If anyone is interested in a good and economical solution for recording tunes on their whistle, I have a suggestion for you.
I purchased a microphone and stand from Radio Shack today, both for under $20.
The microphone is Cat.#: 33-3021 and the stand is Cat.#: 33-370.
The microphone is on sale right now $10 off the regular price of $19.99 so hurry if you’re interested.
The microphone has a 60-16,000Hz response so it picks up the low D just fine, and it doesn’t sound overloaded even when playing my Generation Eb in the 2nd octave.
While this probably wouldn’t be the setup of choice for anyone recording professionally, it’s quite nice for someone like myself who just wants to get some tunes recorded without the background noise and distortion associated with most cheap microphones.
http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog_name=CTLG&category_name=&product_id=33-3021
Thanks for the tip!
glauber
#1 It’s low impedence and will sound fuller and better into a portable recorder with an low/high impedence converter (about $15). For tune-learning purposes, it will sound OK the way it is.
#2 The output plug is 1/4 inch. You need an adapter to get it into a portable. I STRONGLY recommend a right-angle adapter, so as to put less strain on the microphone input jack. If THAT pull out of its connection, you will have a @#$%^ of a time repairing it.
#3 At that price buy two and buy a dual-microphone clip. If Radio Snack doesn’t have one, finding an adapter cable might be tough, though.
#4 At that price buy several and give them away for X-mas!
#5 Test them out in the store before you take them home.
Another nice, cheap set is available through Musician’s Friend: <a href=http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/sid=031117141250024035096172832029/g=rec/s=mics/search/detail/base_pid/277031/>Nady SP1 Microphone and Stand Package. It comes with a microphone, 20 foot cable and adjustable boom mic stand. I have been using it with my computer which has a Sound Blaster Audigy Platinum-EX and it has done fine. It came with a low impedience cable so I had to find an adapter (radio shack had one for under $10). to the 1/4 inch jack into the external sound port, but the low-imped does produce less distortion. I haven’t used it with a sound system yet, (I’m to chicken to perform with a mike). To many Toys, toys, toys … what I need is Practice, Practice, Practice.
My last postings to Tin whistle tunes was done using this setup. I especially like the boom mike stand.