software

I have a shure SM57 all hooked up to my computer and ready to go..it's just right into the sound card....can I record this way? I can't hear the mic through the friggin speakers...

help!

Doubtful. The soundcard has a high-impedance input. The Shure SM-57 is low-impedance. You need a mixer, or a mic pre-amp. Fortunately, both can be had cheap. $35 - $50.

the mic's XLR..and I have that into a high impedance to low impedance connector...which is XLR to 1/4 inch..then I have that into a 1/4 to 1/8 inch adaptor..

The trouble is, there's two different types of those:
The first, is just an adaptor. It doesn't have the transformer in it. You'll know if you have that. The quot;realquot; one is expensive.

The second is the quot;realquot; adaptor, that has a transformer built-in. It'll be fairly large. The trouble is, its still a totally passive device. You're asking the microphone to generate enough voltage to drive the transformer, and drive the input of the sound card. Any signal you get will be weak.

However, it might work. Go into your sound card properties and make sure the mic input is selected. A lot of times, people miss that step. Also, make sure its level slider is up.

what kind of program are you using? make sure you have your track record armed or you won't hear anything.

As stated, you NEED a preamp. I recommend an ART tube mic preamp since it's simple, cheap, and sounds lovely.

You don't need a preamp. I'd try to dial a sound in first, record it with some audio software with your mic directly into your soundcard and see what you think. If you think it stinks, then make some purchases. I don't see the point of blindly buying gear without knowing first hand if you'll really use or need it.

I don't use one and I'm reasonably happy with my recorded sound. I'm not sure if my Sony ECM-21 mic is the reason .

welp, I don't knwo what hte problem was but the shure wasn't working..so I resorted to my ****ty pc mic...

maybe I'm just a moron? dunno


Originally Posted by ArtieTooThe trouble is, its still a totally passive device. You're asking the microphone to generate enough voltage to drive the transformer, and drive the input of the sound card. Any signal you get will be weak.

He pretty much nailed it. Just trust me when I say you won't regret the investment. The art unit will not only boost your signal but also give you two balanced outs including a 1/4 inch out which is easy to adapt to your soundcard(the other is xlr). It has a 1/4 inch in as well which means you can use it as a DI box too for guitar or bass, and the tube really does give everything a certain quot;warmth.quot; Other than that do be sure that you have the mic volume turned up in your sound properties but I'm like 99% sure it's the adaptors that aren't working right. Also, if you plan on trying to get a quot;proquot; sound at all or get very serious a good soundcard would be step number two. You can get a real quality transformer with limited i/o for around a hundred bucks.

yeah, I even put the mic boost ( 20dB) on and it didn't work...so I'm sure you guys are right when you say that I need a mic pre amp...nothing to drive it..it's a totally different animal than the voice mic that came with my old pc...

I have a soundblaster audigy, which is a pretty good sound card..

how much is that ART? money's not exactly free flowing these days..my puppy just ate through my optical digital surround sound cable for my xbox..grrrrrrrrrrrr...this is after she ate through my sub woofer cable..AND two xbox controllers...*****! lol...so I have to replace that now as well..ugh...

What kind of software are you using?

I was just using sound recorder..didn't have anything else at the time..

Im having the same problems. Im gonna invest in something though and monitor this thread.

@shreder
Sound recorder isn't the best option but if its your only option I guess it will do. If your computer mic works and can record I don't see exactly why your sm57 wouldn't unless it has something to do with the connectors. I would definately still try buying a cheap pre amp and going to the line input on your sound card. I would also think about investing in a cheap recording program as well.@harrison

I you need any advice on what to buy or what to use send me a PM and I'll help you out man.

Check your mic. Is it switched on?

Check your recording properties. Is 'Microphone' selected?

Check your volume properties. Is 'Mute' selected on under 'Microphone'?

These three things get me every time. Other than that, talk to the gnome.

VINTERLAND--I'm thinkin' it might be one of the connectors as well..to test my quarter inch to eigth inch, I'm just going to plug my guitar cable right into it and see if that works...

NATE--yeah, I did all those things...with the exception of one..'turning the mic on'....there's no on switch on the thing that I now of...could I be THAT retarted to miss it?!?!? lol..I honestly dont' think there is one..

Shreder an sm57 is a dynamic microphone there is no switch to turn it on. Most mics don't have switches to turn them on unless they are a wireless mic.

I didn't even know that about the SM57. The gnome strikes again!!

ok, I knew I wasn't that retarded...heh =)


Originally Posted by NateI didn't even know that about the SM57. The gnome strikes again!!

well no dynamic will have a switch its sorta similiar to a passive pickup in terms of it needing no power.

@shreder

Check out a program called n-track. Its easy to use and has a good helpful forum for a beginner. It won't cost you an arm and a leg and then you'll have multitrack capabilities.