soundcard solution???

[grothman]

Currently, I'm able to hook a Shure Beta58 mic up with an XLR cable into my Live Drive soundblaster platinum kit and use Cooleditpro to record on my computer. A couple of years ago, this was the only thing that had "built in" amplification. I'm wanting to purchase something like this for a friend now but I don't want all the frills that come with the audigy platinum and $180. I just want something simple and cheap. What are my options?

 

[grothman]

Any help on this would definitely be appreciated!

 

[thorin]

Why does it have to be amplified?

Thorin

 

[WooHizzle]

don't run the mic directly into the soundcard... the SB's aren't really built to do recording like you're doing...
i've recorded a lot of stuff for my band so have had a good amount of time dealing w/ computers and mic'ing

i recommend one of two things. if you're really into doing a good recording, you can

a)get a mic preamp for your microphone. you can either use a cheap mixing board for a budget solution, or if you want something sounding good, get an actualy mic preamp unit. the ART TUBE MP preamp is a decent one and sells for around $80.... they also make pricier models that are really nice. (you could splurge and get the professional Avalon 737, but that's $2k). you would then run the b58 to the preamp (XLR) and then probably run output from the preamp 1/4" to soundcard...

b) get a recording soundcard w/ good preamps... Emagic and terratec make some really nice soundcards, but it'll set you back a few hundred dollars.

good luck w/ the recording...

 

[grothman]

Let's say i get that $80 mic preamp by ART. How important is the quality of the soundcard? can i get a simple turtle beach for like $75? as long as it's 24/96 does it matter? It will be just for simple studio-like vocal recording single track.