Connecting your mic to your computer
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Posted on Jan 22, 2008 05:11 pm
JDOD
Brother Number One
Member Since: Jan 22, 2008
I've always recorded by micing up my amp up and sticking the mic into the input on the soundcard? Is this normal?
I've never visited a recording forum before so everything I have managed technique wise has been by trial and error. Anyway I find this works quite well but is there a better method that I am missing out on.
I'm using Cool Edit Pro 2.1. I know its probably a bit out of date now but I know how to use it which is the main thing and I used to find it very easy to manipulate the drum loops before I lost my loop collection.
I'm mainly recording guitar based rock.
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CptTrippsCzar of Turd PolishMember
Since: Jun 20, 2006
Jan 22, 2008 05:19 pm Cool edit was a nice app. If that is the only interface you have then you are going about it the right way. I used to do that with the SB Awe64 back in 1999, it gets the job done. Maybe not the best method but we work with what we have. You may want to look into a Line6 UX1 or UX2 maybe. Good interface for a solo project of folks who use digital drums.
Dematrixhttp://www.reverbnation.com/2ndgMember
Since: Nov 27, 2007
Jan 23, 2008 03:04 am cool edit was great.
we used cool edit to record guitars and bass on the songs i've subitted on this site. came out well i thought.
JDODBrother Number OneMember
Since: Jan 22, 2008
Jan 23, 2008 03:33 am What are the Line6 UX1 and UX2?
Just better ways of connecting the mic up?
I'm actually not a fan of Line6 gear since I tried one of their amps. I thought it sounded very artificial. But if the connecting kit works well I'd use it.
CptTrippsCzar of Turd PolishMember
Since: Jun 20, 2006
Jan 23, 2008 11:16 am UX2 is an interface with two mic pre's. It has guitars, bass, and vox setups. I have a higher end line6 head (HD147) and I love that thing. It does emulate, but I think it sounds better than my crate solid state equipment. I tried playing through a Spider combo and personally hated that one.
I think the clarity and quality you would achieve over the line in jack on your soundcard would be quite drastic. You connect it to the PC with a USB cable therefore you get no loss of signal. Straight into the UX, then straight to your PC with no middle man.
Anyone got a tune the recorded using one of the UX processors?
JDODBrother Number OneMember
Since: Jan 22, 2008
Jan 23, 2008 11:53 am so do you have to then set your recording program (Cool Edit in my case) to get the signal from the USB port as opposed to the sound card?
From what you are saying, something like this would be of great use to me.
TadpuiI am not a crook's headMember
Since: Mar 14, 2003
Jan 23, 2008 12:04 pm Any USB interface acts like a sound card. So your multitracking software will see the UX device and recognize it as a sound interface with input and outputs.
For a simple setup, those Toneports are ideal. You can choose from 1 or 2 inputs or a model that allows MIDI input from keyboards. For anyone that only needs 1 or 2 inputs, its a pretty good deal. Beats the heck out of plugging your mic into your stock sound card, that's for sure.
Also check out the entry-level offerings from M-Audio, ESI, EMU and presonus. They all offer 2-input devices for pretty reasonable prices.
JDODBrother Number OneMember
Since: Jan 22, 2008
Jan 23, 2008 12:27 pm Thats brilliant thanks. It will also make everything a lot tidier lead wise all over my recording room/office.
I'll look up Toneports, M-Audio, ESI, EMU and presonus.
When I have made a shortlist I'll resurect this thread to get some more advice.
Last question, how much should I expect to spend for a basic system?
CptTrippsCzar of Turd PolishMember
Since: Jun 20, 2006
Jan 23, 2008 01:29 pm For the Line6 products, about 100$ per channel if buying new.
UX1 $100
UX2 $200
KB37 (UX2 features with a 37 key midi controller) for about $300
I have been watching KB37's on ebay, they are going around $200 so saving some money should be pretty easy if you shop around.
Jan 23, 2008 01:44 pm What has not been explained clearly here is that the Toneport is more than an interface. The toneport includes Gearbox software that has numerous amps, bass amps, preamps and effects modeled. It's great for that but you need enough PC to run it.
The lower prices M-audio stuff and products such as the presonus inspire do the same thing but without the modeling and are much more lightweight software wise.
I have the Toneport UX2 and think it's the single best piece of equipment for a home recorder but I wanted you to get a picture of all aspects.
CptTrippsCzar of Turd PolishMember
Since: Jun 20, 2006
Jan 23, 2008 02:25 pm I thought all the processing was done on the UX2 itself? I don't understand why you would need a beefy PC when you are just capturing the output. Did I miss something? :)
I did say it has guitar, bass and vox setups. But you said it much better.
JDODBrother Number OneMember
Since: Jan 22, 2008
Jan 23, 2008 02:38 pm My PC is not great. A gig of RAM and about a 2.3Ghz processor IIRC. And I am running with cool edit.
The cheeper stuff you suggest sounds pretty good. Especially when you factor in I have a very favourable exchange rate at the moment $2 = £1. Its just a case of whether I can get it delivered to the UK.
I have to get my loops sorted first though. I'm looking forward to re-recording some of my songs and posting them up for you lot to rip to peices! :o)
pjkPrince CZAR-mingMember
Since: Apr 08, 2004
Jan 23, 2008 03:42 pm tracking with 2 tracks probably won't be a problem, PC-wise.
Playing back lots of tracks with effects will. So if you're light on effects, and low on tracks, you shouldn't have any problem.
JDODBrother Number OneMember
Since: Jan 22, 2008
Jan 23, 2008 04:06 pm Yeah I dont like to add too many effects. I prefer to get the sound I want coming out of the amp and not mess with it too much.
Something I read by Neil Youngs producer stuck with me. He basically said get the sound you want coming out of the amp and connect it to the board with the shortest possible lead and thats it.
If its good enough for Neil Young its good enough for me.
I do tend to add flange and delay effect sometimes but that is usually right before mixdown.
Jan 23, 2008 04:07 pm Toneport processing is done on the PC not in the Toneport. Gearbox runs and processes on the PC, the Toneport is a dongle,interface,lag controlling tool.
POD processing is done inside the POD, but Toneport is in the PC.
that PC will be fine with Gearbox though, I run it with a 1.8ghz, 1gb ram laptop with zero problems.
CptTrippsCzar of Turd PolishMember
Since: Jun 20, 2006
Jan 23, 2008 04:57 pm Excellent to know, I was not aware of this as I currently use a HD147. Makes sense now that I think about it.
JDODBrother Number OneMember
Since: Jan 22, 2008
Jan 24, 2008 09:12 am I've found this thing from Line6
uk.line6.com/toneportgx/index.html
Do I basically stick my mic into one end of this and the stick the other end into the USB port and all will be Hunky Dorey?
Or would something like this be more appropriate for me
store.m-audio.com/index.c...p;categoryid=81
Bearing in mind I dont want to mess with the signal at all, I get a sound I am happy with from the amp and want to transfer it as accurately as possible into Cool Edit
Jan 24, 2008 11:10 am That Toneport you linked is for guitar only. It does not have an XLR mic input. You could use it I guess but you are much better off with an XLR connector for your mic + The UX1 or UX2 gives input controls for the mic and phantom power.
Same with the m-audio. No mic connector etc. etc.
Jan 24, 2008 11:14 am I'm making the assumption that you have vocals of course. IF you only use Guitars and bass then the Toneport GX is fine (not the other one which is really just a Pro-Tools dongle) though I'd still go up to the UX2 if I were you.
JDODBrother Number OneMember
Since: Jan 22, 2008
Jan 25, 2008 04:07 am Firstly, what is an XLR mic input?
I assumed that all I was looking for was a little thing that transfered whatever my mic was picking up into Cool Edit but bypassing the soundcard.
What sort of processing does the Line6 gear do? and Phantom power?
Sorry if this sounds really daft! But now I have a new computer I want to do it properly this time, I was botching it before and really have no idea what I am on about!
Jan 25, 2008 11:10 am Do a web search for XLR but it's the "real" mic connector. It cuts down on the noise level for the mic.
A condenser mic requires phantom power to work and the Toneport provides that through the XLR connection. A standard dynamic mic will also sound better through an XLR cable and it will allow you to use the Toneports input volume control.
By the way the Toneport IS a soundcard that's external to your PC. A good one at that, but it's not easy to use it with your internal PC speakers. It works best through headphones or with it's own speakers.
Jan 25, 2008 11:16 am Das XLR, a.k.a. "balanced" connector:
JDODBrother Number OneMember
Since: Jan 22, 2008
Jan 25, 2008 12:15 pm Thanks, am I right in thinking then, that when micing up my amp to record my guitars/bass I should be putting the mic through the XLR input or should I put the mic into the guitar input when recording guitars and swapping it for the vocals? Or is there only one input?
CptTrippsCzar of Turd PolishMember
Since: Jun 20, 2006
Jan 25, 2008 12:24 pm The UX1 has 1 channel yet 2 inputs, 1/4" (guitar cable) and XLR and you can use either or at one time. When possible use the XLR, for vocals and anything else you would be mic'ing. The only time I would probably use the 1/4" would be for recording bass guitars as I never mic a bass cab.
If going with the toneport vs. the UX1 or UX2, you have no option but using the 1/4' and as stated before it's pretty much a guitar interface. Technically it could be used for vocals if using a dynamic mic (sm58) but will not provide phantom power for condensors.
Jan 25, 2008 12:47 pm Also to be clear the Toneport provides guitar amp modeling so you have the option of using that instead of micing your amp (or as well as).
Mic should go into the XLR when possible, with the UX2 you can use two mics if you want which can be good also.
With the Toneport/Gearbox software you can use any effects on any input so it doesn't make any differences if you use 1/4 inch or XLR from that point of view but you'll get better quality with XLR
JDODBrother Number OneMember
Since: Jan 22, 2008
Jan 25, 2008 01:55 pm thanks guys. its unusual I will be recording from 2 mics at once so I'd probably go for the UX1 and record everything though the XLR when I'm micing up my amps or even, god forbid, doing some singing.
Although I might try sticking the bass straight in through the guitar port occasionally to try it out.
BeerHunterwww.TheLondonProject.caMember
Since: Feb 07, 2005
Jan 25, 2008 02:05 pm Quote:
its unusual I will be recording from 2 mics at once
Some really great guitar tone comes from mic'ing a guitar amp with 2 mics.... just sayin'
Jan 25, 2008 03:18 pm Yep, what Beerhunter says. One mic close up, one mic somewhere else, X/Y stereo. Don't limit your options :)
TadpuiI am not a crook's headMember
Since: Mar 14, 2003
Jan 25, 2008 03:35 pm Yeah, I always use 2 mics on a guitar cab. A dynamic up close for the beef and a condensor farther away for the high-frequency detail and room ambience.
pjkPrince CZAR-mingMember
Since: Apr 08, 2004
Jan 25, 2008 03:39 pm To JDOD, the UX1 does not provide phantom power, so if you're thinking of using a condenser mic in the future, you'll need phantom power.
The UX2 does have phantom power.
Jan 25, 2008 04:35 pm I completely forgot that pjk.
I always recommend the UX2 because you will always find a need for that second input (if you know what I mean)
JDODBrother Number OneMember
Since: Jan 22, 2008
Jan 26, 2008 01:26 pm ALright, you've convinced me. I'll use my mic into soundcard for now and wait till after I get paid and just get a UX2. I suppose, provided they deliver to the UK $200 is only £100 so its not so bad. I'm just really skint at the moment.
JDODBrother Number OneMember
Since: Jan 22, 2008
Jan 30, 2008 12:58 pm Hmmm, I'm just looking at the Line6 UX2 and it appears that the mic inputs on it look a bit wierd. i.e. they are not a normal mic input. Do I have to get a special type of mic or is there an addaptor that I have to get?
Also, from reading about it it appears that you also get a preamp on your computer with it, do I process the signal in this preamp then Cool Edit gets the fiddled with signal?
JDODBrother Number OneMember
Since: Jan 22, 2008
Jan 30, 2008 01:02 pm Sorry, just re-read the thread about the XLR mic connector. Do I have to get a new mic or are there places that sell XLR leads?
I'm still confused about the 2nd question though about what signal ends up actually going to Cool Edit.
CptTrippsCzar of Turd PolishMember
Since: Jun 20, 2006
Jan 30, 2008 01:09 pm Ok, the XLR connectors are standard, nothing funny about them. Plug XLR into your mic, then plug XLR into your interface, done.
An example.. some inputs support both XLR and 1/4" (line level?) in the same jack and I would assume this is whats throwing you off.
Here is a standard XLR plug...
Here is a a combo (no idea what they are officially called). It can accept 1/4" in the center but if you look close you'll notice that the odd looking shape matches up perfectly with the three pins from an XLR cable. These usually have a selector switch for choosing your current input (line\mic).
On your second question, you will be doing nothing different technically. The pre-amp just boosts the signal so it is louder and that is all (more sound from the mic less noise). You will not be getting a fiddled with signal as the process is exactly the same as when you use your sound card, you will just be getting a cleaner signal with more volume and a higher quality conversion.
JDODBrother Number OneMember
Since: Jan 22, 2008
Jan 30, 2008 01:23 pm OK, thanks. I'll get a mic lead with an XLK connector on it instead of the standard 1/4"
CptTrippsCzar of Turd PolishMember
Since: Jun 20, 2006
Jan 30, 2008 01:44 pm XLK cables? ;) Is that some Euro cable of the future :D
JDODBrother Number OneMember
Since: Jan 22, 2008
Jan 30, 2008 01:47 pm Sorry XLR cable. I think I started thinking about cars half way through that scentence
CptTrippsCzar of Turd PolishMember
Since: Jun 20, 2006
Jan 30, 2008 01:58 pm Deleted By CptTripps
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Jan 31, 2008 09:44 pm The UX-2 has standard type XLR connections. The ones you are looking at on the M-audio unit are called NueTrick connector's. Although now several other companies are making them, the they were the first to do it.
CptTrippsCzar of Turd PolishMember
Since: Jun 20, 2006
Feb 01, 2008 02:26 am
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Feb 02, 2008 01:04 am Nice.
JDODBrother Number OneMember
Since: Jan 22, 2008
Feb 16, 2008 10:12 am OK, this is going to make me sound really daft but I thought I'd share it with you anyway to make you laugh.
I only just realised that with a UX2, I dont even need an amp do it. the UX2 acts as a preamp with all the sort of effects, distortion, reverb on it I will ever need. So I can just stick my guitars straight into it play about with the tone all I like and should be able to make a pretty good job of emulating my amp sound, I can even plug a guitar and a couple of pedals into it.
Sorry, about banging on about being happy with the tone I was getting from my amp and just wanting to mic it up cleanly. I didn't realise that the UX2 did quite as much as it did! I'm getting one after pay day!
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Feb 17, 2008 09:42 pm Glad ya figured it out JDOD.
I have been preaching the benefits of direct for years. But it doesn't come overnight so don't get discouraged if you don't find that tone on the first day.
I jumped into the direct thing back with my ADA MP-1 unit before the Line 6 days. I spent hours tweaking the thing and then touching it up with DSP in Sonar. Then along came the POD. I was in heaven for sure. But I also have to say I spent that first year twisting and turning for hours on end each day.
But that said they have refined the tones a good deal now. And the UX-2 has some killer stuff right out of the box. Not saying it can't be made better to suite your needs though, because it all boils down to the guitar and pick ups as well.
You will spend some time getting used to it and tweaking it.
I do highly recommend getting it hooked up via USB right off the bat and downloading the Line 6 Monkey and letting it update everything before you start tweaking. Line 6 is in a constant state of refining what they have created and making it better. And keeping it up to date is a big part of making it sound better.
You will find that using the Gearbox panel for tweaking it is a big deal for getting things set up and stored for your needs.
And it has a killer pre amp modeling section as well for miccing things like vocals and even miccing your amp if need be.
JDODBrother Number OneMember
Since: Jan 22, 2008
Feb 18, 2008 03:42 am Cool, to start with I just want it to give me a good clean tone with light reverb, I dont like the "cathedral sound", and add the effects with my pedals.
CptTrippsCzar of Turd PolishMember
Since: Jun 20, 2006
Feb 18, 2008 11:03 am Just another side note as in gearbox it does not jump out at you. Don't forget the "air" feature.
When you select a guitar rig, along the row of effects pedals is one for air. It allows a couple different mic selections and also let's you set the distance of that mic from the amp. I used the condensor at about 60% and was really suprised how well it worked in creating a more realistic tone.
My old line6 software for the HD147 had a similar feature but this one has a little more control and sounds better.
JDODBrother Number OneMember
Since: Jan 22, 2008
Feb 18, 2008 11:35 am I take it from what you wrote the "air" fuction is to simulate actually using a mic, i.e. you dont use it to actually tell gearbox where you are positioning the mic when you use one for real.
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Feb 18, 2008 08:12 pm Nope, you use it for positioning the mic in the software itself. Not for the position of an external mic.
JDODBrother Number OneMember
Since: Jan 22, 2008
Feb 29, 2008 09:45 am Cool, my UX2 has arrived. If anyone has any advice on getting it working nicely when I get it out of the box that would be much appreciated. Or is it just a question of plug and play.
CptTrippsCzar of Turd PolishMember
Since: Jun 20, 2006
Feb 29, 2008 10:35 am Read the directions for installation. I know you are supposed to install software before it ever gets plugged in.
Other than that, make sure you install line6 monkey, it will keep all your software up to date.
JDODBrother Number OneMember
Since: Jan 22, 2008
Feb 29, 2008 03:07 pm At the moment I'm thinking its a real pain in the arse to set up adn the Line6 Monkey doesn't know I've got a TonePort. I'm quite pissed off with it at the moment
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Mar 07, 2008 12:41 am Make sure your not plugging it in through a USB hub, use a straight direct connection and preferably not the front ports.
You need to make absolutely certain you do not plug the USB cable in until the installation disc tells you to. That will muff up the install of the drivers horribly.
I've set mine up several times and haven't had a lick of trouble and I don't think anyone else here has yet either.
JDODBrother Number OneMember
Since: Jan 22, 2008
Mar 07, 2008 04:57 am I've got it all sorted and am lovin' it now. I've created loads of tones for myself. Tis good.
JDODBrother Number OneMember
Since: Jan 22, 2008
Mar 07, 2008 10:18 am Next TonePort problem.
I went out and got an XLR cable for my mic today. Cant get any noises. I've plugged it in the mic inputs on the TonePort. Not a sausage.
pjkPrince CZAR-mingMember
Since: Apr 08, 2004
Mar 07, 2008 10:35 am What type of mic?
does it need phantom power?
is phantom turned on?
is there a mic/instrument switch?
is it turned to mic?
is there something plugged into the input jack for ch 1? presence of 1/4" plug may disable XLR jack.
i like sausage.
JDODBrother Number OneMember
Since: Jan 22, 2008
Mar 07, 2008 10:38 am Mic is a bog standard dynamic
Dont think it needs phantom power.
Dont know if there is a mic/instrument switch.
I removed everything from the other jacks. Stumped now
pjkPrince CZAR-mingMember
Since: Apr 08, 2004
Mar 07, 2008 10:45 am does the mic have a switch on it? on/off?
can you try another mic? probably can't try another cable.
Do you have a multimeter, to test conductivity between the XLR pins?
Can you try the mic-cable combo on a mixer, or live PA type thing. This will let you know if the mic - cable is in good order.
i like sausage with scrambled eggs and onions. mmmm
JDODBrother Number OneMember
Since: Jan 22, 2008
Mar 07, 2008 10:57 am Yeah I'm starting to think I just bought a duff cable.
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Mar 09, 2008 05:30 pm JDOD, make sure you selected the mic in in the GearBox as well. And that you have the gain turned up for that channel as that is the pre amp section that pwers it up to level before it hits the DSP in GearBox.
Mar 10, 2008 05:10 am Hey guys.
I'm planning to buy either a AKG D112 or a Shure beta52 mic, and I was wondering if and how they can be connected to the computer?
Thanks!
--Kingsley
CptTrippsCzar of Turd PolishMember
Since: Jun 20, 2006
Mar 10, 2008 11:10 am Hello Kingsley, there are many ways of course to do this, really depends on your budget and also what you currently own. As far as I know those are both kick drum mics. What is it you will actually be doing.
So yeah..
Budget?
What do you have?
What do you want to do?
pjkPrince CZAR-mingMember
Since: Apr 08, 2004
Mar 10, 2008 11:21 am This really should be in it's own thread.
CptTrippsCzar of Turd PolishMember
Since: Jun 20, 2006
Mar 10, 2008 11:38 am Agreed, it will get passed over here.
JDODBrother Number OneMember
Since: Jan 22, 2008
Mar 11, 2008 08:26 am Noise2u, thats painfully obvious now I've checked it.
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Mar 11, 2008 10:31 pm I know, but I had to toss it out there. Its like I type before I think sometimes.
I'm still thinking though not sure what it could be that you haven't already checked.
JDODBrother Number OneMember
Since: Jan 22, 2008
Mar 12, 2008 04:41 am No, noise you are right. My last post was refering to what a total dunce I feel like now.
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Mar 12, 2008 09:16 pm OH, it fixed it then?
Like I said, I'm pushing to many hours of work with little sleep and am dizzy and not reading things correctly as I normally would.
I think I need a vacation already and its only March.
JDODBrother Number OneMember
Since: Jan 22, 2008
Mar 13, 2008 06:04 am Yeah it was obvious once you told me what to look for.
I need a holiday too. I went snow boarding at the start of feb and I have a long wait ahead of me now
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Mar 13, 2008 10:32 pm I've done stuff like that as well. With the ESI control panel you can easily switch to digital inputs and it will dissable the analog inputs. I've done that more then once and sat and looked for an hour before realizing I had done it.
