Please Help Someone/Anyone

[nwpaddler]

I am what you would call green. I play acoustic guitar and sing as well. I am trying to figure out a few things. First, what would be a good low end/cost microphone? I want to record both my acoustic guitar and my vocals at the same time into my computer/pc? Second, If I get a mic with an XLR adapter what is the best way to go from a XLR microphone into my computers sound card? Adapters? What options are there? Lastly, any advice really appreciated. Thanks

 

[sacredparadigm]

as many probably will, i would recommend an sm-57, nothing beats at it price i belive. i'm not sure about the vocals though, i don't do vocals so i'm not sure... it'll probably do well though.

your best route is to get a small mixer, a 4 or 8 track one, it'll have all your necesarry inputs, unless you're dealing with MIDI then you'd need a MIDI interface naturally (or a sound card that has MIDI I/O's.

what sound card are you using by the way?

 

[hixmix]

Get a schure SM57/58. Don't pay no more than $60 bucks for it, new. See?

An XLR adapter should set you back no more than ten dollars.

An XLR into your computer, no more than twenty cents.

Now you're on easy street, see?

 

[nwpaddler]

Hey, thank you for the advice. I am not sure what sound card I am using. It came with my new Dell Dimension 4400. I got a nvidia 64 MB video card but the sound card says Intel and a bunch of numbers in device manager. Sounds like it is not anything special but will likely do O.K. You have any suggestions on a good one?? Also, Do they make an adapter to go from XLr to 1/8" sound card plug?? Thanks again

 

[joro]

Hey, thank you for the advice. I am not sure what sound card I am using. It came with my new Dell Dimension 4400. I got a nvidia 64 MB video card but the sound card says Intel and a bunch of numbers in device manager. Sounds like it is not anything special but will likely do O.K. You have any suggestions on a good one?? Also, Do they make an adapter to go from XLr to 1/8" sound card plug?? Thanks again

You have a chipset in your motherboard instead of a full blown soundcard..........before you spend $200 to $2000 you should see if the chipset is Full duplex capable......

Full Duplex means that you can record and playback at the same time....
If able...you will more than likely be limited to the bit depth of your recordings....8 or 16 bit I would presume....MIDI interface would also be an issue but, you say you are not into MIDI so...no big deal....

Another issue will be your Hard Drive.....a good HD spins at 7200.....of course this might not be required if you are recording at a lower bit rate....and, it also depends on the recording software package you plan to use......

as far as mics go......well the SM57 or the SM58 are really good for starter Dynamic mics.......extremely durable and cheap.....
I use AKG Condensor mics.......a lot more money but....I am worth it

and yes...there is an adapter for XLR to 1/8" for your soundcard....

finally...if you do buy a new card....I suggest the Creative Audigy Platinum.....it has two units....a soundcard that acts like any other and a peripheral 5 1/2" audio drive with all of the IO's...optical...MIDI....SPDIF.....aux. Mic....Phones....pretty cool...32 bit capable as well.......$250 at Circuit City....you are supposed to install it in an open bay...but mine is propped on top and wired through an open side of my box.......I gotta figure out a way to fix it soon though...one errant spilt beer and....Ka-Bloom!
no more soundcard....

Good luck man,
Joe

 

[nwpaddler]

Thanks Joe

Joe

You have been a giant help. I am eternally grateful. Thanks again.