which way do you go?

[PRETTYfromDAWGS]

scenario:
windows xp PC, AMD 1.4 GHz processor
384 MB RAM

running Acid and Sound Forge


Question:

Should I connect my mic into a mixer with pre-amps or into the card's with a mic input???

Assume I have a high end sound card (like m-audio usb external where it has a mic input) where there is a mic input on the interface to the PC. does it matter as far as the quality and clearness and fullness of the vocals?? or can I just fix weak vocals in the mix?? Usually when I run it thru my mixer it's louder but then again for now....i have a peice of junk Soundblaster 512 (or sumthing like that).

Any Feed back appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Swede]

Put your mic into a preamp (or the mixer) and then into the LINE IN of your soundcard. If possible, avoid the mic in. This is if you have a card like your soundblaster.

On the other hand, if you have a soundcard with preamps (typically XLR-connectors and a gain knob), then you could connect your mic directly to this input.

Hope this helps

Simon

 

[Robert D]

First, your worst enemy is the phrase "just fix it in the mix". Remove this phrase from your lexicon.
Second, never take a preamp or any other line out and feed it to the mic input of a soundcard, whether a cheapo SB or a professional sound card.
Third, "high end" is a relative term, and many would classify M-Audio more as a pro-consumer soundcard. Relative to your Soundblaster though, high end is apt enough. I have an M-Audio card, btw, so I'm not gear snobbing.
So, if we assume that you have a pro soundcard with a mic input, and a pro quality mixer, then what you have is two viable options, mic directly into soundcard preamp input, or mic into mixer input, sent via a direct out, or from a channel insert out, into the line input of the soundcard. Which is better will mostly depend on the mic and the source, sort of like choosing a color to match with another color.
Regards, RD