New to.. Everything!

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etg888

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Hello!

I am not only new to this forum, but also to the world of home recording studios. I only recently purchased Logic Pro X and for the past few weeks I've just been playing around with it on my computer (Mac book pro). I received in the mail today my first condenser mic, the M-Audio Nova. It comes with the XLR cable, but for some reason I imagined it would come with a way to plug directly into my computer. I did some research and it seems I need an Audio Interface? I was not planning on spending an extra 100 or so dollars (which is what the cheapest seem to be), but it looks like I may need to. Also, I guess condenser mics run on phantom power? I assume this cannot come from my computer, so my compound question is:

What is the most inexpensive audio interface I can get that will serve this purpose? (I only need something that connects my one microphone to my computer) Will it/does it need to supply phantom power? Also, would a simply cord that connects the mic to the computer do the job or no?

Any advice would be much appreciated! Thank you!
 
I will be using it primarily for vocal recording. I will check that out, thank you!
 
I triple-dog-DON'T recommend it, but I also understand what it means to simply not have the shinola... This https://www.musiciansfriend.com/pro-audio/griffin-micconnect will let you do with your mic what you thought you could do, for $39.00. Provides phantom power and a pre-amp for your mic so you can plug straight into your computer's mic jack. Probs not a great preamp, and going through your computer's mic jack is not the best route from analog to digital, but it'll work. Probably wouldn't be terrible since you are using a Mac. Apple tends to put a little more into their audio components than typical windows based PC makers.
 
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jjjtttggg said:
I triple-dog-DON'T recommend it, but I also understand what it means to simply not have the shinola... This https://www.musiciansfriend.com/pro-audio/griffin-micconnect will let you do with your mic what you thought you could do, for $39.00. Provides phantom power and a pre-amp for your mic so you can plug straight into your computer's mic jack. Probs not a great preamp, and going through your computer's mic jack is not the best route from analog to digital, but it'll work. Probably wouldn't be terrible since you are using a Mac. Apple tends to put a little more into their audio components than typical windows based PC makers.
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You've checked out the $49.00 one?
 
Ok, I will check that out too. I couldn't seem to find the link for that $49.00 one, do you happen to have the link or just know what the product is?
 
For 20 bucks more you could get this https://www.musiciansfriend.com/pro-audio/nady-smps-usb-phantom-power-supply-and-usb-audio-interface , which PROBABLY would give you better results. I say probably because I'm presuming the preamp and A/D converters here are better than the Griffin unit (preamp) and you MacBook. I think that's probably true, but might not be. NADY stuff is built for affordability first and foremost, so you never know. I will say I've bought my fair share of NADY products and been happy with it.
 
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Nix the link I just posted. It was an interface for just midi. Google cheap audio interfaces, If you see something you're interested in, come back and ask about it.
 
I can't remember, but know it was from a reputable company. I saw one for $59.00 a moment ago if you're interested.
 
Save more.. Yes, you need an audio interface. Save until you have enough to get a two channel interface with phantom power.
 
You have got yourself a fairly decent mic. Macs are not cheap!
Do not I implore you cheap out on the interface. It is not just there to get signals INTO the computer but also to get them out in a controlled form. You have enough troubles to come with room effects etc, don't hamper yourself with a ToysRus interface.

My best reccy is save for the Steinberg UR22 (S'water have it at $149) but if you cannot do that look in the Cash Generator shops etc for an M-Audio Fast track pro or a Tascam US144, even the earlier US122 will be fine.

Your saving grace is that you have bought a capacitor mic and they have a high sensitivity. The older interfaces have rather low gain mic amps but the cap' mic will be fine with that. Had you bought an SM58 you really would be struggling!

Just checked. Yes, that mic has 20dB i.e. ten times the sensitivity of the 57/58. Hot to trot!

Dave.
 
I would readily agree with the last two posters that waiting and getting a better interface is the way to go. My suggestions were only if you just had to have it now.
 
Right, I think I'll probably just try to find something around the $100 mark and just try to find it cheaper somewhere like amazon or something.
 
etg888 said:
Right, I think I'll probably just try to find something around the $100 mark and just try to find it cheaper somewhere like amazon or something.
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Yeah. See, just going for "something" will not cut it. There are zillions of small boxes out there that SAY they can do this or that but many are a PITA to set up and some will not work with Win 7 leave alone 8.1!

Run the names and numbers past us first.

Dave.
 
When it comes to audio interfaces, you 'get what you pay for'. Spend $150 and get something like the Steinberg UR22 or Scarlett 2i2. Musician Friends had the gold Presonus Audiobox for $99 as 'stupid deal of the day' yesterday. Before buying ANY interface, make sure the manufacturer has drivers for your computer's O/S.
 
The M Audio m-track looks like it would do the trick and it's good on the price. What do you guys think?
 
etg888 said:
The M Audio m-track looks like it would do the trick and it's good on the price. What do you guys think?
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Can't find a familiar reviewer for it but it looks fine. M-Audio have always produced decent to pretty good gear and solid drivers. Yup, go for it.

Dave
 
etg888 said:
The M Audio m-track looks like it would do the trick and it's good on the price. What do you guys think?
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If you're dealing with M-Audio and a Mac, why not go with the Firewire Solo. They run about $75 and have a decent pre.
 
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