How Do You Connect a Microphone (XLR Output) to a Computer?

Schemza on 28/12/2018 - 11:16
Last edited 28/12/2018 - 11:16

Hi ozbargainers,

My partner was given a Rode NT1-A condenser microphone for Christmas so she can work on foley sound effects. The microphone has a male XLR port attached to it, but my issue lies with us not having a mixer to plug it into (the mic came with an XLR cable fyi)

That said, I was looking at getting either an XLR to AUX, or an XLR to USB so they can start using it straight away.

Does anyone have any recommendations or additional ideas to get this working? It’s a decent mic so keeping a high degree of sound quality would be preferred.

Thanks!

Electrical & Electronics

Comments

  • swapsey on 28/12/2018 - 11:51

    Did it come with xlr to 1/4" adapter? Like this one. Then just need adapter for the 3.5mm mic port on computer (assuming you have this on your sound card).

    • Schemza on 28/12/2018 - 12:23

      No, it just came with the XLR male to female. So you’re saying to get an XLR to 1/4 adapter, then a 1/4 to 3.5mm adapter?

      Wouldn’t it make more sense to go from XLR to 3.5mm?

      • justaperson on 28/12/2018 - 12:46

        It won't work like that, the mic needs 48v phantom power which isn't available from the 3.5mm mic jack. You'll need an audio interface even if you buy a cheapy second hand one. The PreSonus Audiobox is usually cheap second hand and works with Windows 10. Or the other alternative is to return it and get one that plugs directly into USB.

        • swapsey on 28/12/2018 - 13:04

          Good point re power - need to power the mic can't just plug it into mic port.

  • Toons on 28/12/2018 - 13:20

    USB is the way to go if your planning using the Midi interface on a PC / MAC otherwise your looking with something with a Pre amp for the power requirements

    Rode do make a USB version of it so may be worth swapping now if possible unless you're planning on buying a few more toys which is never a bad thing depending what else you're planning to do but any condenser Mic needs the power if you want to get away from it look at the dynamic range of mics

  • [Deactivated] on 28/12/2018 - 14:39

    There is a whole range of A/D (analogue -> digital) Interface boxes that will do this. Head to your nearest music shop and they should be able to get you started for under a couple of hundred bucks.

  • dtbnguyen on 28/12/2018 - 14:58
    +1

    You can go with any of the following (all have phantom power capabilities):
    - dedicated audio interface. Good example is Komplete Audio 6. Note, given Boxing Day sales there is a lot of heavy discounting. Difference between used equipment and new equipment cost is negligible
    https://www.storedj.com.au/search?ProductSearch=audio%20inte…
    https://www.storedj.com.au/native-instruments-komplete-audio…
    - audio mixer. Often include mixer capabilities which is sometimes better then software based ones. Advanced mixers sometimes have USB output so difference between mixers and interfaces are almost negligible
    https://www.storedj.com.au/search?ProductSearch=audio%20mixe…
    - USB to XLR adapter. Good example of this is Shure X2U. General complaints for these devices is lack of quality output compared to standard audio interfaces and low level hums that are due to improper/lack of electrical noise filtering circuitry. That said, often cheap compared to audio interfaces
    https://www.storedj.com.au/shure-x2u-xlr-to-usb-signal-adapt…
    - phantom power injectors. Basically, provide phantom power to your device but output via TRS and/or 3.5mm standard microphone plugs. Problem is that they can sometimes be of relatively poor quality which means your not getting the type of output you'd expect to get out of something like a Rode NT1-A studio/reference style microphone
    - equipment with microphone capabilities. Good example is the Novation Xiosynth keyboard. Has XLR and phantom power capability as well as USB connectivity. Since, these are sometimes cheap (price comparable to dedicated audio interface sometimes) on the used/secondhand market it presents another useful option
    https://www.soundonsound.com/reviews/novation-xiosynth

  • dazweeja on 28/12/2018 - 15:00

    There's quite a few USB Audio Interfaces in the $100-200 range. For example:

    https://www.storedj.com.au/studio-gear/audio-interfaces/usb-…

    Edit: Beaten by @dtbnguyen :)

  • [Deactivated] on 29/12/2018 - 08:27

    Behringer make some budget USB Interfaces that have some really good reviews.

    https://djcity.com.au/product/behringer-u-phoria-umc202hd-au…

    Would work really well and has a bit of room for expansion. I have the 404hd and love it

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