Pre-amp VS Adding gain through software

  • Thread starter Thread starter selfcase
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selfcase

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What are the pros and cons between;

Using a preamp on the mic, and going into the Line In on the soundcard,

and

Going directly to the Line In from the mic, (no preamp), and then adding the required gain through a recording program like Cool Edit?


I'm new to this, and am wondering if I can get away without buying a preamp. If not, I suppose I should just spring for a mixer?
 
It'll be noisy and all but unusable going from a mic into a soundcard.
 
yup

There's no real way of getting around use of a preamp of some kind.
 
the big difference is HOW software raises the level.

What the software program will do is raise not just the level of the recorded voice/instrument/sound, but the all around audio level.. that includes the noise floor, hums, hisses, whatever.

By using a pre-amp or someother gain stage, you get the desired level while keeping the noise floor where it started out at.
 
...true. Not to mention, more volume=more resolution. Even if you're able to get rid of the noise (which is a nightmare), you're still left with less audio data to work with. Kinda like scanning a wallet sized photo vs. scanning an 8x10.
 
the mic or preamp you use will figure into the sound quality a lot more than what you do in software, no matter what program you are using.

however, if you are recording guitar, for example, you can use something like the line6 guitar port and get excellent sound quality without a preamp.

my guess is you need a preamp and a good mic....whether or not you need a mixer is another question...this depends on how many tracks you want to record at one time....if you go with a small mixer, i like the studiomasters...though, there are many out there that can do the job.
 
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