Microphone

Yeah, another topic about microphones and recording. So basically my dad promised me a microphone for Christmas this year, and I think he's all excited because I did decent on my SATs so I guess he's willing to spend a little extra on this gift. He asked me if I preferred:

this or this.

I was wondering if anyone knew anything about these microphones and anything about the 3-pin XLR's and some good/cheap/decent convertor that'll allow me to hook it up to my computer via USB or anything. Of course, I think it might have been Irock that mentioned the Blue Yeti, and I'm thinking I could just ask for that and ask for the difference in cash >> Any thoughts?

Question: What are you using this microphone for?

Mostly just recording guitar and maybe other instruments if I ever get around to it and vocal recording, maybe. P: Mainly the guitar, though.

I actually have that Shure mic and it works beautifully for instruments, I've never recorded vocals into it though but for acoustic/electric guitar, ukulele, and even bass it records pretty well. It does pick up air conditioners sometimes though which is a little frustrating but I think every mic would. I have no knowledge on the first brand though so it may or may not be a better choice, but the Shure is definitely great.

EDIT: A foam cover for wind protection is also a great investment btw

Where you record into, by the way? And wind protection...? ?_?

It records all around itself, but the "top" is the best bet.

Wind Protection
Also gets rid of that dreadful breath noise if you blow into the mic.

Oh no, I meant like what actually takes the output of the microphone for you and then saves it somewhere? Do you do it straight into your computer? Or some other type of contraption?

Thanks for the info on the wind protection thing, too If you don't mind doing a vocal test and recording it for me/ALL OF RMRK, it'd be well appreciated :3

Oh right well I just use a basic 4channel mixer from Yamaha and then run it through logic.
And I totally would but I'm not in the studio.
Totally plugging my band here but if you really want to hear the quality you can listen to Suck My Dick (Through headphones of course, don't want to disturb the family ;o)
http://www.myspace.com/thestarscreamers/music
The guitars were recorded through that mic, the "singing" was through a Seinnheiser. The drums were just a shitty basic set in logic. Keep in mind that this song was mastered (poorly although) so the instrument sound quality you might get may be a little less clean. Nothing you can't fix though.

EDIT: Also we don't have wind protection on our Shure, but it works wonders on the vocal mic, I'm sure it would help out for others.

If it says "Cardiod," it records like this.

Anyway, here's a great article that you may have already read: http://homerecording.about.com/od/microphones101/a/mic_types.htm
Mics have applications. If you're trying to find a mic that will do it all ... good luck.

A small diaphragm condenser will work perfectly for acoustic guitar.
For vocals ... the condenser will probably still work for you, but the Shure SM58 is pretty much the legendary end-all vocal microphone.

Hmmm going by with what you both said, I think I'll try out the condenser microphone. It seems like it'll be suited well for the acoustic guitar, and that's mainly what it's for. And it can do vocals, I guess, so it shouldn't be bad. Plus, if I ever decide to get a vocal microphone, I could just get that Shure SM58 so it's likeee yeahhhh. P:

And I've seen that article before, but it's so hard to about.com sometimes, lol. Sometimes they're just way off so it's likeee... yehhh