XLR input into Computer?

Sheri Salomone · Post by **Sheri Salomone** » 24 Jan 2003 1:21 pm

Anybody know how to input sound from a decent mike with an XLR connector into the computer? I have a sound blaster card with those little I think they are 1/8' jacks.

DroopyPawn · Post by **DroopyPawn** » 25 Jan 2003 9:36 am

Don't got with adapters. Get a little mixer like a Mackie 1202 or one of the small Behringer mixers. You can get one for under $200 on ebay and with the mixer, you will not be limited to certain kinds of inputs. You can do mics, guitars, keyboards, cassettes or whatever you can plug into the mixer.

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winston · Post by **winston** » 25 Jan 2003 11:09 am

Sheri
It depends on what you are going to use the mic for. If you are going to be singing then DroopyPawn has the better idea. If you are just planning on talking then Herb has the right idea.
BTW Herb, to hook a mixer into a sound card all that is needed is a wire with 1/8" stereo plug on one end and 2 rca or 1/4" on the other end.

winston · Post by **winston** » 26 Jan 2003 7:16 am

Wrong Herb
Like I said it depends on what she wants to use the mic for. Let's let her answer that and then we can impress each other and the forum with what we know.

Harry Busby · Post by **Harry Busby** » 26 Jan 2003 7:37 am

Sheri
Not sure how mechanical you are but I have a quick and easy way to get around this problem that should work for most home situations. Get an XLR Female plug and a 1/8" mini plug and some shielded wire. On the XLR-pin 2 is hot and go to centre wire and pins 1 & 3 are tied together and connect to the shield of the wire. The other end of wire attaches to the mini plug, centre wire to tip and shield to the ground connection. Have used this method for years and never had a problem yet.
Good luck
Harry Busby

Sheri Salomone · Post by **Sheri Salomone** » 28 Jan 2003 8:58 pm

Thanks, guys! Sorry it took me so long to get back, ( computer problems...grr...)
I plan to record my voice singing as well as my acoustic guitar and an electric bass. I have the Acid Music program and plan to record different tracks. Sound quality IS important to me, I have used a regular computer mic with unsatisfactory results.
Anyways, I think I will try Harrys suggestion for wiring my own adapter. Thanks for the pinout info!![This message was edited by Sheri Salomone on 28 January 2003 at 09:01 PM.][This message was edited by Sheri Salomone on 28 January 2003 at 09:03 PM.]

Harry Busby · Post by **Harry Busby** » 29 Jan 2003 5:23 am

Sheri- I discovered this "trick" of hooking up XLR's when I worked as a engineer at our local TV station. They used it all the time, was cheaper than buying $100 matching transformers. Good luck
Harry Busby

Paul Osbty · Post by **Paul Osbty** » 2 Feb 2003 8:33 pm

It is a shortcut but you are also halving the signal, or doubling the noise. Whirlwind makes $30 transformers to convert form Lo-Z to Hi-Z.