What do you need to connect a condenser mic to a computer?!
Question: I have a Dell, nothing fancy, but not crappy either. I'm a musician, specifically working with Hip-Hop and R&B (open to all types of music though). I'm looking at this one mic that is $100 (which fits my budget) which is USB.
MXL MXL 990 USB Powered Condenser Micr
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/M...
The other is not USB and has amazing reviews
AKG Perception 100 Large-Diaphragm Condenser Mic
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/A...
I heard USB usually can't compare to the others. So what would I need to hook up the AKG mic to my computer. what is all this phantom power and pre-amps. Can I just get something to plug the mic into that gives it it's power, that connects to the computer, like an interface? Or do you need more? In lamens terms can you tell me what I need to connect the AKG to my computer, maybe with links. Thanks!
Answers: I have a Dell, nothing fancy, but not crappy either. I'm a musician, specifically working with Hip-Hop and R&B (open to all types of music though). I'm looking at this one mic that is $100 (which fits my budget) which is USB.
MXL MXL 990 USB Powered Condenser Micr
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/M...
The other is not USB and has amazing reviews
AKG Perception 100 Large-Diaphragm Condenser Mic
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/A...
I heard USB usually can't compare to the others. So what would I need to hook up the AKG mic to my computer. what is all this phantom power and pre-amps. Can I just get something to plug the mic into that gives it it's power, that connects to the computer, like an interface? Or do you need more? In lamens terms can you tell me what I need to connect the AKG to my computer, maybe with links. Thanks!
I ran a recording studio last summer, and I own the latter mic (AKG Perception 100), so I'm definately educated on this question.
Personally, I hate USB mics. They are alright for low end (podcasts, notes, etc.) uses that don't require that much quality. However, if you're working with hip-hop, your primary weapon is your voice, so you need to pamper it.
In response to your question, if you do decide to go with the AKG, which is a FANTASTIC mic for vocals, in order to get it into the computer, you WILL need an interface capable of powering that mic and getting the signal into your computer. For example, the Digidesign mBox Mini
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/D...
That interface uses USB, and see the switch on the back of it that says "+48v"? That enables Phantom Power, which powers your AKG.
If you can't afford the total of $400, and you need a USB mic, I would reccomend the Blue Snowball http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/B... This is last resort though. Go with the AKG!
What's your budget like?
The power pack for the condenser mike probably has a line out jack; this could be connected to a line input on the computer's sound card. Standard cabling will work fine.