Mic signal

[The Seifer]

I've got:

marshall mxl 990 and a phantom power suppply

audiophile 2496

I want to record with this mic into my computer. The audiophile only has a digital input and an analog input. The output of the phantom power supply is an xlr balanced output. I have an xlr cable with a 1/4" plug on the end, but that still doesn't help because the analog input on the audiophile is the red and white RCA kind.

SO how am I going to get this signal into my computer? Is there an XLR cable with red and white split RCA plugs on the other end or do I need a preamp with digital/analog output or do I need a wacky adapter + which would be the best signal path?

 

[Track Rat]

I don't see a mic preamplifier. What are you using for a pre?

 

[The Seifer]

I was under the impression that a powered condenser mic would already be at line level and didn't need a preamp. If I do need one, I'll need a very basic one with no bells and whistles and either a s/pdif output or RCA output.

 

[Blue Bear Sound]

ALL mics need a mic pre - and for mics using phantom power, it's there for the mic circuit, NOT the output level of the mic.

A perfect example of a basic pre with no bells and whistles (but does the job extremely well) is the Great River MP2NV... or the MP1NV for the single channel version.....

You're not going to find a good pre with RCA outputs on it, I'm afraid.

 

[The Seifer]

Well then someone please tell me how to plug the damn thing into the back of my soundcard

 

[Track Rat]

Many of the budget mic pre's will have a +4 balanced out and a -10 unbalanced out. You'd use the -10 out and it'll work like a champ.

 

[The Seifer]

...but the soundcard only has an s/pdif and an rca analog input.

 

[Track Rat]

That's the -10 part there Weedhopper.

 

[The Seifer]

square peg/round hole

 

[Track Rat]

I tried. Eventually you'll see what we mean.

 

[The Seifer]

I'm trying to understand you, oh holy lord of music production, but the pretentious way that you and the other heavenly rulers of all recorded sound dance around the subject at hand is always confusing.

So what are you trying to say? Is the super -10 output an RCA or an S/PDIF? BECAUSE THOSE ARE THE ONLY INPUTS ON MY SOUNDCARD.

OR

Is there a super radical adapter cable with RCA on one end and a SUPER -10 plug on the other?

 

[Track Rat]

RCA ins and outs ARE unbalanced, -10. You'd go to the music store and purchase a patch cable with a mono 1/4" phono type connector on one end and an RCA connector at the other. Plug the 1/4" end into the unbalanced -10 output of the mic preamp and the RCA into the RCA input on the sound card. If you're in the St. Louis area, I'll come over and plug it in for you.

 

[The Seifer]

Yep, I'm a dumbass. (even though I asked about any special cables with different ends in the first post). Thanks dudes!

 

[Blue Bear Sound]

Yep, I'm a dumbass.

Agreed..........

 

[The Seifer]

typical

 

[Track Rat]

Come on now. We love you man. Give us a kiss.