IS PRE AMP NECESSARY AND XLR VS 1/4"

[Ricoinats]

Is there sound quality difference if I used a mic with xlr connections as opposed to 1/4" mic connections? Also, at what point do you know that you need a pre-amp for your mics? I'm in a situation where I just need to interview 2 people (I will be the one asking the questions) and I need to ultimetely send it to the computer (using whatever equipment I get advice for elsewhere in this forum) and burn to CD with at least CD quality. We will be sitting down and I do have a Shure M267 4 channel mixer (that I don't know how to use yet). I also want to be clear on whether or not 3 mics are better than one when it comes to editing with the computer. I'm getting feedback that if I only have one line coming into the computer (via USB using the Fostex MR8 or one optical line using Extigy), for example, I still only get two tracks. This confuses the bjesus out of me as I have three voices to record. Why would I bother using three seperate mics?? If anyone can help, short of just kicking me in the ass, I would really appreciate it! Thanks.

 

[tallman]

Is there sound quality difference if I used a mic with xlr connections as opposed to 1/4" mic connections?

Yes. Mic's with built in 1/4" connectors are not balanced. That means that the microphone cable picks up electronic hum and noise as the signal travels to your recording device.

Also, at what point do you know that you need a pre-amp for your mics?

Almost all mic's require pre-amps. If your mixer has a small "gain" knob as well as a volume or level control, it has pre-amps built in. For your purposes, these will be fine.

I'm in a situation where I just need to interview 2 people (I will be the one asking the questions) and I need to ultimetely send it to the computer (using whatever equipment I get advice for elsewhere in this forum) and burn to CD with at least CD quality.

You will probably be fine with 1 mic if you are recording in a very quiety room. If not, you benefit from three mics by being able to position them close to people and get a better signal to noise ratio. If you mix the mics with your mixer, you will only get 1 track in the computer (or possibly 2 -- stereo). This is all you need.

Good luck.

 

[Sklathill]

1/4" does not necessarily mean unbalanced.

Many dynamics come in lo-Z (XLR) and hi-Z (1/4") versions. The differences between these in terms of actual sound are miniscule.

 

[bsanfordnyc]

Hey dude, why don't you just post your questions once. I've noticed this is at least the 3rd post of the exact same question in different places.

 

[tallman]

1/4" does not necessarily mean unbalanced.

Many dynamics come in lo-Z (XLR) and hi-Z (1/4") versions. The differences between these in terms of actual sound are miniscule.

hi-Z signals are always unbalanced. They can be derived from balanced signals, but no 2 conductor connector carries a balanced signal.

The difference between a shure 58 plugged into a hi-Z cable vs. a lo-Z cable is dependant primary on cable length, but the lo-Z also lowers the signal level fed to the pre-amp, causing a higher noise floor (usually approximately double).

This isn't terribly important for this application, but if the cable happens to run by a refrigerator, or near a computer, that changes the picture a little bit. lo-Z will be noise-free. hi-Z will not.

I was slightly off to say that 1/4", or even 1/8" mics are unbalanced. The famous PZM mic is balanced internally, but unfortunately, the signal fed down the wire is not unless you have performed a mod.

 

[Sklathill]

Oh.

Well, I guess I stand corrected. Been a while since I've had a hi-Z dynamic mic...

 

[Ricoinats]

Thanks for your help everyone, except for officer Ben. I didn't know you couldn't get different feedback from multiple forum topics. Officer Ben if you can find a "same exact question" even once I'll buy you a new whistle and ticket pad.