What is a "line-in" microphone?

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fig hesychastic

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Basically, I just want to know what it looks like and where it plugs in. I read that when recording, USB mics can use more RAM and cause sound delay, whereas line-in mics do not cause sound delay. I can attest to this because when playing the guitar along to a certain track in audacity, even when I know my tempo is correct, the end result may sometimes be slightly off in tempo, or just sound weird and not where it fit at all. That happened when I was using a USB mic.

I bought a crappy "recording" pack a while back, it came with a microphone, some headphones, a USB mini-b 5 pin cable for computer compatibility, and an XLR cable, something I have no use for because I don't have the equipment to utilize it with, and my financial situation does not allow me access to that equipment. I didn't take good care of it, and the 5 pin cable bent somehow and doesn't work anymore.

SO OVERALL WHAT I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW

Does a USB microphone cause sound delay when recording due to extra RAM usage unlike a line-in mic? Where does the line-in plug in etc.

Also also also, any free recording software recommendations, mic recommendations, what I should use with an XLR cable, electronic equipment would be greatly appreciated. Thank you very very much for reading.

And yes I did google line-in microphones and found no useful information or anything I could understand.
 
I've not heard of that term "line-in microphones" before...but I think it's someone's lack of audio terminology understaning, mixed with computer-lingo...and they are possibly referring to the mic/line-in mini-jack on a computer VS using the USB connection.

Personally...both options sound like ass if you are trying to do any serious recording, and the proper way is to get/use an A/D interface with a preamp...and then take that XLR cable, stick a proper mic on one end, and plug the other into your preamp...then into your interface (or if the interface has a built-in preamp, you are good to go).
 
Lack of audio terminology understanding, I agree. What exactly is this A/D interface with a preamp?
 
Alright, thank you. Once I plug a microphone into one of those gadgets and hit record, where does the sound go, how do I manipulate it, etc. I don't know a damn thing about your electrical whimsy wobblies.
 
Any delay you are getting when using a USB mic is due to settings in your software and the drivers used. This is called 'latency'. Do some reading.
 
Reactions:

- Agree with the others that if someone uses the phrase "line-in mic" in telling you what you want, the phrase suggest he doesn't know what he's talking about. I'm guessing the intended meaning is a mic with a 1/8" phone plug on it, intended to plug into the typical computer soundcard jack. It's possible that it's intended to be a reference to anything other than a USB mic. The term most people use to describe such a device is "a mic."

- Switching may or may not help with the latency issue. In any event, it almost certainly won't eliminate it. If you read up, you can find out lots about latency, most of which doesn't bear repeating here. However, one sligtlly elaborate note specific to your situation:

There are two ways latency creates a problem: (i) difficulty monitoring as you record due to hearing your live signal delayed and (ii) out-of-sync tracks. There are various ways to deal with the first. The second is fairly neatly fixed by almost all recording software. Most packages do this automatically; in Audacity, you need to set up the latency compensation manually. The help file / manual explains how to do this.

- There are many mics, and many ways to set up the equipment that gets the mic's signal into your computer. Putting aside the latency issue, a mic that plugs into a soundcards 1/8" jack could sound better than your USB mic (depending on unknowns such as exactly what USB mic you have, as well as what soundcard and what hypothetical "line-in mic" you're imagining), but is more likely to be worse.

- On the more general questions, you're going to do much better reading a book or the online equivalent, rather than just asking in a forum "Tell me how to do music recording?" The books (and equivalents) have been thoughtfully written and edited by people who are paid experts in writing and editing, so as to be accurate, complete and easily understood, with the information presented in an understandable sequence. That's less the case with random people writing on a bulletin board.
 
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Ok so REAPER is a free software that you can use. Also just get a cheap interface, most of the 1 or 2 input ones come with mic/line inputs(mic= XLR. Line=1/4 in.) standard, as well as preamps and phantom power(used to power condenser mics). M-audio Fast track pro is a good interface for about 150$ new. I got mine used for 90$.
 
m.g. eddie said:
Ok so REAPER is a free software that you can use.
Click to expand...

He means it's free for the month or so trial (fully operational). After that they expect you to be a good boy as you should and pay $40 for the program! Although some people regretfully do continue "evaluating" it for free.

We here at HR would never advocate stealing Reaper's rightful profits ;)
 
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