Mic. hookup to record

[adrian00]

I have a standard microphone and I want to hook it up to my computer so I can record voices over it. The connections on my pc are too small for the microphone and I don't know what to buy so I can hook it up to the pc.

[highrisemech]

Hi,
I guess you could buy some type of adapter but I think it would probably be just as easy to get a standard computer microphone they are very inexpensive usually under $10.00 . You could either get your adapter or niw Microphone probably at Radio Shack. I know you can buy a computer microphone at Best Buys or Comp USA. I you want to get an adapter and your heart is set on it, I suggest you take you an existing microphone to a radio Shack so you can be fitted with the proper adapter the first trip. Hope this helps you.

[audiyoda]

The advantage to using a standard microphone would be less noise. Computer mics are notorious for their noise levels.

What you are going to want is a Microphone Impedance Matching Transformer. It takes the low impedance source (the mic) and matches it to the high impedance source (ungrounded input). Preferambly you'll want one able to handle 250-50k ohms. Radio Shack should sell one -- jsut make sure you get one that has a female XLR end to a make 1/4" jack. You'll also need a adapter for the 1/4" jack to bring it down to the mini-plug on your sound card. Total cast shouldn't be any more than $20.00.

This is of course assuming your mic has a standard XLR end. If it just uses a 14" jack, forget about the matching transformer and just get the adapter plug. Now if you've got an old Shure or Audio Technica 2 prong XLR mic (threaded end), that's an entirely new problem.

-Craig