Cables Question

[Jeezy23]

Can I Plug a condenser microphone into the line in on a Alesis Multimix 8USB Mixer or do I have to go threw the Mic input....I allready have the cables to plug it into the line in but I need to know if I have to order the other cables

 

[MadAudio]

No you can't. Condensor mics require phantom power which cannot be supplied through a line input. You need a proper mic cable.

And perhaps reading the manuals for your gear would be a good idea.

 

[dgatwood]

You can't plug any microphone into a line input. That's why it isn't called a mic input....

(Yes, I know there are a few specialty mics designed for computer use with built-in preamps that plug into line inputs, but that's the exception that proves the rule.)

 

[MadAudio]

You can't plug any microphone into a line input. That's why it isn't called a mic input....

(Yes, I know there are a few specialty mics designed for computer use with built-in preamps that plug into line inputs, but that's the exception that proves the rule.)

I beg to differ. You certainly CAN plug a dynamic mic into a mixer's line input using an XLR->TS cable and have it work. It'll suck sonically, but it will work.

 

[dgatwood]

I beg to differ. You certainly CAN plug a dynamic mic into a mixer's line input using an XLR->TS cable and have it work. It'll suck sonically, but it will work.

If by "work" you mean "can barely be heard" then yeah. Well, I suppose you could turn up the gain everywhere else, in which case, by "work" it becomes "can barely be heard over the hiss".

 

[MadAudio]

If by "work" you mean "can barely be heard" then yeah. Well, I suppose you could turn up the gain everywhere else, in which case, by "work" it becomes "can barely be heard over the hiss".

Exactly. But my point is - don't speak in absolutes!

 

[TragikRemix]

ooh- a thought!

i know using the line inputs make it sound like absolute crap,

but!

what about using an XLR- Stereo TS (using 2), or even just XLR- TRS?? i wouldnt think that would sound AS bad, would it?'

not that i need to do that, but hey, in an emergency, would it be better that way?

 

[mshilarious]

what about using an XLR- Stereo TS (using 2), or even just XLR- TRS?? i wouldnt think that would sound AS bad, would it?'

not that i need to do that, but hey, in an emergency, would it be better that way?

The way to use a dynamic with a PC in an emergency is to get yourself an adaptor from Rat Shack, those have a transformer that boosts the level 20dB.

 

[TragikRemix]

i dont mean a PC, i dont even have one of those POS's

i mean like if i were to run out of mic inputs on a mixer or something at a gig.

 

[dgatwood]

The right answer for that emergency case is a cheap passive mixer for two of your dynamic mics. Just take a Y cable, cut it at the Y and wire it back together so that all three grounds are shorted together, but each of the two hot wires goes through about... a 5k or... maybe 1k resistor depending on whether these are high or low impedance mics. That way, each goes through 5k to the input, but 10k relative to the other mic. (Yes, I'm pulling numbers out of my @$$.) Solder it all together, wrap it in electric tape, and for about $4, you have a really cheap passive mixer.

 

[treymonfauntre]

i dont mean a PC, i dont even have one of those POS's

i mean like if i were to run out of mic inputs on a mixer or something at a gig.

i can't even tell you how many times i've thought about giving you negative rep but decided against it

 

[TragikRemix]

i can't even tell you how many times i've thought about giving you negative rep but decided against it

thanks.

but do you think it would hurt my feelings or something???

it's gotta be the PC cracks i'm always making, right?

just a little joking around, i have a couple PC's in my house, and i use it once in a blue moon.. not that i like it or anything...

lets not turn this into PC vs Mac.

If you have an extra $2k+, you get a mac. for a comparable result with a PC, it's about $1k, thats the general thing OK.