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Forums :: Gear

Recording microphone for computer

3 replies [Last post]
Thu, 06/04/2026 - 02:19
Der Dicke
Der Dicke's picture
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Level 4
Joined: 12/20/2020

Good morning everyone,

 I have started recording "My Blues" from level 5 but found that the octaves and two note combos when played through an amp are bringing the iPhone mic to its limits. When played they sound pretty unpleasant.

 I am wondering if a microphone with USB to record directly to the computer is something that someone has experience with.

Comments and/or recommendations would be much appreciated.

Greetings from a German in Canada :)

Frank

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Mon, 06/08/2026 - 17:15
#1
UkuleleRob65
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Level 8
Joined: 06/06/2014
Mic suggestions

Frank,

I have used a Shure MV5 directly into my iPhone, but a few years ago set up so that I could record into GarageBand on my Apple laptop via mixing one or another of my vocal mics and one or another of my harp mics through a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 audio interface/mixer. Well worth setting up. I can run vocal mic, harp, and backing tracks off Amazing Slow Downer to record study songs, samples for bands, etc. Also use the set-up for live performance in Zoom groups.

I believe the MV5 can be plugged directly into a computer, using the computer's sound circuit, but that leaves the issue of mixing a backing track. Assume it can be done, however.

Anyway, it's possible Shure has discontinued the MV5, but whatever they have these days most be OK.

Let us all know what you end up with.

Ukulele Rob plays Hohner™ harmonicas customized by Kinya Pollard, The HarpSmith™

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Tue, 06/09/2026 - 07:41
#2
Der Dicke
Der Dicke's picture
Offline
Level 4
Joined: 12/20/2020
Mic suggestions

Hi Rob,

thank you for your reply!

I guess I will be checking out Garage Band. I have it on my iPad, so that should work as well.

From what I red, this should help with "room bleed" if set up correctly.

 

Thank you,

Frank

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Wed, 06/10/2026 - 12:53
#3
UkuleleRob65
UkuleleRob65's picture
Offline
Level 8
Joined: 06/06/2014
Garageband

Frank:

For certain, check out Frank Rabeler's and David's lesson here on the site re using GarageBand: https://www.bluesharmonica.com/recording_garageband_mac

Takes a bit to get the hang of recording with a backing track (I'm still learning stuff), and may work best with a combo mixer/audio interface, but well worth acquiring the skills and gear. Not just for submitting LOA study song recordings, but perhaps more importantly for hearing what you actually sound like. Your own recordings will be a great teaching tool.

-Rob

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