phantom power

so what is a good brand to buy? I saw a cheap beringer phantom power box for $39.99. what cables do I need for it and how do I hook it to my computer? can I hook it up with out a mixer. I have a mic cable for my dynamic mic that hooks directly into my interface. could plug the condensor mic into the phantom power and the phantom power into the audio interface? thanks Kevin

ART Tube pre-amps are excellent value for money.

http://www.gear4music.com/Recording-and-Computers/ART-Tube-MP-Studio-V3-Mic-Preamp/1GV

just checked out the combo MXL990/991 for $99. looks awesome. I will probably go with the set.

ORIGINAL: Malakidreams

so what is a good brand to buy? I saw a cheap beringer phantom power box for $39.99. what cables do I need for it and how do I hook it to my computer? can I hook it up with out a mixer. I have a mic cable for my dynamic mic that hooks directly into my interface. could plug the condensor mic into the phantom power and the phantom power into the audio interface? thanks Kevin

I have one and it works. You need two mic cables, From the box, one to your interface and one to your powered mic.

If you are looking at the 990/991 set, I would definitely consider the Xenyx802.
Phantom power for both mics, plus some EQ is available with the mixer.
Understand that the mixer is serving to power the mics. You can isolate them by panning them hard left and right, and send the output to mono tracks.
It may be a bit tricky to wrap your head around it, but it offers a fairly strong package.

keneds, so cable from mic to box. then cable frm box to interface?

alot of good reviews

Mic with XLR cable to XLR input on mixer or Audio Buddy; line out of mixer/Audio Buddy to line in of interface. You're basically putting it in line with your current mic routing.

If your mic has an XLR cable (XLR on both ends), plug it into the mixer/ audio buddy. If the mixer/audio buddy has an XLR output, connect that to the Fast Track's XLR input. If there is no XLR output, use the line out from the mixer/audio buddy to line in of the Fast Track. Make sure you buy any extra cables before you leave the store. You may need another XLR cable or more RCA cords.

yes, it has phantom power
no it does not have a tube

I'm not using the ST55, so I can't comment on it. I don't think I remember specifically anyone who does use sterlings, but I know some people on the forums have used them before. I can't recall any complaints about them.

Kevin, this is really only an opinion, but I have the mxl990, and for my purposes, it is fine. Very clear and clean, no problems, seems to be well built, all of that. I don't have and have never used the sterling model, but I would guess it is a "get what you pay for" type of thing. A two hundred dollar mike should be of a better quality that a one hundred dollar mike, even better than a fifty, or twenty, etc. And this guy is in the business of making a sale, so, his opinion is suspect from that angle. What do you need? Bass cut and decible increase can be accomplished in the program, not needed in the mic, but having the extra option/switch/accessory etc., is always a good thing. Less noise, I am not sure about that, since he is not quoting a noise to signal ratio, and maybe they are pretty close, maybe not, but I get very little noise from any of my mics, including the shure's that are over thirty years old. The tube amp might have a warmer sound but there was a recent discussion about tube pre amps here that suggest maybe small, cheap, utility type pre amps may not provide the sound they espouse, simply because the tube is never utilized as it needs to be to get that sound.
If you are setting up a professional studio, you pay for the best mics. If you are recording at home, you get the best you can afford, but within a budget.
Again, just opinions
Later
Albert

thanks, my main concern is the vocals. I am plugging direclty in for the bass and the guitar.

I don't have anything posted with vocals, but I have used the 990 to record my daughter and her friends. The 991 is not so well suited for vocals. Even though the track I have posted is with an acoustic guitar, it should give you an idea of what to expect from the 990.

Im thinking I should save up alittle more and get something I wont have to upgrade anytime soon.

thanks everyone. So is the Xenyx802 a very decent preamp.