Microphone Connector
Xlr microphone to 3.5mm computer, need preamp?
Ok, so I just got a microphone with an Xlr Connector, and I plan to do some guitar recording with it. I’ll need an adapter to go from xlr to 3.5mm to plug into my computer, my question is will i need a separate preamp for the mic to have enough output for the computer to pick it up, or will my soundcard be able to amplify it enough? the mic has an impedence of 150 ohms if that helps.
Get an external preamp with XLR input, otherwise you lose most of the benefit of using a balanced XLR cable. The problems with using an adapter to go to a 3.5 mm unbalanced connector is that even the short distance of the adapter can introduce interference that won’t be there with a straight XLR to XLR connection. On top of that, most PC soundcard preamps and ADCs are extremely low grade (unless you’ve got an internal audio interface card with a high-quality preamp), turning the signal from your nice, expensive mic into a distorted, pixelated mess.
Look into a USB or Firewire mic preamp or audio interface that has XLR inputs and optional phantom power.
DIY Ribbon Mic – Assemble the Connector Plate
