Dumb questions on computer recording

[agent2x4]

How do you plug a mic into the computer? Do they have xlr jacks or is it more like a headphone jack?

Do most computers already have the internal "guts" to run everything properly? Are there computers out there that are designed to record on, or do you buy all that's required later? I know cakewalk and protools are programs you purchase after the fact, but what about sound cards, etc...?

My current computer is pretty current and powerful, but other than the recording software, should it have essentially everything else I need already in it from the manufacturer? If not, please tell me what else you bought in addition to the recording software that you modded yours with.

Thanks in advance!

[Joe-Bob]

I've been wanting to try some of this, too. So any help would be appreciated.

[Rick S]

I've been getting into this just recently myself. My first advice, be patient, there is a big learning curve in this.

You can usually plug a highZ mic directly into most sound cards, with a 1/8" adaptor. To use a LowZ mic, you at least have to have a mixer with a line out, unless the sound card has a LowZ in.

Now, the problem is, unless you have a sound card that is specifically designed for this, it's not going to be up to the job. You may be able to get a few tracks down with your card, maybe not. So, it's pretty much necessary to use an interface, like the Mbox, Toneport, etc.

The interface works as an external sound card, handles the tasks of analog/digital conversion and will have your high and lowZ inputs ready to go.

Search for home recording on this board and you will find a lot of info.

[Joe-Bob]

So, would it be necessary to buy a more sophisticated sound card?

[Rick S]

Originally Posted by Joe-Bob

So, would it be necessary to buy a more sophisticated sound card?

If you are using an interface, no, you don't need another sound card. The interface will serve as your sound card for this application for all audio in and out.

If your system meets the requirements for the software and interface you are going to use, nothing else is needed.

You really should have a LCD monitor for this. Tube monitors are a real noise problem.

[Joe-Bob]

I already have a mixer, and I was going to use that.

[Rick S]

Originally Posted by Joe-Bob

I already have a mixer, and I was going to use that.

It won't hurt a thing to give it a try. It's not like something is going to blow up.

Sound cards that aren't made for recording usually do a really good job of playing a mixed down track, but when you have an analog signal going in for it to handle along with a track being played back, and then start stacking these tracks, effects on top of them, etc., at some point you will likely have latency issues.

There are many variables involved, so it's hard to estimate how much you can push yours before a problem develops. Some folks have claimed to get a basic demo completed without problems, and some have issues after the first track.

Others will know more about this, but I would assume you just have to give it a whirl and see what happens.

[Tdot]

Originally Posted by agent2x4

How do you plug a mic into the computer? Do they have xlr jacks or is it more like a headphone jack?

Do most computers already have the internal "guts" to run everything properly?

For those who have a Mac and want to use a cheap direct route there's the MicPlug (XLR to USB) under $20

Or there are a number of platform independant, Audio Interface boxes from $100-200 by Line 6, M-Audio, Lexicon, Tascam, Edirol, and others. They usually have mic & guitar ports, or mic & midi, or multiple variations.

[teledude66]

Originally Posted by Joe-Bob

I already have a mixer, and I was going to use that.

I used a mixer into cheap soundcard for years before I got my M audio mobile pre, so it'll work. Go out of the auxes into your soundcard so you won't get any feedback loops...not at home so I can't remember how to do the signal path, but if you can't figure it out let me know and I'll trace it out....the mobile pre is so much easier though, any USB powered device will be better, simply because if you use a laptop you could basically record anywhere....

[Brian blaut]

I use an Audiophile 2496. I did LOTS of research on home recording forums and found this to be a very excellent and cost effective high end card. Then can be had for less than $100.

Soundcards that come in your computer will work, but they were never meant for recording. If it uses a 1/8th inch jack, chances are it would serve you better to upgrade. I used to get by with my $20 soundblaster live. I had nothing but poor perfomance with the quality and efficiency of SoundBlaster's drivers, but managed to get by with a free 3rd party driver called Kx-project (something like that). It worked just fine, but my Audiophile does work and sound much much better. The Soundblasters and internal sound cards are built to make your games sound great and over all DVD 7 channel surround sound stuff. They're not meant for audio recording. The pro level cards are written with the most efficient drivers and taylored for audio quality. They won't be your choice for games, but I find my card certainly sounded cleaner, higher quality. Actually it makes my Whole computer sound better- DVD's, MP3's and the like.

I highly recommend it. It has low latency Asio and Asio 2 drivers for PC. Its also fully supported on Mac with Core Audio drivers.