a couple of questions

[dulcigirl]

I know GOD Im so new I squeak - Im great with a computer - so my problem is the OTHER stuff - I got a used zoom MRS-4 and a the companion mrt-3 drum machine

I have read the manual - about 30 times - I haven't hooked up the drum machine - I have tried to record and I get all this static - and I can barely hear my instrument - please don't laugh - I hooked up my computer microphone - do I need a different one? Is this causing all the noise?

the manual has specific instructions for guitar but what if I am using a mic as I have an acoustic instrument with vocals - Do I need to have something in both input jacks? Or just the one. Do I need a monitoring system or can I just use headphones?

Its sad when you can't even get past the VERY first part of the manual - any help would be greatly appreciated!!!

[KineticSound]

Originally Posted by dulcigirl

I have tried to record and I get all this static - and I can barely hear my instrument - please don't laugh - I hooked up my computer microphone - do I need a different one? Is this causing all the noise?

If your "computer mic" is like 99% of those on the market currently, it's wired differently from what your Zoom is expecting. Most computer mics are on a mini-TRS plug (tip / ring / sleeve) that is providing power in addition to signal and ground. The Zoom is looking for either a balanced or unbalanced mic signal.

Even a cheap mic will work OK with the Zoom to get started. If you purchase a mic with an XLR connection (three little prongs on the bottom of the mic), then an XLR-to-1/4" cable will do the trick for connecting it to the Zoom.

Do you need a monitoring system? Well, technically that just indicates a method of listening to what you've recorded, but I think you mean to ask, "Do I need studio monitors?" Eventually, you'll want them. Can you get by with headphones while starting out? Yes.

On your input question, the "instrument" jack setting on the Zoom refers to an impedance change for one input if you plug an electric guitar or bass directly into it, as the signals from instruments carry a different type of impedance load than mic's do. If you want to record the guitar with a mic, you would set it up the same way as if you were singing into the mic. For this, either use two microphones (voice and guitar) or simply record them in two different passes.

P.S. The next task is picking a microphone. Since the Zoom does not have any method of transferring phantom power for microphones (and I doubt you want to purchase a preamp at this point... but you might), you might want to start with a nice quality dynamic microphone. You might start with a Shure SM-57 or SM-58.

If you can spend a few extra dollars on a preamp, perhaps a cheap little ART TubeMP, then you could add any type of condenser mic you like; perhaps an AT-2020, KSM-27, or MXL 990s.

[dulcigirl]

THANKS! okay I got a microphone - not a brilliant one - but it will get me started - I plugged it in and it worked - thanks for the suggestions! It was great to know that at least I was doing it right - just didn't have all the right equipment. So Im off! Once I know what I am doing - I will probably upgrade - I figured the MRS-4 from all accounts was basic and simple enough to get me started - and I could learn as I went along - thanks for your kind suggestions - and thanks for not laughing - although Im sure you were smiling as you read this