Does a Shure SM58 to computer need a preamp?

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rattusgoo

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Hello,
This is my first time posting here, I can't seem to find a straightforward answer to this question no matter where I look on the internet. I'm about to buy a Shure SM58 to use with my desktop computer. My question is, "Is it necessary to use a preamp in the line before it gets to the computer"? Or, can I get by with just hooking the xlr to a 1/4" then to a 1/8" then to the sound card? This is my sound card http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829102003 It is capable of having a +20dB Boost. As I understand it even the +20bB Boost will create some noise because of higher gain but I'm not using this mic for anything too serious. So, if I can get by without a preamp then I will. I understand it is optimal to have a preamp, but my question is if it is necessary. ie will I have to be yelling at the top of my lungs in the mic for it to pick up or will the difference be fairly negligible? Thank you in advance to anyone that replies with an answer, I really appreciate your help.
 
The SM58 needs somewhere in the neighborhood of 50db of gain.

You will be yelling at the top o your lungs to make this work.


You can get a proper recording soundcard with suitable built in preamps for not a lot of money. The soundblaster stuff is designed for gaming, listening to movies and talking on Skype. If that's the kind of thing you are doing, get a computer mic. That is the type of mic that the card you have was designed to work with.
 
You have a bigger problem than lack of a preamp. Your soundcard was not designed for audio recording, it was designed for games, and it's not even a very good one for that. If you want to get into the computer just for voicevers (we're not talking about critical vocals, here), you'd be better going in by the USB pot and bypassing the sound card altogether.
Try this- it'll adapt whatever mics you want, including condensers for USB:

http://www.8thstreet.com/product.asp?ProductCode=44712&Category=Audio_Interfaces

Is it a great preamp? No. But it beats the hell out of that Soundblaster. Good luck-Richie
 
Richard Monroe said:
You have a bigger problem than lack of a preamp. Your soundcard was not designed for audio recording, it was designed for games, and it's not even a very good one for that. If you want to get into the computer just for voicevers (we're not talking about critical vocals, here), you'd be better going in by the USB pot and bypassing the sound card altogether.
Try this- it'll adapt whatever mics you want, including condensers for USB:

http://www.8thstreet.com/product.asp?ProductCode=44712&Category=Audio_Interfaces

Is it a great preamp? No. But it beats the hell out of that Soundblaster. Good luck-Richie
Click to expand...

neat lil gadget there Richie....could I expect decent results if I were to pair that with the best LDC for recording rap vocals for under $150?
 
As long as you expect less than $150 for your rap vocals, you're good to go, Thajeremy.-Richie
 
I've got a M-audio Mobilepre I can sell you. Great interface. You might need a little more gain, but i'd expect it to be as good if not better than the other listed above. It has two different inputs as well, and it offers 1/4 inch cable ports for instruments if you ever needed to as well.

They sell for like $65 shipped used.
 
Thanks for all the advice guys. Yeah, I know my sound card is pretty pathetic. I'm a college student so money can be pretty tight. I have looked into the Blue icicle and was wondering if this is much better than other similar products like the MXL USB Mic Mate? If they are roughly the same I'd get the cheaper of the two, or if maybe there is another cheaper option that I don't know about? I don't anticipate ever needing to use condenser mics so phantom power is not necessary.
All microphones I've used prior to this (which does not include professional quality by any means) have been of cheap construction and have disappointed me in the durability department. This is why I arrived at the SM58, it seems to be very rugged and capable of lasting decades. However, if there exists a "computer mic" that has these qualities I would appreciate suggestions. I'm not sure what differentiates a computer mic from a non computer mic and only got the term from one of the posters that was kind enough to respond to my original question. Headset mics are not acceptable as I have headphones that I am unwilling to give up and I find it cumbersome to wear both headphones and a headset mic. This leaves me with desktop microphones. I chose the SM58 because if I ever need to use it away from the computer I could and because of its popularity it seems to have a fairly good resale value in case I ever need to sell it. I'm a real noob when it comes to audio hardware so any advice you guys might have would be very welcome. Thanks a lot!
 
I have never heard a computer mic that does not suck. That's a good deal he's offering you on the mobilepre. At that price, I'd pounce on it, if I were you.-Richie
 
you could try normalize the tracks in software and see how bad the hiss is. It may be kind of a hassle to do every time though. Or juszt wait and see if you need a pre once you get the mic. I stopped using a preamp a couple years ago. I've got a quiet converter and like the straight in sound. Micing my amp there's usually more than enough signal. I just normalize everything most of the time anyhow. My only pre is a M-Audio delta so it's not like I'm leaving gold on the rack.
 
rattusgoo said:
I don't anticipate ever needing to use condenser mics so phantom power is not necessary.
Click to expand...


hee hee hee... love it when someone makes this kind of statement!! :D Let me tell you right now, Gear Aquisition is a slippery slope down into a long and dark nether world. It's a drug from which you will never be able to break yourself free. :eek:

It starts with a guitar or simple keyboard with midi. From there, it doesn't stop.

Anyways, what do you plan to use the mic for?? Guitar and vocals, voiceover, MC or rapping?? I think you can find some USB mics that are cheaper than the 58. Try going through this list:

http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.co...pro-audio?N=100001+338409&Ns=P_Price|0&rpp=20

Have fun and welcome to the site.
 
Dears,

My first post on this site and on an existing old topic as didn't wanted to create a double one.

I just got my SM58 and did plugged it in my line in without any preamp to test it, did tried to record and expected to get a weak signal after reading this, but was surprised when i saw that it is pretty strong, even distorted.

Is there any other way to level it before computer except using a preamp/mixer?

Btw I'm using XLR to 3.5 mm jack cable.

Thanx in advance,
Bobi
 
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