Question about cables

[patsy]

Hi All,

I recently bought a new vocal mic and needed to buy a new cable. I found that my new cable didn't work with my existing makeshift preamp (which is a silly dvd player with karaoke functions!), hardly any sound was going through. The cable seller told me it was because my new cable was balanced and my makeshift preamp most probably doesn't support it. (I'm new at this... could it be I've just got a faulty cable?)

So now I'm thinking of buying a new preamp, something like the ART Tube MP Studio (unless you guys recommend a better reasonably priced one!). I think my new balanced cable will connect to it fine, but what about the connection between the preamp and my computer? Will a normal/unbalanced jack to jack cable be ok? Really need some advice please!

Thanks!

 

[patsy]

no one can help? surely someone can!

never mind, decided i will go back to unbalanced cables for EVERYTHING just to be on the safe side.

cheers.

 

[mixsit]

What is the mic input (1/4" or..) The external preamp will need a line level input (not mic input). There might be an rca' line input (?) in which case you might need a 1/4" to rca cable.

 

[petermiller]

you might also be dealing with a phantom power issue if the mic you have is a condenser. But yes a regular instrument cable would suffice for the connection between preamp and the computer. but you will in most cases have a 1/8" jack on the computer so the cable of choice would be a 1/4" ts to 1/8" trs

 

[tubesrawsom]

you can't go wrong with a presonus tubepre (preamp) and a couple of proco cables XLR (balanced).

 

[patsy]

Thanks guys for your replies.

OK, preamp bought, everything connected, now only getting sound on the left! I've switched cables around for input and output, used balanced, unbalanced, XLR, 1/4", every possible combination, still the same. I'm thinking it's the 1/4" to 1/8" adapter which I'm connecting to the computer that's not working... Does that sound about right? This adapter which I found lying around the house only has one notch ring, does that mean it's not stereo??? If that's the case, I feel very stupid... Please someone try to shed some light on the matter!!

Thanks!

 

[XLR]

Assuming that the jack on your computer is the usual unbalanced stereo line level input...

You need a TRS plug - tip, ring, sleeve. Look at the pictures here.

Best to use a cable ending with a 1/8" plug than to use an adapter at the jack, to avoid weight stress. They break very easily.

Tim

 

[patsy]

Aha! So it is the adapter!

Thanks Timothy. Will get one of those cables!