Setup Question

[MurrayKy]

Pretty basic question here, one answer should do the trick. I got a dynamic microphone today, and I'm working on buying the rest to get ready to record at home.

Is this how I should be setup?

Microphone -> XLR Cable -> Pre-amp -> XLR Cable with one side plugging into a USB port

Is that how it works if I'm just running the mic through a pre-amp and then into my computer?

Thanks guys!

 

[bouldersoundguy]

What plugs into what (after the mic and cable) depends largely on what gear you have. Most USB interfaces have preamps so it would be mic -> XLR -> interface -> USB cable -> computer. It's generally not recommended to use the audio device (sound card) that comes with your computer, with or without a preamp.

 

[Steenamaroo]

Do you already own the preamp?

If you don't, I'd recommend an interface with built in preamp instead, wired up like BSG says.

 

[xbxrxixtx]

Like the others suggest, you should get an interface to be the 'go-between' for your instruments and your computer. The way you are describing sounds like you will be taking an XLR to USB cable into your computer. It will probably sound better if you have an interface connect to your computer with the USB. You would take the XLR cable into the interface and then a regular USB cable to your computer (or firewire if you wanted). This will probably give you a lot better results.

Then it would be mic -> xlr cable to pre-amp -> xlr to interface -> usb to computer. If the preamp you are using isn't as good or better than the preamp on the interface then you can get rid of the preamp and use the preamp in the interface. It would be your preference based on sound.

The interface will be far better at the analog to digital conversions than an adapter cable or whatever you are thinking about.