XLR to USB mic cable or some Audio Interface?

[lorez]

Quick question, would I be better getting an audio interface to record input from microphones on a computer or would an XLR to USB cable suffice? The later is obviously cheaper but are there any issues I should consider?

[avj]

I'd say go for an interface. There are some bargains to be had on M-Audio and Edirol USB gear, and your investment will take you much further.

I'd make a few recommendations, but I'm 'scaling from my phone right now and don't have the resources.

[kim]

if you want it really cheap you could just get a 1/4 jack to mini jack to your computer if you have an xlr-1/4jack cable.

it will not sound very clear though, lovely digital overdrive lol

buying a mic with a usb out is something you could do but maybe then you'd be better off buying a cheap simple interface like this





so you won't be stuck with a mic with usb cable that you can't use for anything else. this interface is cheap and you can plug in everything you can connect with a 1/4 jack cable like guitars, mics, drumcomputers, some synths whatever. use the mics you have, i'm sure you have an xlr to 1/4jack lying around somewhere, done.

[lorez]

The reason I was asking is I managed to pic up a SM57 for cheap from the local cash convertors and it doesn't have a lead at present. I just woundered if a lead like this one would suffice - link. Its about 25% the cost of an interface. I was going to use something like Audacity on the PC/Mac to do the recordings. I will take a look in to the costs of the other devices you recommend

Cheers

lorez

[theshadowofseattle]

so you won't be stuck with a mic with usb cable that you can't use for anything else.

bro, you can use the USB mic for playing Rock Band!

[kim]

i wouldn't know, too broke for rockband, bro.

[theshadowofseattle]

too broke.

[knpknpknp]

Although the interface and mic combo will cost a little more to start, I would say it is well worth it.

Mainly because an interface with a couple of inputs can be found for pretty cheap and at least with this you aren't stuck with one mic type. Not to mention some pretty interesting mics can be found for pretty cheap, and it would be a shame to not be able to utilize them by having all your eggs in one basket.

[hypermused]

I'd go for the USB interface that kim posted too. And you could use it for some other stuff too.

[Dingus]

The reason I was asking is I managed to pic up a SM57 for cheap from the local cash convertors and it doesn't have a lead at present. I just woundered if a lead like this one would suffice - link. Its about 25% the cost of an interface. I was going to use something like Audacity on the PC/Mac to do the recordings. I will take a look in to the costs of the other devices you recommend

Cheers

lorez

CASH CONVERTERS! Lorez, where you live?

[lorez]

The reason I was asking is I managed to pic up a SM57 for cheap from the local cash convertors and it doesn't have a lead at present. I just woundered if a lead like this one would suffice - link. Its about 25% the cost of an interface. I was going to use something like Audacity on the PC/Mac to do the recordings. I will take a look in to the costs of the other devices you recommend

Cheers

lorez

CASH CONVERTERS! Lorez, where you live?

Sunny Bristol in the Severn Delta, were the cider flows and and country and western is the right way round

[Dingus]

We must be talking about different places then:

http://www.cashconvertersunited.com/index.html

[Reece]

We must be talking about different places then:

http://www.cashconvertersunited.com/index.html

Cash converters is worldwide. We have them in the UK too.

[victoria]

Hello Kim,

Yeah..It's really cheap. Your information is good & helpful for me.


Regards
Victoria Heden
Magic Sing along Karaoke

[1,2,3, Pull Out!]

What software are you using?