theguitarguy
New member
What sort of adaptor(s) do I need to look for in order to connect from an SM58 mic to the microphone-in jack on a typical computer? I'm sure Radio Shack would have something, but what do I ask for?
DonF
Call Me "Grandpa"
While you could use a shielded cable with a female XLR on one end and a 1/8" miniature phone plug on the other end (with XLR pins 1 and 3 connected to the sleeve and XLR pin 2 connected to the tip of the phone plug), you would most likely be disappointed with the results.
The mic inputs on most computer soundcards are not designed for high-quality audio performance. Don't expect the guy at RS to know or care about this.
Many people find that an external mic preamp, such as the M-Audio DMP-3, connected to the LINE input with a suitable "Y" cable, works well.
Don
The mic inputs on most computer soundcards are not designed for high-quality audio performance. Don't expect the guy at RS to know or care about this.
Many people find that an external mic preamp, such as the M-Audio DMP-3, connected to the LINE input with a suitable "Y" cable, works well.
Don
LfO
New member
The out from the SM58 is XLR - you should be able to find an XLR-1/4 inch cable, or you can get a standard XLR cable. From there, you'll need either a 1/4 inch to 1/8 inch adapter, or a XLR to 1/8 inch adapter, depending on which cable you get. They may refer to any of the connection-types by other names, but these terms should get you where you need to be. Of course, unless you get a really incompetent employee, they should understand you're question as phrased in your post here.
[EDIT] Alas, beaten to the punch
[EDIT] Alas, beaten to the punch
theguitarguy
New member
First off, thanks to both people replying. Quick research on the pre-amp gizmo looks like it's in the neighborhood of $150, and I'm trying to "cheap" my way out at least for the moment. Will any appreciable amount of help come from tweaking the mic settings on my computer? If I do not get the pre-amp, is my input sound just going to be too weak to bother with?
I have a built-in pickup on my accoustic guitar, and I'm recording with SoundForge and getting excellent (to my ear) recording quality for the instrument. Vocal is the problem at present.
I have a built-in pickup on my accoustic guitar, and I'm recording with SoundForge and getting excellent (to my ear) recording quality for the instrument. Vocal is the problem at present.
DonF
Call Me "Grandpa"
You should be able to get sound from the microphone into your computer. I told you (as did LfO) what you'll need to do the job. I added some additional information to help you along. This was in no way meant to imply that you should not try connecting the SM57 to the mic input. Just trying to manage your expectations a bit.theguitarguy said:
Cheers,
Don
tc4b
Yeah I been drinkin, SO!?
Seems like for the price of all those connectors you could just buy a cheap mike at RS or a computer store than has a 1/8" jack. I don't think it would sound worse than what you're suggesting.
LfO
New member
Perhaps - but what's the point of buying a much crappier mic for $15 instead of a cable and adapters for about the same price? At least the cable/adapters could be useful down the road...
theguitarguy
New member
tc4b said:
Been there, done that, and the sound is so cruddy and underpowered that it is basically useless - hence my questions here.
I'm still not completely clear on whether, in your experience, a cable with XLR on one end and 1/8" mini phono plug (correct terms?) on the other, either with or without tweaking of sound card settings, will produce results appreciably better than the cheap mic I was using before. Obviously, using a M-Audio DMP-3 (or comparable) would provide better results -- but at a considerably higher cost.
rayc
retroreprobate
Your setting your sites too low being willing to accept the sound quality from a mic in connector on your sound card.
For all you stuffing around trying to get what you'll end up hating you could save for, borrow etc a cheap preamp on eBay, or buy an old 4track cassette machine & use the pres in it.
Your mic is way out of the range of your connection options.
I tried a cheap/generic mic into the mic in ONCE & that was enough to convince me to wait for a relatively minor equipment upgrade.
Even running your mic into an old stereo amp that has a mic input & then an RCA to 1/8" stereo plug Y cable from the Line or Rec Out into the stereo line in of your sound card would see you lightyears ahead of what you are planning.
Almost ALL of my gear is old, 2nd hand, modified or cheap. It can be done.
Cheers
rayC
For all you stuffing around trying to get what you'll end up hating you could save for, borrow etc a cheap preamp on eBay, or buy an old 4track cassette machine & use the pres in it.
Your mic is way out of the range of your connection options.
I tried a cheap/generic mic into the mic in ONCE & that was enough to convince me to wait for a relatively minor equipment upgrade.
Even running your mic into an old stereo amp that has a mic input & then an RCA to 1/8" stereo plug Y cable from the Line or Rec Out into the stereo line in of your sound card would see you lightyears ahead of what you are planning.
Almost ALL of my gear is old, 2nd hand, modified or cheap. It can be done.
Cheers
rayC
