Using better mics/audio input devices for RB...

[tf5_bassist]

So, since my escapade at the local Best Buy a few days ago (where I *finally* sang a few songs, including "Tom Sawyer" and "Say It Ain't So", which was a blast!), I'm contemplating switching mics, due to the RB mic cable loosening, and cutting out.

My question is this... I own a Shure SM58 mix (xlr cable, of course), and an M-Audio Fast Track Pro audio input device... Since RB supports all USB mics, would it possibly also support USB audio input devices? If I plugged my SM58 into the FastTrack Pro, and then USB to the hub on the xbox, would it work? Any devs have any clues?

[Apples]

Where is Chris Canfield when you need him? :D

[tf5_bassist]

Maybe I need to send him another PM (that's what I did for the strum bar thread lol). :D

[Electric_Zen]

Hey, tf5, if you don't mind, I'd like to share this thread with you. I have my own mic-related questions, but they don't deserve their own thread.

First off, now is the time for me to go shopping for a USB headset mic. Does anyone have any recommendations?

Second, there are several songs (Gimme Shelter, Epic, etc.) I would like to sing duet-style. Two mics for a single vocal track on band play. Tf5's FastTrack Pro would certainly do the trick, but I wonder if there is a cheaper approach to accomplishing this.

And I guess the longshot Harmonix question is, if you have two mics plugged into separate USB ports, but only one vocalist, will it accept inputs from either mic?

[tf5_bassist]

Nah, no worries, this can just be a technical questions mic thread.


Second, there are several songs (Gimme Shelter, Epic, etc.) I would like to sing duet-style. Two mics for a single vocal track on band play. Tf5's FastTrack Pro would certainly do the trick, but I wonder if there is a cheaper approach to accomplishing this.

If this is possible, then in theory, you can take your Singstar setup and plug that into the USB port. The Singstar USB audio adapter is just a stereo USB audio input and one mic takes left channel, and one mic takes right. I believe you can use any mic with an 1/8" jack on this, as well, most mics should fit into the adapter despite the fact that the mics have a slightly different-shaped plug to snap into place.

I have a feeling there will be some VERY creative audio setups that we'll be seeing... And I'm gonna' be waiting either for an answer on the FastTrack Pro question, or will be trying it in 8 days. :D

[Electric_Zen]

The Singstar USB audio adapter is just a stereo USB audio input and one mic takes left channel, and one mic takes right.

That sounds like what I'm looking for, although I don't own Singstar. When I search for USB audio adapters on Google, I just find setups that take a USB mic input, and convert to digital output. Let me know if you see anything that would probably work with Rock Band.

[HMXChrisCanfield]

If I plugged my SM58 into the FastTrack Pro, and then USB to the hub on the xbox, would it work?

<p>Maybe not? I've never used a Fast Track Pro before, but it sounds like it requires driver installation. Other setups that don't require installation ought to work, but I wouldn't run out and buy anything fancy until things are in the wild.

</p><p>But hey: ask the guys at Best Buy if you can plug it in, then let us know if it works or not.

</p><p>P.S. - The RB mic is pretty robust until you start pulling on the cord. Doing windmills with the cord isn't healthy for it, and is probably what caused the issues you saw. I wouldn't worry too much about the mic not holding up in a real environment, so long as you don't constantly swing it around like an Indiana Jones of Rock.</p>

[Quastor]

P.S. - The RB mic is pretty robust until you start pulling on the cord. Doing windmills with the cord isn't healthy for it, and is probably what caused the issues you saw. I wouldn't worry too much about the mic not holding up in a real environment, so long as you don't constantly swing it around like an Indiana Jones of Rock.

Well, I'll just have to glue to mic into a mic stand then. Sad that we can't play Indiana Jones though... :(

[tf5_bassist]

<p>Maybe not? I've never used a Fast Track Pro before, but it sounds like it requires driver installation. Other setups that don't require installation ought to work, but I wouldn't run out and buy anything fancy until things are in the wild.

</p><p>But hey: ask the guys at Best Buy if you can plug it in, then let us know if it works or not.

</p><p>P.S. - The RB mic is pretty robust until you start pulling on the cord. Doing windmills with the cord isn't healthy for it, and is probably what caused the issues you saw. I wouldn't worry too much about the mic not holding up in a real environment, so long as you don't constantly swing it around like an Indiana Jones of Rock.</p>

Well, I do know that the FastTrack Pro works in XP/OS X without drivers. Whether the 360 can autodetect it, i don't know. However, something like the singstar device, the Griffin iMic, and other similar 1/8" audio input devices should work. I might pop on over to BB in the next few days and see if they'll let me plug in my input and a mic. I'll also take the Singstar setup to see if that works.

And I figured the mics weren't that delicate, I know that stuff gets abused like crazy at a store, but in actuality, I just REALLY like the SM58 a LOT more than the RB mic, no offense of course. :)

[The_Vampire_Lestat]

I wouldn't worry too much about the mic not holding up in a real environment, so long as you don't constantly swing it around like an Indiana Jones of Rock.</p>

But... Indiana Jones is awesome.