Hey,
Since I'm not a big microphone guy, I just need some help about a mic I'm planning to buy.
It's the Behringer XM8500.
There is no cables included so I need to buy one.
Now to the question. So, I want the mic output to go directly into my PC.
Will a simpe XLR to USB cable work?
goo.gl/ IIJhWX (remove space)
I believe the XM8500 does not need any phantom power?
Do I need a preamp/mixer? I'm really low on budget.
- Chris
The essential answer is- *all* microphones need a preamp. And if you want it to plug into a computer, you need an analog to digital converter. A USB mic is just a mic with a built in preamp and a built in A-D converter. Figure this- World-class preamps are over $1000 per channel. Top shelf A-D converters are over $1000. The best microphones in the world are over $10,000. If you buy a USB mic for $100, you just bought a mic, a preamp, and an A-D converter for $33 each, and you will get what you pay for. The "microphone" input on your computer soundcard is set up for a different power level and impedance than a real microphone. It only really works with headsets and specialized computer mics that are far worse than that $33 mic. Then it uses the preamp and A-D converter in your soundcard, which is far worse than that $33 preamp and that $33 A-D converter. OK- so what do you do in the real world, where you can't spend thousands on even one professional channel?
First, you accept that there are reasons why top notch gear costs that much money, and you accept that you aren't going to get that kind of quality for cheap. Next, understand that it costs money to make things small. At any given quality level, the smaller it is, the more it costs. You are left with basically 3 options. The first is an audio interface, which contains a preamp and an A-D converter, which you can plug pretty much any mic into. It takes over the functions of the computer's soundcard, and may run off of wall power, or often, get's its power from the computer's USB port. And of course, you need a mic. The second is a USB mic. Note that the preamp and the converter in the USB mic have to be made very small to fit in there, so they are likely to be of lower quality at any given price point. The third option is a small digital recorder, which contains a preamp, an A-D converter, a mic (more often a stereo pair), *and* a digital recorder, which is basically a limited computer that can talk to your computer. Each of these options has its own advantages and disadvantages.
#1- The audio interface. This tends to win on sound quality per dollar.. If it malfunctions or is defective, you don't have to replace the mic. Also, because it uses the software in your computer (most come with their own software included), it is possible to upgrade either the mic or the software. It also allows you to use different mics, or upgrade, and most have at least two channels, so you can do stereo recording, or more easily add background music, stock tracks, etc. Many come with built in effects and/or guitar modeling software. It will have a headphone jack with separate volume controls. It's just an external soundcard that is specialized for recording. The only downside is that you have to have a little box between the mic and the computer. For most beginners, this is the standard option. Note that the newest thing is interfaces built to work with a smartphone, IPOD, or similar device.- more miniaturization, lower quality, more money, less versatility. Note that condenser mics usually require "phantom power" which is sent back up the mic cable to power the mic. Dynamic mics, like the Behringer, don't require that. If you get an interface without phantom power, you may regret it later, but it's one way to save money.
#2- the USB mic- This option gives up some quality and a bunch of versatility to get miniaturization and simple portability. As you say, it plugs into the computer, and can be a good option for someone who travels with a laptop or a netbook, and who wants to do podcasts or similar. Not so good for serious music recording. Note- you'll see these for about $80 without a headphone jack, and about $130 with one. Without a headphone jack, they are almost useless for recording. You can't properly set levels on something you can't hear. I wouldn't even look at USB mics with no headphone output.
#3- The pocket digital recorder. Advantages- You can carry it around, record without a computer, runs on batteries or on wall power. Or- you can plug it into the computer and use it as an audio interface, to control the recording software in your computer, or use its own software, and dump the files into the computer. It has built in mics, or you can use external mics. In some cases, you can use the onboard mics in combination with external mics. Advantages- the hands-down winner on versatility. It does everything the interface does, often including effects, phantom power, and a rudimentary compresser, and everything the USB mic does. The downside- More miniaturization, so either you give up quality or you pay more money.
As far my opinion, I'd go with #1 or #3. But what the hell? I'll give you examples of each type, in some cases because they are cheap, and in others, because I like them, and I think they are worth the money:
Interfaces:
Dirt cheap- one channel only-no phantom power:
Lexicon Alpha | Sweetwater.com
Still pretty cheap- 2 channels with phantom power:
ART USB Dual Pre | Sweetwater.com
Personally, I like this: better preamps=better sound quality:
Line 6 POD Studio UX2 | Sweetwater.com
USB mics:
This is the cheapest one I know of with a headphone jack:
Samson Go Mic | Sweetwater.com
More money, better sound, more versatile:
http:
Blue Microphones Nessie | Sweetwater.com
The high priced spread (short of a Neumann solution-D, which is a $10,000 digital mic). This one has become an industry standard. Not necessary unless you really intend to record music with a USB mic:
Blue Microphones Yeti Pro | Sweetwater.com
Pocket recorders:
For flat-out versatility, there's still nothing out there that beats this thing in it's price range. I own one and love it. You need to upgrade the SD card, though. It comes with a 2 gig SD card, and you'll want 16GB. It'll support up to 32GB, but they are really hard to find. It's a fair amount of money, but it's a pretty good all around solution:
Zoom H4n Handy Recorder | Sweetwater.com
This does almost all of the same stuff, for less money. What doesn't it do? It doesn't act as an interface. So you can power it from a USB port and record direct to the computer, but it uses its own software, not the computer's. Also, it runs off batteries or USB power, but not on wall power. Comes with the same useless 2GB SD card:
Tascam DR-40 | 8thstreet.com | Call 1-800-878-8882 | Most Orders Ship Free!
Anyway, that was a big answer to what seems like a small question, but like you say, you're new to this, and you need to know what your options are. I hope all of that helps. Unfortunately, none of it will provide you with money. Good luck. We'll be there for you.
