Recording vocals off a mic on PC

[AR]

Is there anyway to sing into a computer mic and get a decent mix over an audio file on a computer without buying expensive software?

Tonight, I'm playing CD's through musicmatch and singing along with a mic with Windows Sound Recorder. It's fun, but I have the mic near a speaker and am singing low enough to balance against the music. Sounds ok, but the music is tinny and you have to really stay away from the mic to not overpower things.

Just drinking and having fun. Not looking for an expensive piece of software. Just wondering if there is a better way to record my drunken karoake.

[fred_journeyman]

Yes, download this free program: http://audacity.sourceforge.net/

Yes, it's FREE!

I have used this program to record books on CD (from which I've been paid) and voice overs.

I think you'll like it.

If you want to really get good sound quality, you might want to upgrade your mic, depending upon what you have. I use a Plantronics Headset with a build in mic. It's great!

PS - Forgot to mention that there are filters built into the program and equalization to adjust your audio after it's recorded. You'll like it.

[AR]

Yes, download this free program: http://audacity.sourceforge.net/

Yes, it's FREE!

I have used this program to record books on CD (from which I've been paid) and voice overs.

I think you'll like it.

If you want to really get good sound quality, you might want to upgrade your mic, depending upon what you have. I use a Plantronics Headset with a build in mic. It's great!

PS - Forgot to mention that there are filters built into the program and equalization to adjust your audio after it's recorded. You'll like it.

Thanks!!!!

What's funny is that I have the program. I use it to slow down boots that are recorded too fast. Works great. Never thought to do anything else with it.

Stupid question. Do you have a quick dummies version of how I should import an mp3 than sing over it? I'm sure I'll figure it out, but thought it wouldn't hurt to ask. Thanks again!

[AR]

I just figured it out. Holy shit! That rocks. I owe you a beer!

[fred_journeyman]

I just figured it out. Holy shit! That rocks. I owe you a beer!

Cool, have fun!

[Shadowsong]

Wow
Have to check that out
I;m doing the same thing
Mic on speaker and getting in close with vocals
Actually doesn;t sound bad but heck have to see what this is all about

Anyone know if the smaller file or beta is better?

[Rockindeano]

AR, I have heard you sing. NOTHING will work!

Haha.

Dude, as for getting a good sound...Just do the Augeri Shuffle. Dress up in red leather pants, throw on a tape, and sing along. Make sure your live mic is turned off though

[AR]

Wow
Have to check that out
I;m doing the same thing
Mic on speaker and getting in close with vocals
Actually doesn;t sound bad but heck have to see what this is all about

Anyone know if the smaller file or beta is better?

Download the program Fred suggested. Playing around with it now. If the vocals happen to be in a separate channel, you can strip them out and sing to the music alone. Already, I can tell you that is the exception rather than the rule. But you can mix your vocal input high enough to make it a duet with the vocals - which is what I wanted anyway.

[Shadowsong]

Wow
Have to check that out
I;m doing the same thing
Mic on speaker and getting in close with vocals
Actually doesn;t sound bad but heck have to see what this is all about

Anyone know if the smaller file or beta is better?

Download the program Fred suggested. Playing around with it now. If the vocals happen to be in a separate channel, you can strip them out and sing to the music alone. Already, I can tell you that is the exception rather than the rule. But you can mix your vocal input high enough to make it a duet with the vocals - which is what I wanted anyway.

There are 2 choices of Freds program one is a beta which means later version but sometimes those have bugs.

Wow sounds great. Ihave a really good sound card as I wanted to do recording but so far it's click input mic and hold it to the speaker and sing with it. Mic is a cheap lil plastic thing but it sounds fine.
Tried to hook up my shure M58 1/4 in plug with an adapter but the impediance is way off and I have a lo and hi impediance version...arrrghh
I;d love to find a mic that is pc copmpatable

[fred_journeyman]

I;d love to find a mic that is pc copmpatable

Try a Plantronics mic.

[larryfromnextdoor]

I;d love to find a mic that is pc copmpatable

Try a Plantronics mic.

fred!! ive got a little Fast Track m-audio, box,, u plug it into the usb port and walla,, you can plug a mic, guitars,, effects loop right into it and into your recording program ,, neato stuff ,, then u can use a regular singing mic,, sm- 58 sounds great for this , ive used the 58 to record the guitar tracks just hanging on the amp into the computer recording studio , it sounds great!!!!

[Shadowsong]

I;d love to find a mic that is pc copmpatable

Try a Plantronics mic.

fred!! ive got a little Fast Track m-audio, box,, u plug it into the usb port and walla,, you can plug a mic, guitars,, effects loop right into it and into your recording program ,, neato stuff ,, then u can use a regular singing mic,, sm- 58 sounds great for this , ive used the 58 to record the guitar tracks just hanging on the amp into the computer recording studio , it sounds great!!!!

I stand corrected SM58 is right
I have 2 and they don;t all work on all amps
One is lo impediance and one is hi
That could work I suppose as I tried both mics with an adapter and they didn;t work.
Did I do something wrong or are these mics just incompatible?

I''l have to look into it
I have wanted to do this foir years and never got around to it.
I suppose the mic has to have the correct imped for the sound card?