Mic in Computer

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Lkoz91

Lkoz91

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A good microphone does not plug into a computer. You would need to get a computer mic, but is there anyway you could make the better mics fit such as an adaptor or anything else?
 
USB mics are more and more common. The Blue Snowball or Kickball I can't remember which is a pretty good USB mic. Samson also makes a USB mic, but I don't know the model number, and I've never heard it.
 
Thanks man. But do they have the same sound quality as the others? Also, is there ANYWAY I wouldn't have to buy another mic? Cuz I already have 3 for my band.
 
the mic port on a computer is a 1/8 jack size so if you have a mic with a 1/4 jack they have adapters to go one size to the other then you can just plug right in, thats what im doing right now till i get some better mics and a mixer, hopefully soon.
 
Don't try to hook a microphone straight into the soundcard unless it's one of those PC mics...

It goes like this:

Microphone -> Interface/Preamp -> Soundcard

The interface/preamp has 1/4" outputs, the same size as a guitar cable. Run a 1/4" cable out from the preamp, then goto radio shack and get a 1/4" - 1/8" converter that snaps on the end of the guitar cable (they're like $2-$3). Then, you can hook that into the 'LINE IN' of your soundcard.
 
solo.guitar said:
Don't try to hook a microphone straight into the soundcard unless it's one of those PC mics...

It goes like this:

Microphone -> Interface/Preamp -> Soundcard

The interface/preamp has 1/4" outputs, the same size as a guitar cable. Run a 1/4" cable out from the preamp, then goto radio shack and get a 1/4" - 1/8" converter that snaps on the end of the guitar cable (they're like $2-$3). Then, you can hook that into the 'LINE IN' of your soundcard.
Click to expand...

No idea what you are talking about. Can you link me some pictures to show me what pre-amps and converters look like?
 
Lkoz91 said:
Thanks man. But do they have the same sound quality as the others? Also, is there ANYWAY I wouldn't have to buy another mic? Cuz I already have 3 for my band.
Click to expand...

Plugging a "good" microphone into the mic-in port on most soundcards (via an adapter, as suggested) is going to destroy the sound of your mic anyway. The preamps that are built into most consumer-grade soundcards are awful and really only designed for cheap gaming mics.

What you really should do, is invest in:
a) a better soundcard and/or some type of audio interface that functions as a soundcard, but has built-in preamps (lots of options http://www.zzounds.com/a--2676837/cat--Audio-Interfaces--2418).
b) external preamps and/or a mixer
 
Lkoz91 said:
No idea what you are talking about. Can you link me some pictures to show me what pre-amps and converters look like?
Click to expand...

Ok, first of all, you need some sort of interface...something to plug your microphone into. The signal from a microphone is too weak to be plugged straight into a soundcard. This is why you need what's called a PREAMP. It amplifies the signal enough to be recorded by your computer's soundcard.

Most soundcards come with built in PREAMPS, but they are crap unless you have a card meant for audio recording.

So, find an interface to plug your microphone into. This could be a mixer, or just a preamp. For example, the M-Audio AudioBuddy is a good entry-level preamp. It has XLR inputs to plug your microphone into.

If you don't know what XLR is, look here:

http://www.centralcomputer.com/images/AUDMAUAUB01R.jpg

Notice the big jack with 3 pins on it, (labled "XLR INPUTS") this is what you plug your microphone into once you obtain an XLR cable.

Now, you have your microphone hooked into the AudioBuddy, which has built in PREAMPS, so now you need to hook that into your soundcard so you can record.

Look at that same picture where it says "1/4" balanced/unbalanced outpus". This is where you plug a standard 1/4" cable (a guitar cable) into these ports, and run that into your soundcard so you can record the signal.

But most soundcards don't have 1/4" jacks, only 1/8" jacks, so that means the cable won't fit directly into the soundcard. Now, you need something to snap onto the end of the cable so it can fit into your soundcard.

This is where you need a 1/4" - 1/8" apadter, like this:

http://www.radioshack.com/product/i...apter&kw=1/4+to+1/8+adapter&parentPage=search

That's the best I can explain it.
 
Thanks man. Really appreciated but one thing. What is a good starter preamp that isn't too expensive.
 
I've had the best luck with an Audio Buddy . The DMP3 is also a good preamp, probably better than the AudioBuddy. I'm not an expert on preamps, but for a cheap price, you can expet about the same results.

Maybe someone else can recommend a better one.
 
the blueballs are good.

blueball.gif


blue.jpg
 
Or use a mixer

Hi,

Another option is a mixer. Your mic goes into the mixer and then the line out of the mixer goes into the line in on your sound card.

I have been looking at the Yamaha MG10/2. About $100.

http://www.samedaymusic.com/product--YAMMG102

It will take up to 4 balanced line mics and even has phantom power. Stereo output.

Thanks,

Hairy Larry
 
hairylarry said:
Hi,

Another option is a mixer. Your mic goes into the mixer and then the line out of the mixer goes into the line in on your sound card.

I have been looking at the Yamaha MG10/2. About $100.

http://www.samedaymusic.com/product--YAMMG102

It will take up to 4 balanced line mics and even has phantom power. Stereo output.
Click to expand...

Another one that I like is the Peavey PV8 and family (PV6, PV10, PV14). About the same price as the MG10/2, but a bit better pres as best I can tell. (I have never tried the Yamaha, so all I can use for comparison are the specs, but the Peavey's specs leave it in the dust.)
 
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