help!

[YOUNG K9]

I just bought a shure sm58 mic and I need to know how to connect it to my computer...This is the cable I have to connect with...

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/.../base_id/41001

and need to know where in the hell i connect this damn thing in my computer. Its a 3-prong device and my soundcard (soundblaster live) has a regular size mic-in source. what attachment do I need so I can plug the mic into my computer.....

please help me!

[Slackmaster2K]

You need an XLR->1/4" transformer/adapter, and then a 1/4" -> 1/8" adapter. It'll all be big and bulky and put a lot of stress on your soundblaster...not to mention that the soundblaster's built in mic preamp doesn't sound stellar. Your best bet is an external microphone preamp that'll run into the line in port on your soundblaster....something like the m-Audio Audio Buddy can give you two channels for $79 or so....I kind of like the ART Tube MP, a single channel for about $99....there are a zillion of these things. If you're initial thought is "no way" because of the extra money, realize that the transformer will cost you $25 already - money better put towards a preamp.

Slackmaster 2000

[charliedango]

Well the cable itself is XLR meaning exchanging line recepticle.
It won't plug into anything but an XLR jack. Of course you probably know this already by now.

You will need to get an adapter that converts XLR into the "regular size" jack on your soundcard. If you shop around you can find adapters for pretty much anything.

[YOUNG K9]

thanks for the help...i just got the audio buddy, now i need to know how to connect the damn thang to my soundcard...lol...anybody know how?

[Slackmaster2K]

One option is to buy a 1/4" Y cable...it should have two mono male 1/4" ends and one stereo 1/4" end. You'll plug the stereo 1/4" into the line in port using a stereo 1/4" to 1/8" adapter. You'll plug the male mono ends into the outputs of the audio buddy.

Another Y cable option is the same as above, but using a cable with two mono FEMALE ends. To plug them into the audio buddy you'd just use a short patch cable or gender bender (male coupler). Doing it this way would allow you to easily plug other sources into the soundcard without messing with a lot of cables.

The nice thing about the Y cable option is that you'll be able to record two channels simultaneously (e.g. stereo left + right = two channels).

There are a million ways of doing this...all adapters and cables can be found at your local music store, or as a last resort, radio snack.

Slackmaster 2000