Violin pickup into computer

[Klo_]

hello,
I just bought a violin pickup (Shadow 945 NFX [*]) and i can't get it working.
It has a 1/4 (6,3mm) output: I plug a 1/4 - 1/4 cable into it and the other end of the cable into computer. Here I use a reduction from 1/4 (6,3mm) to 1/8 (3,5mm) jack. Because obviously 3,5 jack is standard on computers. I plug it in the microphone's 'hole' at the computer's back.
When I start playing there is just noise coming out of it. Whats wrong? Do I need a preamp or something between the pickup and the computer?

PS. Consider me 'very new' to these things please

[*] Shadow 945 NFX: shadow-electronics.com/viewpro.html?id=192 (it won't allow me to post urls )

 

[mshilarious]

These sort of pickups need a buffer amp, but it seems they include that with the pickup (their site is a little lean on technical details). The output should be hot enough to work into the computer from there. The pinout of a computer mic input is tip=signal, ring=power, shield=ground. You don't need the power pin, so you can leave that unconnected.

If that isn't working, then I would suggest you do need a preamp with a high-impedance (instrument) input between the pickup and the computer.

 

[TimOBrien]

Using a built-in soundcard??

Unfortunately, those are made with less than $1 worth of chips for beeps, boops and light gaming (not to mention cheapness for the manufacturer) and NOT quality music production.

#1 Rule of Recording: You MUST replace the built-in soundcard.

Here's a good guide and suggestions: http://www.tweakheadz.com/soundcards_for_the_home_studio.htm

 

[Klo_]

Thanks for your replies.
So I played a little bit more with the settings etc and I eventually found out it was all happening because the originally supplied battery was empty
Thanks anyway

 

[leddy]

Klo -

If I may, I'd like to chime in on the idea of using a pickup with a string instrument. I make a living as a double bass player, and I can tell you that recording the direct signal from a pick up has always sounded terrible (and I've tried many pickups over many years).

If it works for you - great. Some people like that sound. But you may find that even the most inexpensive microphone is lightyears better, depending on your taste.

Just a thought.

 

[mshilarious]

Thanks for your replies.
So I played a little bit more with the settings etc and I eventually found out it was all happening because the originally supplied battery was empty
Thanks anyway

You ought to use this emoticon -->

rather than -->

When other people try to help troubleshoot your problems, but it turns out to be your own silly mistake

 

[gecko zzed]

I make a living as a double bass player, and I can tell you that recording the direct signal from a pick up has always sounded terrible (and I've tried many pickups over many years).

If it works for you - great. Some people like that sound. But you may find that even the most inexpensive microphone is lightyears better, depending on your taste.

I've tried recording a double bass through it's pick, and, yes, it sounded terrible, and yes, even the most inexpensive mike is ligt years better . . . and curiously, the mike that worked best on bass turned out to be, after a mess of experimenting, a cheap Behringer c2!

But . . . technology has advanced substantially in the last few years, and some of the pickups available are now are particularly good (and they really come into their own for live mixing). So I wouldn't dismiss them out of hand.

So if there are particular reasons for recording fro the pick up, then go for it.

However, I still prefer the sound of a miked fiddle.