XLR to Computer.....do I need analog to digital converter?

[Damani311]

Just wondering.......if so this is going to be alot more $$$$$ than I thought, since I don't even have an XLR cable or the converters at this point...

 

[jwl]

Just wondering.......if so this is going to be alot more $$$$$ than I thought, since I don't even have an XLR cable or the converters at this point...

yes.

 

[hunta]

If you're talking about running an XLR to a mini jack into your sound card, you don't need an A/D converter.. But it will sound like butt. If you want to record and have it sound good you'll need some kind of recording interface with a mic preamp. You can get something simple like a little 2 channel edirol or m-audio usb interface for pretty cheap.

 

[grovest]

You could buy one of those $30 mixers at musiciansfriend (includes one XLR) and run the headphones to your computer's line-in port.

 

[GlassJaw]

If you got the bread, this is what you want:

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[lemur821]

Your sound card already has an ADC, but it's not very good.

 

[avid]

If you're talking about running an XLR to a mini jack into your sound card, you don't need an A/D converter.. But it will sound like butt. If you want to record and have it sound good you'll need some kind of recording interface with a mic preamp. You can get something simple like a little 2 channel edirol or m-audio usb interface for pretty cheap.

Would the mic preamps on a mixer work?

 

[lemur821]

Would the mic preamps on a mixer work?

Yes, but you'll get better sound with a decent interface than you ever will with a card not meant for recording.

 

[avid]

Would the mic preamps on a mixer work?

Yes, but you'll get better sound with a decent interface than you ever will with a card not meant for recording.

Is there a decent and affordable interface? I see all kinds of grousing about software flakiness on the <$500 units. I purchased a Firebox a year ago and returned it. The software didn't seem ready for prime time. IMHO and TIA

 

[Plain Old Me]

Is there a decent and affordable interface? I see all kinds of grousing about software flakiness on the <$500 units. I purchased a Firebox a year ago and returned it. The software didn't seem ready for prime time. IMHO and TIA

You aren't going to get any better software using the computer mic in, and the Firebox is a much better ad converter.

 

[Vandelay]

Aren't there some inexpensive mixers these days that have a USB output?

 

[avid]

Aren't there some inexpensive mixers these days that have a USB output?

I'll check that out, thanks. I am buying a macbook for my studio after leopard comes out and also waiting to see if the rumored upgrade to macbooks shows up in November.

 

[Vandelay]

As an example, I've been GASing for this live-sound mixer for a while, and I know it has USB out. It wouldn't be the best fit for multitrack recording, but it makes me assume there are others out there.

http://www.carvin.com/products/mixer.php?ItemNumber=C1644

 

[improvpwnd]

If you only need 1 mic input, $80 will get this this handy tool.

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/MicMate