What do I need?

[Lil. D]

So I'm making a home studio. I already have a shock mount, stand, mac and software. I know that I'll need a phantom power mic but here's where my problems begin. What do I need to be able to use a phantom power mic? What's a preamp and audio interface used for?

 

[kidkage]

So I'm making a home studio. I already have a shock mount, stand, mac and software. I know that I'll need a phantom power mic but here's where my problems begin. What do I need to be able to use a phantom power mic? What's a preamp and audio interface used for?

Anything with phantom power. Most mixers, and preamps have it.
A preamp amplifies the signal being pumped into it. it is essential for a microphone.
i dont record into a computer, but i understand that an interface is basically the hardware (a separate unit or box) that allows sound to be input to your computer.

 

[bstarstudios]

Basically as stated above you need an interface with phantom power if you plan to run a condenser mic.
the big question to be asked are your needs. interfaces can have as little as one input or as many as 32+ (in some large mixers).

if you just are doing acoustic and vocals then a small interface + condenser could work well, say paring a m-audio fastrack with a mxl v67g (just an example not the end all be all set up)

if you want to record guitars or drums i reccomend looking at the standard sm57s or the 3s57 copies (just as good imo, a bit brighter top end)

It all depends on your needs.

 

[Lil. D]

So I plug my phantom power mic into a preamp and then into a firewire interface and then my computer?

 

[fat_fleet]

if your interface has mic inputs (most likely) you can skip the standalone preamp.

 

[Lil. D]

Ohhhh okay, I was wondering because my friend doesn't have a preamp.