May be the dumbest question ever.

[Henry Low]

I've tried looking around the internet for information on dynamic mics such as the Shure s58. I know that it has a XLR connection. I know that condensors need phantom power, but how about dynamic mics? Can i just stick the Shure S58 in to a audio in for a soundcard if I had the proper converters? or does it need phantom power too? I am thinking about getting the M-audio 2496 soundcard.

If it were to need phantom power supply, should I just get the M-audio Mobilepre since it has phantom powersupply built in?

Thanks in advance.
PS. Sorry for asking such a dumb question.

 

[ambi]

Every micrphone needs a preamp. Not every microphone needs phantom power. Not every preamp has phantom power.

Dyanamic mics like the sm58 do not need phantom power, you just plug it into a preamp (with phantom power off), turn up the gain, and plug it in to a recording device (audiophile 2496).

For a condensor microphone it would be the exact same setup, except that you'd turn the phantom power on.

hey my uncle lives in richmond... ever seen metal supermarkets on Vulcan way?

 

[jake-owa]

It's alright Henry, the site is homerecording not 'onlyhardquestions.com'.

The mic will not need phantom power but it will need some kind of preamp. The mic signal will be way too low to hear unless you use a mixer or outboard preamp to boost the signal to nominal levels.

 

[jake-owa]

Damn, Ambi beat me to it.

 

[Henry Low]

Ambi: Nope I have never seen Metal Supermarket. Is it a musicstore of somesort?

Ahh icic Thanks guys, I actually thought that It was possible to plug in the mic right into the computer soundcard. Thanks for the quick quick reply. What kind of mic preamp would u guys recommend me getting? I am a poor first year university student btw.

 

[chessparov]

Would a mixer help you to do what you want?
Also, what's your maximum budget?

Chris

 

[ambi]

Henry - No it's a metal place, nothing related to recording, just curious if you'd seen it.

 

[jake-owa]

Check out the 'Audio buddy'. Do a search for it on google or this site for prices and info.

 

[Henry Low]

I would like to keep the cost down as much as possible cause my parents are insisting to buy me all this recording equipment as my graduation from highschool present but I don't want them to spend that much money on it cause buying the mic, the soundcard and the preamp would probaly all add up to a couple hundred. I am thinking about buying all of this stuff from Ebay used so it would be cheaper

Yup, I am checking out the audiobuddy right now. Looks like a good deal!

I am also look at the M-Audio Duo... Is that a good choice? I've seen it for $199 USD

Thanks guys

 

[jslator]

Ahh icic Thanks guys, I actually thought that It was possible to plug in the mic right into the computer soundcard.

It probably is possible to do that. If the soundcard has a "mic" input, then there is a mic preamp built-in. It's probably not very good though.

 

[ambi]

jslator, it's also one of those electret preamps used to those little headsets. You can't get any gain out of them, what you plug in is what you get.

 

[Henry Low]

Actually, If i purchase the mobile pre, It has a built in Preamp, am I right? Den I can just hook the M-audio mobilepre USB to my computer and connect a microphone to it. Then I wouldnt need to get another microphone preamp cause the mobilepre USB has one built in... am I right?

BTW, I am going to be recording Vocals and Piano sounds from an Upright piano if that makes a difference

Thanks in advance

 

[ambi]

yea that sounds about right

 

[chessparov]

Henry, if you're going to be using more than two mic inputs at a time, you should get a mixer since it will have more pre's than
a standalone single or dual pre.

Chris

 

[Henry Low]

Chessprov- I think i am only going to use max two microphones. Thanks for the info though

Alright guys, I think I am going to settle with the MObilePre and the Shure sm58. Thanks for all the help

 

[Innovations]

The M-Audio mobile pre is a nice economy unit. It has the equivalent of the preamp, the phantom power (if you need it in the future) and a moderately high quality sound card in one external unit. Only two inputs though.

 

[chessparov]

Henry, you'll get cleaner sound with a SM57 instead of a SM58.
There is a foam piece made by Shure (around $10) that you could
use for live vocals to help avoid "popping".

Another excellent dynamic microphone for vocals and instruments
is the Electro-Voice EV 635a omni.

It's wise to always use a mesh pop screen for recording vocals.

Chris

 

[cominginsecond]

Chessprov- I think i am only going to use max two microphones. Thanks for the info though

Alright guys, I think I am going to settle with the MObilePre and the Shure sm58. Thanks for all the help

Don't get the 58, get a Studio Projects B1. It's good on almost everything: amps, vocals, acoustic guitars. the 58 and 57 are good on live vocals, but the b1 trounces them in the studio 90 percent of the time.

 

[Henry Low]

Ahh icic Thanks.. Yeah from waht u just said, I think i will get the Studio Projects B1 instead. Its cheaper too and looks kinda nice too.. Matches my speakers "Athena B2" and my silver amp and silver LCD monitor if that actually matters.

Thanks guys... Forums are always the best way to learn about stuff IMO with helpful people like you guys.

 

[chessparov]

Keep us posted how things are working out.
You'll probably be very happy with the B1. (I am)

Best of luck,
Chris