Connection HELP!

[Wonder Boy]

Okay, this is my first post, and I'm going to sound really hopless, so here goes. I really want to get into the recording world, and I have just been recording my music on a cheap $20 computer microphone! I THINK know what I need to buy. I would need a (condenser) microphone, mic preamp, phantom power and cables right? I really don't know what kind of computer I have . It has window XP on it. I have some simple recording software, (Magix Music maker). I need to know if I have the right kind of gear in mind, and if I do, how do I connect it to that little line in plug on the back of the computer???!!! Thanx for your time

 

[sowpunk]

Well on top of that you need to make sure your soundcard has a line-in port. If you have onboard sound you'll have to look into buying a soundcard.

That or get a USB/Firewire mixer. That'll have your Pre's and your phantom power in the one thing and connects to any computer. That'll be better for sound quality too.

 

[Wonder Boy]

I like the USB/Firewire option, it sounds easier to deal with. Is this this what your talking about? http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/MAudio-FireWire-Solo-Mobile-Audio-Interface?sku=701364 So if I get one of these things, I'm all set?

 

[Wonder Boy]

Never mind, I think I'm just going to get one of these

http://www.guitarcenter.com/shop/product?full_sku=703626

 

[Kevin Deschwazi]

The Firewire solo is an interface so you won't be relying on your onboard sound for conversion. I'm not sure it has phantom power though.

The audiobuddy is just a mic pre (and not a great one) so you'd still be relying on onboard sound.

What's you budget for this? How many inputs do you need?

Edit: I checked, the firewire solo DOES have phantom power, I was thinking of their really cheap USB interface.

 

[banddomain]

I'm not all that familiar with the M-Audio MXL 990/991 and Audio Buddy Package but it looks like it gives a lot of bang for the buck.

 

[TelePaul]

id look for a sound card bundled with a sequencer....maybe a tascam us 122 or presonus firebox? They come with Cubase LE i'm pretty sure. Itd vastly improve the quality of your stock soundcard. Also, find out your computers spec by going to start, run, and type dxdiag.

 

[daav]

check out reaper as a software free to try out, with full functionality and pretty easy to use. I just tried it out the otehr day and it is 1000% easier than cubase was for me at first.

Daav

 

[Wonder Boy]

The Firewire solo is an interface so you won't be relying on your onboard sound for conversion. I'm not sure it has phantom power though.

The audiobuddy is just a mic pre (and not a great one) so you'd still be relying on onboard sound.

What's you budget for this? How many inputs do you need?

Edit: I checked, the firewire solo DOES have phantom power, I was thinking of their really cheap USB interface.

Well, I only need one input at a time (it's only me) I have a really low budeget, around $300!

 

[Kevin Deschwazi]

Well, I only need one input at a time (it's only me) I have a really low budeget, around $300!

In that case the m Audio firewire interface you linked to would probably be one of your better options. I've not used that particular unit but I've used a lot of M Audio stuff and they generally make very good entry level gear.

I've not heard good thngs about that MXL mic but I haven't used it myself. The Audio Technica AT2020 is around the same price and is a decent mic for the money. Ditto on the Studio projects B1 which would probably cost around $20 more.