microphones
Moderator: James Steele
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Here's where to talk about preamps, cables, microphones, monitors, etc.
Here's where to talk about preamps, cables, microphones, monitors, etc.
microphones
Hi, I am just getting in the recording aspect of music.I just got the motu 1224 from a friend. I need to set up a microphone to record vocals not sure what I need to use to set that up. Please help. Thanks.
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1nput0utput
- Posts: 1477
- Joined: Thu Aug 02, 2007 4:21 am
- Primary DAW OS: MacOS
- Location: USA
Re: microphones
We'll assume that you've already got the PCI-324 or PCI-424 card installed, your computer detects the interface, and you have some type of software that can record audio from the interface.
Besides the mic and the cable, you also need a mic pre-amp. Basically, the mic outputs a very low-level electrical signal, which we usually refer to as mic level. The 1224's analog inputs expect a much higher amplitude signal, which we call line level. So the main purpose of the mic pre-amp is to boost the mic level signal to line level. The signal flow is like this:
mic (XLR cable) -> mic pre-amp mic input -> mic pre-amp line output -> 1224 line input
The mic pre-amp could have either XLR jack or 1/4" jack outputs, so you may need a 1/4" TRS-to-XLR adapter cable. Another important thing to consider is whether you're using a dynamic mic or a condenser mic. A dynamic mic's electronics require no additional electricity to operate, but a condenser mic does. This is accomplished by the mic pre-amp providing power to the condenser mic on one of the pins of the XLR connector. This is called phantom power. Most mic pre-amps have switchable phantom power per mic input. If you're using a condenser mic, make sure that the mic pre-amp you use can supply phantom power to the mic.
Of course there are many other considerations for choosing a mic pre-amp, such as integrated EQ or dynamics processing, mic/instrument combo inputs, and the type of circuitry used to do the amplification (vacuum tubes, solid state, etc.). And there are other types of mics that are less common, such as ribbon mics and tube mics. But those are mostly bells and whistles. If you've got a general purpose dynamic or condenser mic and a general purpose mic pre-amp, you should be well on your way.
Besides the mic and the cable, you also need a mic pre-amp. Basically, the mic outputs a very low-level electrical signal, which we usually refer to as mic level. The 1224's analog inputs expect a much higher amplitude signal, which we call line level. So the main purpose of the mic pre-amp is to boost the mic level signal to line level. The signal flow is like this:
mic (XLR cable) -> mic pre-amp mic input -> mic pre-amp line output -> 1224 line input
The mic pre-amp could have either XLR jack or 1/4" jack outputs, so you may need a 1/4" TRS-to-XLR adapter cable. Another important thing to consider is whether you're using a dynamic mic or a condenser mic. A dynamic mic's electronics require no additional electricity to operate, but a condenser mic does. This is accomplished by the mic pre-amp providing power to the condenser mic on one of the pins of the XLR connector. This is called phantom power. Most mic pre-amps have switchable phantom power per mic input. If you're using a condenser mic, make sure that the mic pre-amp you use can supply phantom power to the mic.
Of course there are many other considerations for choosing a mic pre-amp, such as integrated EQ or dynamics processing, mic/instrument combo inputs, and the type of circuitry used to do the amplification (vacuum tubes, solid state, etc.). And there are other types of mics that are less common, such as ribbon mics and tube mics. But those are mostly bells and whistles. If you've got a general purpose dynamic or condenser mic and a general purpose mic pre-amp, you should be well on your way.
The leading cause of wrong answers is asking the wrong questions.
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twistedtom
- Posts: 4415
- Joined: Tue Nov 02, 2004 10:01 pm
- Primary DAW OS: MacOS
- Location: Between Portland and Mt. Hood Oregon.
Re: microphones
I will add to 1inout's good advice; I do not see what software you are using. With most software you need to set up the system for in puts and out puts. In DP it is called "bundles".
Mac Pro 2.8G 8 core,16G ram, 500GB SSD, 2x2TB HD.s 3TB HD, Extn Backup HDs,Nvd 8800 & ATI 5770 video cards,DP8 on OS 10.6.8 and OS 10.8; MOTU 424PCIe, MOTU 2408; Micro express. Video editing deck on firewire, a bunch of plug-ins and VI's.Including; MX3 and M5-3. FCP, Adobe Production Bundle CS6. PCM88mx, some vintage synths linked by MIDI. Mackie 16-4 is my main mixers
, kelsey and Yamaha mixers, Rack of gear. Guitars, piano, PA and more stuff.
, kelsey and Yamaha mixers, Rack of gear. Guitars, piano, PA and more stuff.
Re: microphones
I want to say thanks to 1input0utput and twistedtom for their tips. I will try them all and see what happens. Thanks again 