Just made my account, I have a question, no idea where to post it.

  • Thread starter Thread starter AlexOverby
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AlexOverby

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So yeah, I am a COMPLETE AUDIO NOOB. I accidentally got the XLR version of my Audio Technica AT2020, and I waited too long to return it, so.. I'm stuck with it. I got an XLR to USB cable, but turns out it doesn't work on my system. What is the best thing I can buy thats not too expensive, that will allow me to connect my AT2020 XLR to my computer via USB. I will be recording with it. (I need it to work like an AT2020 USB would.) I don't have a lot of money, or desk space, so I don't need something that is too expensive or too big. I am posting this here because I am a complete audio noob and have no idea what I'm looking at when I google search my problem.

-Alex
 
AlexOverby said:
So yeah, I am a COMPLETE AUDIO NOOB. I accidentally got the XLR version of my Audio Technica AT2020, and I waited too long to return it, so.. I'm stuck with it. I got an XLR to USB cable, but turns out it doesn't work on my system. What is the best thing I can buy thats not too expensive, that will allow me to connect my AT2020 XLR to my computer via USB. I will be recording with it. (I need it to work like an AT2020 USB would.) I don't have a lot of money, or desk space, so I don't need something that is too expensive or too big. I am posting this here because I am a complete audio noob and have no idea what I'm looking at when I google search my problem.

-Alex
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You probably lucked out in the long run because USB mics have limitations.
Pairing a standard mic with an audio interface potentially gives you better quality audio, gain control, headphone output+speaker outputs, midi, direct monitoring, more inputs, better drivers, the option to use more/different mics etc etc.

There's an abundance of two channel USB audio interfaces out such as Tascam US122, Sternberg UR22, Presonus Audiobox, Focusrite 2i2.
Just google "2 channel USB audio interface" and see what else comes up.

You need something with XLR input (mic preamp) and phantom power. I'm not 100% sure if the above have phantom so, please, do check.

Hope that helps.
 
It certainly should. By "not a lot of money" do you mean $50 or $100 or $500?
There's a few you can check on. Just search for audio interface at GC or Sweetwater or Amazon or wherever you prefer to shop. Then sort low to high and start looking for one that meets your requirements. Come back here and make sure the one you're looking at isn't total garbage before you order and you'll come out smelling like the proverbial roses.
Happy Recording :D
 
I just saw I think at GC the Presonus Audiobox for like $75. It is a pretty decent box for that price.
 
The Audiobox goes for $100, but GC always has lots of used interfaces (including the aforementioned Steinberg and others) for under $100.

I think the new Tascam US322 might be the least expensive (new) interface with phantom power. $88 at GC.
 
Thanks guys! Will the Tascam US322 be able to work on Windows 8.1?
(Sorry, forgot to mention my OS!)
 
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