Preamp confusion

[Ramiman]

I'm trying to assemble some sort of a bare-bones setup, just so I can record some vocals that don't sound like they were made with a built in computer boom mic. I've purchased a Marshall MXL2001 online, and I bought a Rolls PB23 Phantom Power unit for the mic, as I was told I would need to at Guitar Center. But now, from what I've read, I'm not sure whether or not what I need is in fact a preamp, in order to use the MXL with my computer's mic input.

So I guess my question is, what exactly can I do with this Rolls power supply... is it sufficient to at least get me started? Or should I just return it?

 

[ragata]

It is "sufficient" in the sense that you will indeed - using an adapter or two - be able to get the signal from the mic into the computer. However, the preamp in the mic-input is most likely far below decent, and you definatly won't get the most out of the mic. But it will work.

I would advise you to buy some inexpensive preamp with phantom power and seel the external one you just bought. Maybe you can get a refund? Or, buy a preamp without phantompower. M-Audio and Studio Projects both make a few inexpensive preamps that actually sound pretty good.