software

i just got the m-audio firewire 410 for recording, and ive got an sm57 hooked up micing my guitar amp. im going to also use it in the future to mic the rest of my band. what im wondering is, should i use the phantom power for the sm57? what is it for? also, it looks like the m-audio has 5 sets of outputs, can i hook up my creative surround speakers to them? i still want to have the surround sound for my games, and i dont want to use 2 soudn cards. i also dont want to purchase monitors. i currently have it setup so that the m-audio is the default recording and midi device, and the creative sound blaster extigy is default playback audio device. i would like to make the m-audio my sole sound card, but still keep the surround sound. is it possible?

btw, the m-audio came with no instruction manual besides the quick start guide...

I can only comment on the microphone. You won't need phantom power with an SM57. Its a dynamic mic, and doesn't require power. Generally, electret mics, (not to be confused with electric), require phantom power. Its not likely that you'ld get a powered mic by accident. If you buy one, you'll know it.

A dynamic mic works like a small speaker. A tiny voice-coil rides in a magnetic field and generates a voltage when its stimulated.

An electret mic, uses a diaphragm suspended between two charged plates. The quot;chargequot; is where the phantom power comes in. Electrets are often used for subtle signals like voice, whereas dynamics are used for instrument and drum mics.

Even that, is a gross generalization. There are exceptions.

thanks that cleared things up a bit

Simplifying what Artie said. Dynamic mics do not need phantom power (ie. your shure 57), but they generally will not be harmed if you happen to turn it on. Condenser mics need the phantom power and will not work without it.


Originally Posted by slash857btw, the m-audio came with no instruction manual besides the quick start guide...

I have an M-Audio FireWire 410 as well. I've got both the quot;Quick Start Guidequot; and quot;Users' Manualquot; in PDF format. Would you like me to email them to you?
- Keith

thanks kg, buti did manage to find them on their website, so its cool.