buzz from the mic plugged into the computer

[Chris07413]

i have been trying to make demos for my band using garageband and the mic input on my MacBook. I am pleased with the sound of my acoustic electric guitar and my yamaha digital piano plugged into the input. I can even hear it directly.

I wanted to record my voice too but i wasn't satisfied with the sound of the built in mic on the computer. I borrowed my friends Sm-58 and went and got a radio shack adapter to get a mic chord to go from XLR to 1/4. I then used another adapter to get the chord to fit in to the mic input.

The quality was pretty good, except there was a pretty loud buzz that i don't want to deal with. I tried putting a noise gate on the track but the buzz would just come up when the vocals came in.

Is the reason for the buzz because of all the adapters that I'm using, the computer...or what? I don't want to buy an interface.

Note-i also can borrow an MXL 900 and 901 but i didn't use them because i don't think i can get phantom power without a mixer or an interface.
THANKYOU!

 

[Toker41]

I would suggest a USB or FIREWIRE audio I/O rather than plugging into the 1/8 computer jacks. If you are short on funds, try looking at used ones on Ebay, or Craigslist. The most important investment you will make is the soundcard/interface.

 

[Anfontan]

You will definitely need a good sound card that is specifically for recording if you want to avoid the hums and distortion you are getting from the mic. I agree with Toker-that sound card is of major importance!!

 

[dodgeaspen]

Not sure why you are having that problem but when I tried my cheap mic I got noise that was horrible. I used my Sure Pg 48 and the noise was gone. Did you hock the mic in the front or back of the computer? I have the option of both.