Newbie here with a newbieness quesion...audio interface vs USB Male To XLR Female Mic

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Villainy

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I'm looking for some advice. I recently bought a Audio-Technica AT2035 Large Diaphragm Studio Condenser Microphone

After getting it, i find the surprise of not being able to use it because i need a phantom power device ( i was so use to USB plug and play). So I'm thinking of getting a "Nady SMPS-1X 1-Channel 48V Phantom Power Supply for SCM Series Microphones" and use it with a "AGPtek 3M USB Male To XLR Female Microphone MIC Link Cable Studio Audio Adapter Connector"


Now what i want to know is, If i do that, how much quality would i be sacrificing? if rather I would do something else.. like get a usb mixer instead or a audio interface like "Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 2 In/2 Out USB Recording Audio Interface" or anything else i may not know of (is there?)

Also, What determines quality in choosing a device to hook a microphone like this? where in the specs do i look?

I guess what i'm looking for is to use my microphone to it's greatest capabilities ( i wouldn't want to get a pretty expensive microphone and not make real use of it by buying something cheap to work with it) or to it's greatest limits. I'm using it to record vocals, rap vocals to be precise. How much drastic would it be if i go with one or the other? and if its worth the $ upgrade. Also, since im starting out, my budget limit for the next device would $150 at most.

I hope you guys can help, i really need it, thanks.

PS i wasn't allowed to post links, so just google all the devices if you need more info, they are all from amazon
 
Do not buy a mixer and do not buy a phantom power device. Buy the Scarlett or similar device, which is a real audio interface with phantom power... read the stickies above about mixers and audio interfaces above here and you'll understand why. To record properly you need to cut your computer soundcard out of the equation, an audio interface will do that. A phantom power device still leaves your PC soundcard in the loop and it's not meant for high quality sound recording.
 
Can i get the links to these discussions please?

Also, how much drastically better would it be to get a audio interface instead of a phantom power device. And what audio interface do you recommend for a microphone like mine, thanks.
 
Villainy said:
Can i get the links to these discussions please?

Also, how much drastically better would it be to get a audio interface instead of a phantom power device. And what audio interface do you recommend for a microphone like mine, thanks.
Click to expand...

Just scroll up this page and click on 'Forum'. Then 'Newbies'. Read all of the 'Sticky' threads. :)
 
Do a search on the discussions, but I'm going to second Armistice on this one. You need an audio interface. It's going to do the conversion with much better quality than the phantom power/adapter. Get the Focusrite 2i2. Clean pres, not harsh and good conversion.
 
So how much drastically better would the 2i2 be compared to a phantompower adapte? I ordered the 2i2, I hope its worth the money :rolleyes:
 
Well i hope so cause i bought it already and my pockets are empty :P
 
Villainy said:
Well i hope so cause i bought it already and my pockets are empty :P
Click to expand...

Welcome to your new life.... :D

Now, start saving for the next thing you're going to need. There's always something....
 
Hahaha my new life will begin on friday! When i receive the audio interface. Thank you guys for helping out :D
 
When i bought my micrphone ( AT2035 ) I bought a bundle with it where the pop filter and a XLR Cable came with it.

Now, i bought the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 2 In/2 Out USB Recording Audio Interface. I'm wondering if I'm all set now... finally?

Or do i need other xlr cable or usb connector to my computer? I should be set with what the 2i2 gives right? :confused:
 
Villainy said:
When i bought my micrphone ( AT2035 ) I bought a bundle with it where the pop filter and a XLR Cable came with it.

Now, i bought the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 2 In/2 Out USB Recording Audio Interface. I'm wondering if I'm all set now... finally?

Or do i need other xlr cable or usb connector to my computer? I should be set with what the 2i2 gives right? :confused:
Click to expand...

Typically your interface should come with a USB cable. That is all you need. Well, then check to make sure you have the newest drivers (from manufacturer website) for the unit for your particular OS. Many times, the driver disk included may be out of date. If you are PC/Windows, make sure to make the 2i2 your default audio device in 'Sounds' as well. :)
 
Wait i can use it as another audio device? I was not aware of that? Does this mean i can play FLAC music and stuff like that?
 
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