HOW I RECORD

SAMSON Q2U RECORDING PAK

I use the Samson Q2U Recording Pak, but really only the microphone now. This is an inexpensive kit that works well on a home computer. There are certainly higher quality microphones available, but this one works very well in my setting. It picks up my voice without too much of the ambient noises. Those background noises that are captured can usually be filtered out with software, as long as they aren't too loud.

SAMSON Q2U MICROPHONE

Specifications:

Polar pattern: Cardioid
Frequency Response: . 50Hz - 15 kHz
Element type: : Dynamic
Sensitivity: -54 dBV/Pa
SPL: 148 dB
Weight: : 11.2 oz ( 317.5 g)
Dimensions:
- 7.5 ” x 2.2 ” (diameter)
- 190 mm x 55 mm (diameter)

SONY HEADPHONES MDR-7506

Specifications:

Headphone Type: Dynamic, closed
Magnet Type: Neodymium
Driver Size: : 40.0 mm
Frequency Response: 10-20kHz
Impedance: 63 Ohms
Sensitivity: 106 dB/W/m
Power Handling: 1,000mW
Plug Type: Gold, Stereo Unimatch plug 1/4" and 1/8"
Cord Length: 9.8 ft
Weight: 8.1 oz

AUDIO SOFTWARE

The recording pack comes with "Cakewalk Music Creator" software, but I use "ACID Music Studio". ACID was previously owned and distributed by Sony, but has since been sold to MAGIX.

MICROPHONE STAND

I use a full-size microphone stand, instead of the desktop one that's included so I can adjust the location easier. If you use the desktop stand, place padding underneath it (such as a folded towel) to prevent it from picking up any sounds from the table top.

POP FILTER

I use a 4" pop filter when singing. A pop filter helps reduce the pops and clicks frequently produced when certain sounds are made (such as the letters "P", "S" and "T").

VIDEO EDITING SOFTWARE

I use MAGIX Movie Edit Pro software for creating the videos I upload to YouTube. It's very easy to use and is reasonably priced.