depends on the mic.... something like the SM-57 or 58 ... yeah it should.

For the same price, or less you can buy a small capsule condensor mic. I was thinking of a Gauge ECM-84  it costs just $84.

I did, however , start with an old well used SM58 that I used for some time before buying a Rode..... before I had heard of Gauge mics.

wait, let's not be too hasty!!  These guys are right an SM57 or SM58 would be fine, so would the Guage mic that herb is endorsing, BUT BUT BUT!!!  the Cakewalk UA-1G does not phantom power for a condenser mic, so you'd have to go with a DYNAMIC mic like the SM57 or SM58 AND you'd need an adapter, not just a normal mic cable because it has a 1/8" input, not a standard XLR input. 

the UA-1G is good for a budget if that's what you can afford, but it's mainly best, IMO, for a secondary unit for travelling with a laptop or something.

I would encourage you to push your budget just a LITTLE more and get something like this:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/pro-audio/lexicon-lambda-usb-desktop-studio
it has phantom power for condensor mics, it has MUCH better quality MIC preamps than the UA-1G.  for $40 difference in price you get $100 more value in features.

for the MIC - I'd suggest something like this on a tight budget:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/pro-audio/mxl-990-991-recording-microphone-package
this is about the same price as an SM58/58 and gives you TWO mics to use - one for vocals, one for acoustic (primarily - each have multiple uses).  but you DO need phantom power for either of them.

OR

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/pro-audio/mxl-v63m-condenser-studio-microphone-with-shockmount/273158000000000
this mic is a little better quality than the one above.  I've had both and this performs a little better.

will this give me a great and clear acoustic guitar with lots of volume and clear vocal sound with no hissing (as the pre-amps are good, so i think) and i can just plug it into a USB port?

jasonking


and i can just plug it into a USB port?


thanks

jason king

Depends on what you consider "great and clear".
The quality of the recordíng depends on your recording skills, studio acoustics and how much you're willing to spend on micropohone, and the quality of your guitar. You'll be able to do proper recordings with those, for sure.

Hi Jason - I answered this in the PM you sent, but since you posted it on the forum, I'll answer here for anyone reading the forum.  yes, the MXL990/991 is actually a good combo mic set for someone wanting to record vocals and acoustic guitar for the beginner.  it's priced right and I've had that combo before and it's worth the money.

and you are correct you would not have to "replace" the onboard soundcard in your computer, just connect the Lexicon to the computer via USB and you're good to go after changing some settings in MC.  however, you will need speakers or headphones connected to the Lexicon.

1) You need to select the Lexicon as your Recording and Playback timing master, as well as select it in input/output drivers windows in the Options dialogue.

2) According to the specs the Lexicon has a HI-Z input for plugging in guitar or bass directly.
In such a case you do need an amplifier emulating software like Amplitube, FreeAmp3, Guitar Rig or Studiodevil etc. etc. Otherwise you can only record a clean, "sterile" tone.

thank you all so much for your help. You have all made the decision making much easier for me.

jason