preamps or mixer?

[MusicLover2448]

I just received a Shure SM58-LC microphone for Christmas, and I want to record violin, piano, and vocal to my computer. I don't have a tape recorder. I have a sony vaio digital studio computer with a 10 GB hardrive and a pentium II processor. I also have a sony spressa cd burner. I read the articles on line input, and I know I need to get some kind of preamp or mixer. The question is, which one should I get for as cheap as possible. Also, did I get the right microphone-it could still be exchanged. (I am in middle school.)

 

[dmcsilva]

ML2448:

The Mic you have should be just fine to get you started. As far as the preamp or mixer, I'd have to say go with the preamp for now at least. I've read many posts recommending the ART Tube MP ($99). Shop around though, cuz' sometime you can find a better deal.

dmc

 

[Jon X]

Man, I am very impressed ML2448. You are off to a great start in both recording and computers. When I was in middle school I had never even used a computer (actually, didn't use one until college), and was recording by holding my acoustic guitar close to the built in mic (one of those inside the unit with the three little slits like on a portable voice recorder) on my dad's stereo. I didn't know what a preamp was, and thought a mixer was that thing my mom used in the kitchen to make me instant pudding from those little boxes. I now officialy feel old.

 

[zumdiggidy]

I thought I was the only kid on this BB!

Yo give me your email address or email me and I'll tell you eveything you want to know!! I was doing the SAME thing as you in school a few years ago! Yo, I wonder what you're to and I'm impressed. Give me a mail and I'll explain stuff. I'm still learning too but I'll help you start recording on the PC easily.

mzumchak@ic.sunysb.edu