recording to computer

[morelli]

I have a Radio Shack 4 channel mixer ($100) and a Sony ECM-909 microphone, and I am using it to record myself (Double Bass) onto my computer. (Sound Blaster PCI128.) The mixer only has one microphone input, i assume for the DJ; the four real channels are for phono or line in. Is it possible for me to plug extra (low impedance) mics into the phono jacks? I'm having a hard time finding affordable mixers with more mic inputs. Thanks!

 

[shackrock]

if you only have one jack on your computer's soundcard for line in....put all your instruments, etc. into your radioshack mixer...then go to radio shack (or wherever) and get an adapter for your "stero out" inputs on your mixer to your "line in" on your computer. You will only get one track on your computer - so you have to mix before hand (with your mixer)

 

[morelli]

Continued

Thanks for the reply-

Actually, I'm only really planning on using mics as inputs- the essence of my question was whether or not it is possible to connect low impedence mics to the phono input on my mixer (as it lacks many mic inputs). It seems to me it would be ok as long as I kept the volume down; I assume phonos need to be amped more than mics. But, as you can probably tell, Im a beginner at all this, and any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[pratt]

hey morelli....

your soundcard is only a '2-channel' card - in other words - you can only record 2 channels (stereo L/R) at one time and only using one of the inputs on the back of you card...either the 'line in' or the 'mic in' (and the 'mic in' is mono)

your best bet is to get a cheap mixer (behringer, nady, etc.) with a couple of preamps and mix everything down to a stereo line for recording...you can even record onto 2 tracks this way by panning the channels L and R on your mixer (eg. mic 1 into channel 1 of mixer - channel 1 panned hard left; mic 2 into channel 2 - channel 2 panned hard right; then take stereo outs through a 'Y' cable (make sure the 1/8" end is stereo) into your soundcards line in - then if you record that signal as stereo - each channel will be recorded onto it's own 'track')

 

[Randy Yell]

Pratt has it right about being able to record two simultaneous tracks with a Sound blaster.Make sure you use the line in as not only is it stereo but the mic in will sound like shit.Instead of another mixer you could pick up the M-Audio Audio Buddy mic preamp/direct box.Its two channel so you get two xlrs(with phantom power for future use).Very quiet pres,much better than a cheap board.If you do want another mixer Behringer has cut their prices.You can get a small mixer w/two xlrs for $70.For $120 bucks you can get the MXB1002 which has five xlrs.I think the Audio Buddy will give you much better sound quality though.

 

[Slackmaster2K]

To answer your question: no.

If by phono input you mean turntable input (as it would be traditionally), then you should realize that phono preamps have RIAA filters (EQ basically) that might be interesting, but not ideal for your mic sound

You simply need more microphone preamps. I mean you can go around sticking your mic into this and that and if you get a usable sound then congratulations.... but your sound quality will be greatly dependent on the quality of your microphone preamps. You can spend from 50 bucks per channel to hundreds or thousands of dollars per mic channel. See the Microphone forum for more information.

Slackmaster 2000