need help have noise in recording

[motrader]

Well when I record with the sound card that came with the computer (windows xp) I hardly get any volume and I get noise from the recording and I record in vegas 5 Do I need a prevocal amp? I was looking at a Edirol UA-25 USB Audio and MIDI Interface would that help? thanks

 

[Dogman]

Hey motrader. To get a good sound, you will probably need a few things. The stock soundcard may not be up to snuff, and a good pre amp for your mic is very helpful. I don't know anything about the usb interface you are looking at, but do a search on it here, and see what it brings up. There are many good ones out there, so good luck. Takes some research. To use your stock soundcard in the mean time, you need to check the properties, and make sure it's set up right to use with a mic, if it's capable. Usually down in the bottom right corner of the screen, but sometimes you need to go into the control panel, and find it.

Good luck.
Ed

PS. Try a search in the computer recording/soundcard forum. May have more info on the particular stuff you are looking to get.

 

[battleminnow]

What order do you have things hooked up in, and what input are you using?

 

[motrader]

Hi Thanks I'm using a ADK A-51tc mic and it is plugged in the back of my computer thats how I'm recording I'm very new to all this , My back round is in video not audio so would it be better if I put a sound card in instead of using a usb port ? I have a video card 9700 all in wonder card installed, I would be grateful for any insight thanks

 

[scrubs]

Hi Thanks I'm using a ADK A-51tc mic and it is plugged in the back of my computer thats how I'm recording I'm very new to all this , My back round is in video not audio so would it be better if I put a sound card in instead of using a usb port ? I have a video card 9700 all in wonder card installed, I would be grateful for any insight thanks

That is a condenser mic and requires a mic preamp to supply phantom power and the necessary gain to bring the signal up to line level for recording. Your options will depend on your budget and your needs. If you just need one channel of preamp, you could get a small preamp like the Rane MS1b or the Studio Projects VTB-1 for under $150 (or on the really cheap end, you could get an ART Tube MP for about $50). You could also get a small mixer (Yamaha MG series are popular) that has built-in preamps on several channels. Another options would be to get a different soundcard that has built-in preamps. Usually, these connect via FireWire or USB. I think the Edirol unit you mentioned would fit in that category.

 

[motrader]

Hey thanks But my mic comes with its own power source wouldnt that be the same thing as pre amp ?

 

[scrubs]

Hey thanks But my mic comes with its own power source wouldnt that be the same thing as pre amp ?

No. The power source is because it's a tube mic (I didn't realize that in my first post), so that takes care of the power issue, but you still need gain. The preamp that is included on the mic-in channel of your stock soundcard won't cut it (well, it will work, but poorly, as you have described). You need more gain and cleaner gain to get to a decent level while minimizing noise.

 

[battleminnow]

Yup. You need phantom power. You can buy a cheap phantom power supply or a small mixer for under $60 new.

 

[motrader]

Thank you all for your insight i just order a usb sound card with a pre amp in it Edirol UA-25 USB Audio and MIDI Interface I'm not sure what I bought lol the reviews looked good on it I hope it works
I went to the local computer guy and he told I need a new computer , but thanks to all you guys I just needed a sound card lol. thanks motrader