how to hook my computer up to my pre-amp

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victoriae96

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This might be a stupid question but I'm struggling to figure this out by myself. So i just purchased an ART TPS II Pre-amp and I don't know what kind of cord i need to hook my pre amp up to my computer so that i can start recording. the outputs on the pre amp are unbalanced 1/4 jacks and balanced XLR jacks. I dont know which kind of input i need for my laptop. please help
 
victoriae96 said:
This might be a stupid question but I'm struggling to figure this out by myself. So i just purchased an ART TPS II Pre-amp and I don't know what kind of cord i need to hook my pre amp up to my computer so that i can start recording. the outputs on the pre amp are unbalanced 1/4 jacks and balanced XLR jacks. I dont know which kind of input i need for my laptop. please help
Click to expand...

First and a bit urgent. Any chance you can send the pre amp back?

Next, it is theoretically possible that you could use a twin TS 1/4" jack to stereo 1/8" jack cable and plug the pre amp into the laptop's sound card but this action is fraught.

1) The pre amp has vastly more output than a PC jack is designed for and you will I am sure get noise and distortion.
2) Even if by some miracle 1 does not apply, PC soundcards are crap for any kind of serious recording work.
3) Have you thought about recording software?

You really should have bought an Audio Interface. There is a sticky about most of them and anything $100 up will be fine, at least to start with.

If you cannot exchange the Art and have done all your money, raid the piggy bank for $30 and buy a Behringer UCA 202. Not ideal and you might still have overload problems but it could get you out of this hole.

Dave.
 
You sort of can't hook it up, at least properly. What you may have wanted rather than a preamp, such as what you bought, is a 'USB Audio Interface'. A USB interface has preamps in it for a microphone and transfers the audio to the computer via the USB connection. The interface takes the place of the soundcard in your laptop and offers additional features that makes recording easier. You could use the preamp you bought in conjunction with an interface, but not really needed. Hopefully you can return the ART TPSII for a refund or perhaps a credit towards an interface. If you need help with picking out an interface let us know what your budget is and what you are trying to record.

Do you already have a microphone(s)?

An example of a USB interface >>>> https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/685448-REG/Alesis_IO2_EXPRESS_iO2_Express_USB_Audio.html
 
If the laptop is fairly new there might not be a Line input available. A few I've come across have gone to a combo sort of jack that accepts a mic or mic/headphone setup, but doesn't have facilities for Line. Would need to check the laptops documentation to see what it actually has.
 
Also, technically you want to hook the preamp to the computer. Always start with the source when you are visualizing a signal path. It avoids confusion.
 
" Not sure why he thinks the signal is too hot, plug it into the Line In and not the mic connector..."

Don't know why the system WILL quote Mark's reply in full but not yours Mr C but no matter...

Even if the laptop has a line input (and as Mark says, not a given) it will surely be of the -10dBV variety and that pre amp has a +28dB headroom! Yes, OP could run the pre at lower gain/output but it won't be optimum and might be noisy.

Sorry to get technical Vic' but you might as well realize ASAP that this IS a technical, jargon ridden hobby you have chosen! There ARE ways to marry up equipment running at different "Operating Levels" but best not start out with a kludge!

Dave.
 
ecc83 said:
You really should have bought an Audio Interface. There is a sticky about most of them and anything $100 up will be fine, at least to start with.
Click to expand...

This, plus it seems that the TPS is a starved plate design, with a tube that serves more as a selling point than a benefit to the audio quality.
 
bouldersoundguy said:
This, plus it seems that the TPS is a starved plate design, with a tube that serves more as a selling point than a benefit to the audio quality.
Click to expand...

I truly wish I had had the opportunity to investigate "Starved Plate" operation in detail when I was fit to do so. The technique is not intrinsically "bad". The Mullard 3-3 3 watt amplifier ran an EF86 anode (plate to our colonial kin) at about 20volts and there was a range of car radios for a time that used specially developed valves that ran at just 12 volts, RF and pre amp only, power was handled by a Germanium power stage. Maybe you did not get those in the States?

Got to be somebody out there with what is in my head about valves but has the energy and eyes to investigate the matter properly surely?

Dave.
 
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