Goofy Newbie Question About Sound Options

[TheAwakened]

I'm so confused on how to set-up computer sound options evertime I start using a computer recording program. I'm saving up for Digidesign's Mbox 2 Mini, but for the time being I'm messin around with Sonar.

Under my Sound > Recording tab I have:

FrontMic Realtek HD Audio.
Microphone Realtek HD Audio.
Line In Realtek HD Audio.
DigitalIn Realtek HD Audio.

On the back of my computer I have Digital Audio In and Digital Audio Out RCA inputs, plus a little 1/8" mic input. What's the best way to go about setting all this up?

Whenever I get the Mbox 2 Mini I'm sure everything will get even more complicated...

 

[MessianicDreams]

You need a microphone that has a mini jack. If you can't find one, you'll need to McGuiver something together. Most microphones have XLR connectors, so I'm guessing you'd have to get an XLR-->1/4" jack converter, then a 1/4"-->1/8"(minijack) converter. My guess is that it's going to be the "microphone" (rather than the "frontMic") source that you'd be using..

I'm saving up for Digidesign's Mbox 2 Mini.

Not really an answer to your question, but can i ask why you've gone for the Mbox mini?

Don't get me wrong - I swear by Pro Tools, but there are cheaper and better ways of getting in to Pro Tools than the Mini..

 

[TheAwakened]

Hmm, I thought surely someone would tell me that it's best to use the RCA "Digital In" input. I have a Shure SM-57 going into an ART MP-OPL mic preamp. Then from there I have what I need to do either RCA or 1/8", I just wanna be sure that I'm using the best possible option for recording quality.

I'm leaning towards the Mbox 2 Mini because I think I'm in dire need of an audio interface, plus I've always wanted to step into the world of Pro Tools. I'm sure there is a cheaper route, like their M-Powered software, right? I'm just thinking that the Mbox will help me a lot.