I got a Shure PG48 microphone to record narration and voice overs on my PC. It comes with an XLR to 1/4" cable. I got a 1/4" to 1/8" adapter so I could plug it into my Soundblaster Audigy soundcard, but it doesn't record anything. If I plug my cheapo $5 mic back in, it works (but sounds terrible).
Am I missing something? I thought if I can plug into the card, then I can record. Is it the adapter? I can't understand why one mic works and the other doesn't.
Do I need to get a mixer, or a sound card with an external I/O board that accepts a 1/4" or XLR input?
I would appreciate any advice before I pull out my remaining hair
Yeah, the mic was definitely on (I tried every conceivable setting short of plugging the darn thing into the wall socket!!)
I'm not sure about the two rings towards the tip description. I don't see any rings per se, but it looks kinda like the bishop chess piece, or a XMAS tree bulb the way it flares out before the tip.
If it helps, I am using a Nexxtech 1/4 to 1/8" gold-plated stereo-to-mono audio adapter I picked up at Circuit City for about $5 to bridge the connection to my Audigy PC soundcard...
Again, it's a Shure PG48 mic with XLR (3-pronged) cable-in and 1/4" cable out
I can't believe it's so hard just to record my voice...
It sounds like the adapter. Your mic is mono, your PC input is mono, so you don't need a stereo adapter. You need a mono 1/4" to mini adapter. That should solve your problem. The PG48 is a Hi-Z mic I pressume. That's the only reason I can think of as to why it has a 1/4" plug on one end. (Unless the plug is a TRS like stated in the above post.
Hello- There are presumably 2 inputs on the souncard (at least). One is "mic" the other is "line". The mic doesn't interface with either input. You need a mic preamp. Then the line out from the preamp goes to the line in on the soundcard.
The mic in on the soundcard is only for cheap computer mics, and I don't think it is getting enough of a signal to do anything. The PG48 is a lo-z (low impedence) mic, like 99% of all mics today. For cheap, consider M Audio Audiobuddy. Unfortunately, it's $60-80 or so. It will, however, improve both your sound, and your outlook on life. You will also need a standard mic cable (XLR to XLR) to plug the mic into the preamp, and a balanced patch cable (1/4" TRS to TRS) to plug the preamp's 1/4" out into the soundcard. TRS is tip-ring-sleeve, often incorrectly referred to as a stereo cable. In this case it uses 3 conductors, but sends only one signal. That is if the soundcard has a balanced line input. If the soundcard's line input is unbalanced only, it will be looking for a TS to TS cable (tip-sleeve), which will look like a guitar cable, only 2 conductors. The audiobuddy (and most other preamps) will accept a balanced or unbalanced cable. Hope that helps.-Richie
I am going to bite the bullet and invest in a pre-amp. I have been comparing the lineup of products that M-Audio has, and like the idea of connecting directly into the computer via either USB or firewire. I have both firewire and USB ports so compatibility is not a problem. That would narrow my choices down to one of the following:
1) Fast Track USB (~$90 online)
2) Mobile Pre USB (~$130)
3) Firewire Solo (~$190)
Has anyone had experience with any of these products? Since I am not into music, and will only be doing spoken word voice recordings would there be a big difference between the cheaper USBs and the more deluxe firewire version with the faster transfer speeds?
M-Audio also has a Podcast Factory package that seems to be basically a Fast Track USB shipped with a mic and stand. I already bought a Shure PG48 mic but could sell it and move to the Podcast Factory if it makes life easier...
Thanks by the way for all the excellent feedback and suggestions - this has to be the best forum of its kind on the Net...
