How to connect mic to computer

[dnomyar105]

Hello,

Im thinking of buying a mic, either the at2020 usb or the at2035 studio condenser. Both are the same price.

Obviously the at2020 can be connected via usb but im not sure you can connect the at2035 without any extra equipment. I don't want a preamp/audio interface or anything complicated like that.

Can something please guide me through these mic connections? Can you connect the at2035 straight into a computer?

Thank You!

 

[c7sus]

The condensor mic will require phantom power and a preamp to boost its' signal to line-level.

Note that the usb mic digital output is limited to 16-bit/44.1kHz only.

 

[bouldersoundguy]

With a USB mic you are limited to software monitoring. If you are just recording spoken word it may not matter, but if you are doing any sort of multi-tracking you need the hardware monitoring provided by an interface.

 

[dnomyar105]

thanks for the info

 

[John Willett]

To be honest I would get a CEntrance MicPort Pro.

It's small and portable, provides 48V phantom opwer, will enable you to record at 24/96 and also has a decent headphone monitor amp. (the computer one will be pretty horrible - mine is, and I have a £2k laptop).

This will give you the flexibility that a USB mic. cannot, will enable yo to monitor properly and give you the ability to change mic. whenever you want.

The AT mics are certainly a good choice - but, personally, I would go for the normal mic. with the MicPort Pro rather than the USB version.