.com
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,265
Serious Contributor
Offline
Serious Contributor
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,265
I'm not Jim but US $400.00 for a Rode K2 is an excellent price if it's new and from a reputable dealer. (ie not a fake) They normally run nearer US $700.00.

Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 8,463
Top 20 Poster
Offline
Top 20 Poster
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 8,463
I am not sure about prices in the USA but I know brand new here in UK they are about £400-£440.

Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,265
Serious Contributor
Offline
Serious Contributor
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,265
Originally Posted by BIG JIM MERRILEES
I am not sure about prices in the USA but I know brand new here in UK they are about £400-£440.


Jim, about US $600.00 to US $660.00 at the exchange rate of 1.49 US Dollars to BPS.
Pretty good, in comparison to new prices at most places here for that mic. The only place I've found with a comparable price is Audio Lines out of Chicago who advertise the mic at US $575.00. Everyone else I've found, MF, Sweetwater, ZZounds & etc, are at US $700.00

Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 8,463
Top 20 Poster
Offline
Top 20 Poster
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 8,463
Thanks Dak. The £ has taken a hammering in recent months against the dollar and euro.

Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 3,845
K
Top 100 Poster
Offline
Top 100 Poster
K
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 3,845
Just the other day I saw a second hand K2 to 295 Euros here in Denmark.

Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 32
Casual Observer
OP Offline
Casual Observer
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 32
I did get a blu baby bottle so far. The bad news is that I can only compare it's performance with a Shure Beta 57 and Beta 58. It is MUCH louder and quieter and seems to have a considerably fuller I really like it quite a lot so far. It also sounds very clear and full on the guitar, although i haven't tested it out on the 12 string yet. Still looking for a K2 to add.

John


John Dunigan
Music for kids of all ages
http://www.johnduniganmusic.com
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 8,463
Top 20 Poster
Offline
Top 20 Poster
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 8,463
Hi John yes there is a big diff in tone and volume. Now when you record watch the levels do not allow clipping. Use a pop shield... if you have one great..... if not buy one they are not expensive. Try various trial and error recordings for levels and to find the optimum mic distance and placement for voice and guitars. Have fun!

Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,608
Top 200 Poster
Offline
Top 200 Poster
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,608
I got my son a Blue USB mic for his laptop. He loves it. It really is a versatile tool. Has a really cool isolator and mic stand. Just a 'C' note for the mic, ended up being about a buck and a half for the whole caboodle. I think that the Blues have a good rep.

Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 32
Casual Observer
OP Offline
Casual Observer
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 32
OK guys, now I don't think this really belongs here, but I did get to record a new song, and believe it or not it is for adults, for the Philadelphia songwriters contest. I got it done barely in time to enter it. Writing the song was very easy. Recording, not so much.

Big Jim (and anyone else) You've heard the kids stuff with the old EV Mic. Could you please give a listen and see how you think I'm doing. I think it's lots better. The 12 string is hard to get sounding right...

Thanks,

John
It is: The Words Get in the Way

http://www.myspace.com/johnduniganmusic



John Dunigan
Music for kids of all ages
http://www.johnduniganmusic.com
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 32
Casual Observer
OP Offline
Casual Observer
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 32
I used the Blue Baby Bottle for voice and Shure beta 57 for the guitar. Recorded "live." I did try two mics on the guitar, but is sounded awful. I think one mic cable was bad.

Thanks very much again.

John


John Dunigan
Music for kids of all ages
http://www.johnduniganmusic.com
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 8,463
Top 20 Poster
Offline
Top 20 Poster
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 8,463
This sounded so much better especially the vocs. Still a way to go though. Interested to hear what set up you have and how exactly you go about recording and editing. To take it to the next level you really have to adopt a different approach than recording a one take live performance. You will get better results if you record each part separate on diff tracks with multi takes then edit it all together using a DAW like cubase or protools or reaper. Do not buy cheap cables as they can produce poor quality sound with extra unwanted noise.
As I said before you have to experiment with levels distances and mic placements to achieve optimum quality. It might help by placing padding and cushions etc around to help deaden bounceback. Once you have figured out best settings you will know for the future. One tip never record next to shiny surfaces or a wall. If you have to then a couple of cushions or pillows placed behind mic makes a diff. Best of luck.

Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 32
Casual Observer
OP Offline
Casual Observer
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 32
Thanks Jim,

I am going through a Mackie Onyx820i mixer and from the main outs into an IMac using garage band. I do have the vocals on one track and the guitar on the other, but there is certainly some bleed between the two mics. I have just used one of the presets in Garage band called R&B, and then I use a little of the built in compressor to bring up the level. This is the best I've gotten it to sound so far, but I was really out of time to send the song into the contest. I did get a compressor that will go from the inserts on the Mackie, to the compressor, and back to the mackie. It's a FMR Audio RNC, which is supposed to be a GREAT little compressor.

for this song, I really didn't do much to improve the sound as I was out of time, but the raw sound was so much better than the other's you've heard, that I just went with it.

I do record in a big room away from walls, and will hopefully get a K2 on ebay here shortly.

When recording, I have a whole ritual I go through, I just turn it on and go after fooling around with mic placement on the guitars. I'm not very happy with what the beta 57 is doing, but I did just hear from a guy in the biz who says to keep the mic as it is the mic for a National Resophonic, which I do play. I do check the levels to see if I'm clipping, but I don't put any eq on it, on the new song, I did'nt even touch the eq after I was done...I will try recording both with the Baby Bottle, and see how it goes, but I really do want a K2, especially with it's variable pattern. That should be very interesting.

I really appreciate your help!

Best wishes,

John


John Dunigan
Music for kids of all ages
http://www.johnduniganmusic.com
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 8,463
Top 20 Poster
Offline
Top 20 Poster
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 8,463
I am impressed that you did virtually no editing and still got the sound pretty much OK. I think you are on the right road. It is all a steep learning curve. My next move would be to get something like Cubase or protools. That will give you more scope for producing better finished demos and learn more about editing and using plugins and FX. K2 is a good mic but I would get a better editing facility first. That is the engine room.

Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 32
Casual Observer
OP Offline
Casual Observer
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 32
The Mackie came with a copy of Tracktion. Have you ever heard of that one. Free is GOOD! I was looking at ebay for copies of Logic--sometimes only about 200US.



John Dunigan
Music for kids of all ages
http://www.johnduniganmusic.com
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 8,463
Top 20 Poster
Offline
Top 20 Poster
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 8,463
I have Tracktion...it also came with a Mackie mixer I bought. Sorry to say I have never ran it or even looked at it as I have Cubase 5. I had a quick look at specs and the Mackie blurb it seems pretty good. I have use Mackie stuff for a long time now and if they recommend it then that is good enough for me. Give it a go. It looks pretty easy to use. I am not sure if it is a lite version they give away...that might not have all the bells and whistles.

Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 32
Casual Observer
OP Offline
Casual Observer
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 32
Hey Jim,

How about a Rode classic 2 for under $1000 used in great shape? For a couple hundred more than a new k2, would you recommend that one?

John


John Dunigan
Music for kids of all ages
http://www.johnduniganmusic.com
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 8,463
Top 20 Poster
Offline
Top 20 Poster
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 8,463
There is a big diff between the classic and the classic 2. Personally I would not spend 1000 on a two. The later Rode models are not as good as the old stuff. I would still prefer the K2. To be honest I think the mic you already have is pretty good for your purposes. I think you need to spend more time and possible cash on the other side of recording techniques like editing and mixing. Spend your cash on protools or Cubase and learn how to use them...then worry about the best mic to use. Perfecting that area will get the best out of what you have rather than wasting money on great mics but not being able to get the best from them.

Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 32
Casual Observer
OP Offline
Casual Observer
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 32
Will do. I did get tracktion basic with my mixer and might upgrade it. It is the same core as the others, but doesn't have all the bells and whistles. Once I get my feet wet, i'll upgrade. It does get excellent reviews. When you talk about editing and mixing techniques, can you give me any idea what you are talking about. Obviously there are levels for the guitar and voice. I do have a compressor that I will use in the inserts on the mixer. Truthfully, I'll have to figure out what to do with any of the stuff. Got a good book you'd recommend?



John Dunigan
Music for kids of all ages
http://www.johnduniganmusic.com

Link Copied to Clipboard
Support Just Plain Folks

We would like to keep the membership in Just Plain Folks FREE! Your donation helps support the many programs we offer including Road Trips and the Music Awards.


Newest Members
chriscastle, yasir252, cathennashira, Samwise, HappySousa
21,470 Registered Users
Forum Statistics
Forums117
Topics125,714
Posts1,160,942
Members21,470
Most Online37,523
Jan 25th, 2020
Just Plain Quotes
"If one man can do it, any man can do it. It is true. But the real question is, if one man did it, are you willing to do what it takes to do it as well?" –Brian Austin Whitney
Today's Birthdays
There are no members with birthdays on this day.
Popular Topics(Views)
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5