using PC to record?
- Thread starter shreder75
- Start date
Artie
Peaveyologist
Re: using PC to record?
The trouble is, there's two different types of those:
The first, is just an adaptor. It doesn't have the transformer in it. You'll know if you have that. The "real" one is expensive.
The second is the "real" adaptor, that has a transformer built-in. It'll be fairly large. The trouble is, its still a totally passive device. You're asking the microphone to generate enough voltage to drive the transformer, and drive the input of the sound card. Any signal you get will be weak.
However, it might work. Go into your sound card properties and make sure the mic input is selected. A lot of times, people miss that step. Also, make sure its level slider is up.
The trouble is, there's two different types of those:
The first, is just an adaptor. It doesn't have the transformer in it. You'll know if you have that. The "real" one is expensive.
The second is the "real" adaptor, that has a transformer built-in. It'll be fairly large. The trouble is, its still a totally passive device. You're asking the microphone to generate enough voltage to drive the transformer, and drive the input of the sound card. Any signal you get will be weak.
However, it might work. Go into your sound card properties and make sure the mic input is selected. A lot of times, people miss that step. Also, make sure its level slider is up.
vinterland
New member
Re: using PC to record?
what kind of program are you using? make sure you have your track record armed or you won't hear anything.
what kind of program are you using? make sure you have your track record armed or you won't hear anything.
inter
Member
Re: using PC to record?
You don't need a preamp. I'd try to dial a sound in first, record it with some audio software with your mic directly into your soundcard and see what you think. If you think it stinks, then make some purchases. I don't see the point of blindly buying gear without knowing first hand if you'll really use or need it.
I don't use one and I'm reasonably happy with my recorded sound. I'm not sure if my Sony ECM-21 mic is the reason
.
You don't need a preamp. I'd try to dial a sound in first, record it with some audio software with your mic directly into your soundcard and see what you think. If you think it stinks, then make some purchases. I don't see the point of blindly buying gear without knowing first hand if you'll really use or need it.
I don't use one and I'm reasonably happy with my recorded sound. I'm not sure if my Sony ECM-21 mic is the reason
.
AmirH
New member
Re: using PC to record?
He pretty much nailed it. Just trust me when I say you won't regret the investment. The art unit will not only boost your signal but also give you two balanced outs including a 1/4 inch out which is easy to adapt to your soundcard(the other is xlr). It has a 1/4 inch in as well which means you can use it as a DI box too for guitar or bass, and the tube really does give everything a certain "warmth." Other than that do be sure that you have the mic volume turned up in your sound properties but I'm like 99% sure it's the adaptors that aren't working right. Also, if you plan on trying to get a "pro" sound at all or get very serious a good soundcard would be step number two. You can get a real quality transformer with limited i/o for around a hundred bucks.
ArtieToo said:
He pretty much nailed it. Just trust me when I say you won't regret the investment. The art unit will not only boost your signal but also give you two balanced outs including a 1/4 inch out which is easy to adapt to your soundcard(the other is xlr). It has a 1/4 inch in as well which means you can use it as a DI box too for guitar or bass, and the tube really does give everything a certain "warmth." Other than that do be sure that you have the mic volume turned up in your sound properties but I'm like 99% sure it's the adaptors that aren't working right. Also, if you plan on trying to get a "pro" sound at all or get very serious a good soundcard would be step number two. You can get a real quality transformer with limited i/o for around a hundred bucks.
shreder75
New member
Re: using PC to record?
yeah, I even put the mic boost (+ 20dB) on and it didn't work...so I'm sure you guys are right when you say that I need a mic pre amp...nothing to drive it..it's a totally different animal than the voice mic that came with my old pc...
I have a soundblaster audigy, which is a pretty good sound card..
how much is that ART? money's not exactly free flowing these days..my puppy just ate through my optical digital surround sound cable for my xbox..grrrrrrrrrrrr...this is after she ate through my sub woofer cable..AND two xbox controllers...bitch! lol...so I have to replace that now as well..ugh...
yeah, I even put the mic boost (+ 20dB) on and it didn't work...so I'm sure you guys are right when you say that I need a mic pre amp...nothing to drive it..it's a totally different animal than the voice mic that came with my old pc...
I have a soundblaster audigy, which is a pretty good sound card..
how much is that ART? money's not exactly free flowing these days..my puppy just ate through my optical digital surround sound cable for my xbox..grrrrrrrrrrrr...this is after she ate through my sub woofer cable..AND two xbox controllers...bitch! lol...so I have to replace that now as well..ugh...
vinterland
New member
Re: using PC to record?
What kind of software are you using?
What kind of software are you using?
HarrisonDavid
New member
Re: using PC to record?
Im having the same problems. Im gonna invest in something though and monitor this thread.
Im having the same problems. Im gonna invest in something though and monitor this thread.
vinterland
New member
Re: using PC to record?
@shreder
Sound recorder isn't the best option but if its your only option I guess it will do. If your computer mic works and can record I don't see exactly why your sm57 wouldn't unless it has something to do with the connectors. I would definately still try buying a cheap pre amp and going to the line input on your sound card. I would also think about investing in a cheap recording program as well.
@harrison
I you need any advice on what to buy or what to use send me a PM and I'll help you out man.
@shreder
Sound recorder isn't the best option but if its your only option I guess it will do. If your computer mic works and can record I don't see exactly why your sm57 wouldn't unless it has something to do with the connectors. I would definately still try buying a cheap pre amp and going to the line input on your sound card. I would also think about investing in a cheap recording program as well.
@harrison
I you need any advice on what to buy or what to use send me a PM and I'll help you out man.
shreder75
New member
Re: using PC to record?
VINTERLAND--I'm thinkin' it might be one of the connectors as well..to test my quarter inch to eigth inch, I'm just going to plug my guitar cable right into it and see if that works...
NATE--yeah, I did all those things...with the exception of one..'turning the mic on'....there's no on switch on the thing that I now of...could I be THAT retarted to miss it?!?!? lol..I honestly dont' think there is one..
VINTERLAND--I'm thinkin' it might be one of the connectors as well..to test my quarter inch to eigth inch, I'm just going to plug my guitar cable right into it and see if that works...
NATE--yeah, I did all those things...with the exception of one..'turning the mic on'....there's no on switch on the thing that I now of...could I be THAT retarted to miss it?!?!? lol..I honestly dont' think there is one..
vinterland
New member
Re: using PC to record?
Shreder an sm57 is a dynamic microphone there is no switch to turn it on. Most mics don't have switches to turn them on unless they are a wireless mic.
Shreder an sm57 is a dynamic microphone there is no switch to turn it on. Most mics don't have switches to turn them on unless they are a wireless mic.
vinterland
New member
Re: using PC to record?
well no dynamic will have a switch its sorta similiar to a passive pickup in terms of it needing no power.
@shreder
Check out a program called n-track. Its easy to use and has a good helpful forum for a beginner. It won't cost you an arm and a leg and then you'll have multitrack capabilities.
Nate said:
well no dynamic will have a switch its sorta similiar to a passive pickup in terms of it needing no power.
@shreder
Check out a program called n-track. Its easy to use and has a good helpful forum for a beginner. It won't cost you an arm and a leg and then you'll have multitrack capabilities.
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