How do I hookup mic preamp to my soundcard?

[mercyme]

Actually, this is a bit of followup to the question I posted below.

Assuming I am going to at least START recording using my laptop's onboard soundcard (ESS Maestro 2E), what is the best way to hook up my dbx 286A mic preamp to it?

The output on the preamp is a 1/4" plug and the manual says that it can use either a balanced or unbalanced connection. The LINE IN on my soundcard is 1/8" mini-plug and I have no idea whether it is balanced or unbalanced, though I expect it is unbalanced (Is there some way I can determine this for sure?).

So, what is the best way to connect these two devices? Are cables made for such a connection or will I have to make one? Maybe just use a mini-plug adaptor on one end of an unbalanced cable with two 1/4" plugs?

Thank you very much for any help.

 

[JerryD]

Gee

I'm new also but I would say a adapter from 1/4" to 1/8" connector would be fine.

 

[Slackmaster2K]

Your soundcard's line in is unbalanced. You basically just need a 1/4" cable and a 1/4" to 1/8" adapter as mentioned above. Stereo is best, especially if you want to use each channel seperately (in which case you'll need to pick up a Y cable). Mono should also work. These adapters are very easy to come by at just about any electronics store.

Slackmaster 2000