can i use my headset, mini-jack mic with an external mixer...

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Member Since: Oct 18, 2007

I have an adaptor for the mini-jack (3.5mm) mic (which i use to record directly to my soundcard in my computer)which will allow me to plug it into the phono plug in for the mic in my mixer but it doesn't work. Any help? Thanks.

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Hold 'Em Czar
Member
Since: Dec 30, 2004


Oct 20, 2007 05:19 am

ok first off, phono plugs (red and white RCA type connectors) if that's what it's labled, have a standardized eq curve applied to them and they will change the sound quite a bit, so NEVER plug anything into a phono input that is not a record player....unless you 'like the sound'...artistic reasons do not apply.

but if it's not a phono and simply a line-in that's got the RCA style connectors (red and white) this input only works at line level....microphones put out a much weaker signal and require a 'level boosting' device which is commonly known as a "preamp"...some computers have one built into the soundcard (it'll read "mic in")....

event hough the "mic in" and "line in" might have the same type of connector, they are for different purposes.

Member
Since: Oct 18, 2007


Oct 20, 2007 05:40 am

Thanks for the reply. I used the wrong word: I should have used quarter inch instead of phono. I'm plugging into the mic input but not with the xlr type plug. It will also accept the 1/4". But I'm thinking it probably is not preamped like the sound card is, therefore i'm not hearing anything. Would this make sense?

Hold 'Em Czar
Member
Since: Dec 30, 2004


Oct 20, 2007 06:22 am

well, "mic in" means preamp...XLR isn't really necessary unless you're using a condenser mic which requires "phantom power"...somewhere in your audiocard's driver should be some type of 'mixer' device....this is where you can boost your signal....if you're using your onboard soundcard, it'll be in "volume control" in your control panel.

Member
Since: Oct 18, 2007


Oct 20, 2007 07:57 am

Ok. Thanks.

Hold 'Em Czar
Member
Since: Dec 30, 2004


Oct 20, 2007 04:24 pm

also your headset has two way traffic on it...audio gooin' to the headphones and comming from the mic to the computer....that's why your headset has two black rings on the plug, but the one on a guitar cable only has one.

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