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Topic starter
03/06/2004 3:31 pm
Fairly simple question; I want to record on my computer and therefore want to connect microphone and or guitar to my computer (PC) going through USB.
Please help me! I have no idea how to go about this. the various devices on the market seem to convert phono or Coaxial or something similar to USB, I really want something to convert XLR or ordinary 1/4" jack to USB. Is this possible? Can anybody recomend a device? Or do I need to get something else to convert XLR or 1/4" into Phono, then phono to USB?
I hope I've made myself clear...
Any suggestions?
(feel free to just ignore what I've written above and suggest another way to connect microphones or guitars to my computers. I only really need one input)
Thankyou
Peter
03/06/2004 7:17 pm
These will do what you need:
Note that 1/4" TRS (tip, ring, sleeve) balanced inputs/outputs are compatible with XLR using a passive cable adapter. 1/4" TRS inputs will also accept 1/4" unbalanced signals
Hope this helps -- Greg
-=tension & release=-
03/06/2004 8:21 pm
You don't have a sound card with a microphone jack or a line in? With a small adaptor, that's the cheapest route.
By the way, a guitar cable is coaxial. I assume you meant an RCA input or something like that.
Topic starter
03/06/2004 9:05 pm
Thankyou for your quick replies.
Is there anything cheaper on the market than those, I really am on a low budget here :(
I do have a sound card wit a mic input, however thats 3.5mm. I can't seem to find an adaptor to change a 1/4" to one of these smaller sockets anywhere.
Thankyou
03/06/2004 9:39 pm
In the states, Radio Shack sells this adapter -- 1/4" stereo jack to mini 1/8" stereo plug:
Question is will a 1/8" plug work in a 3.5 mm jack? 1/8" is 3.175 mm, so it's a possibility. If so, that makes the first conversion. If not, I haven't found an exact adapter yet.
Here's an XLR to 1/4" with transformer (use with above to feed one channel of your PC):
If you use the XLR adapter, you may wish to add an extension cable (1/4 jack to 1/4 plug or 1/8 jack to 1/8 plug) to strain relieve your PC's jack.
You may not get good results plugging a guitar (pickup) directly into your PC. It all depends upon the impedance of your PC's mic input -- higher the better.
BTW, the USB audio converters are expensive because they essentially are entire sound cards that link via the USB port, which is a serial digital interface.
-=tension & release=-
03/06/2004 10:02 pm
For both mic and guitar, get a Behringer UB802 or UB1002 - around $60-80.
Both have in-built preamps, mic and line in - output to sound card. They also offer phantom power for those who like condenser mics. If you want effects, front the mixer with a multi fx box like the zoom 505 (around $60)
I started with nothing - and I've still got most of it left.
Did you know that the word "gullible" is not in any dictionary?
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Topic starter
05/06/2004 8:21 pm
Roight, Question is will a 1/8" plug work in a 3.5 mm jack? 1/8" is 3.175 mm, so it's a possibility
When I said that, I did mean a 3.175 jack, Imistyped. Sorry.
We have a similar thing to RadioShack here in the UK, called Maplin Electronics. I'll ask them about the adaptor.
I had originally inteded to spend more money on this, but then I had to shell out for studio time for my band, which left me a bit out of pocket.
Thankyou for your help.
(I'll have a look at those behringer ones too, they look quite reasonable, if I can get hold of one)
06/06/2004 8:53 am
If need be, I know theres a few laying around here. If you can't get one I'll send you one.
joe
07/06/2004 3:11 am
The Behringer stuff that Greybeard mentioned is good stuff at a reasonable price. I run my mics through a UB1204FX and from there into my laptop's mic input with one of the adaptors from Radio Shack.
Another option for guitar-to-USB is a Line 6 GuitarPort. They sell for $99. here in the US and are made solely for converting your guitar to usb input. They also have a multitude of modeling sounds you can access through the PC. I don't think it would be suitable for mics/vocals though.
Topic starter
07/06/2004 9:25 pm
You're a heroe Joe!
08/06/2004 5:22 am
Looking thought my briefcase that I carry with must have guitar and electronic tools I found 6 of them. I know in the cord/cable case there's anything and everything. You never know when something maybe needed. Like on that long and lonesome highway east of Omaha, and not a parts store around for miles and you need something for the next show.
Joe