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Question about a condenser microphone

post #1 of 12
2/20/12 at 4:07am
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will i be able to connect this microphone dirrectly to my computer and use the microphone straight away ?

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/RODE-NT1-A-Condenser-Microphone-Complete-Package-/160645899836?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item25673de63c#ht_1975wt_1110
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post #2 of 12
2/20/12 at 3:54pm
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No. You will need a preamp.
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post #3 of 12
2/20/12 at 4:04pm
A condenser microphone works a little differently then just a dynamic microphone. It requires 48 Volts phantom power. Without getting into much detail (unless further detail is requested) You will need something like this:

Condenser mic--> XLR Cable--> 48 Volt Phantom power supply--> XLR to USB convert cable--> USB port on your computer.

I use the Nady Audio SMPS-1X phantom power supply. You can also run the mic into a mixing board that supports phantom power and then into your computer via a digital connection. (My companies Yamaha LS9 comes to mind on this one.) I work in this field so if any other support is needed feel free to ask. I will be away for the next couple of hours due to a gig. Cheers!
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post #4 of 12
2/20/12 at 11:30pm
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Fullinator View Post

A condenser microphone works a little differently then just a dynamic microphone. It requires 48 Volts phantom power. Without getting into much detail (unless further detail is requested) You will need something like this:
Condenser mic--> XLR Cable--> 48 Volt Phantom power supply--> XLR to USB convert cable--> USB port on your computer.
I use the Nady Audio SMPS-1X phantom power supply. You can also run the mic into a mixing board that supports phantom power and then into your computer via a digital connection. (My companies Yamaha LS9 comes to mind on this one.) I work in this field so if any other support is needed feel free to ask. I will be away for the next couple of hours due to a gig. Cheers!

ok thanks, does the mic or phantom power come with a XLR to USB cable or will i need to buy it separately, will i need a preamp ?, iv seen preamps with phantom power for like $30 more than just a phantom power suply.
Edited by DarkNation - 2/20/12 at 11:39pm
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post #5 of 12
2/21/12 at 1:09pm
I don't think that a USB port can even provide 5 volts. (I thought it was around 5 volts? I'm not sure though) You will need to buy a phantom power supply that is separate than the cable. I personally own and use:

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/pro-audio/nady-smps-1x-phantom-power-supply

I do not use a pre-amp for my mic. If I need my mic to operate at farther distances I go into Windows Audio and bump up the gain on the mic.

May I ask what you are using the mic for exactly?
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post #6 of 12
2/21/12 at 10:57pm
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Fullinator View Post

I don't think that a USB port can even provide 5 volts. (I thought it was around 5 volts? I'm not sure though) You will need to buy a phantom power supply that is separate than the cable. I personally own and use:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/pro-audio/nady-smps-1x-phantom-power-supply
I do not use a pre-amp for my mic. If I need my mic to operate at farther distances I go into Windows Audio and bump up the gain on the mic.
May I ask what you are using the mic for exactly?

just mostly for recording raps i don't upload them to youtube or anything just facebook an dont want any professional studio equipment i just want a mic that records clear and will last that's all, im just learning atm & having fun. i currently use a dynamic so i don't know much about the accessories/equipment needed to operate a condenser mic on a computer.
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post #7 of 12
2/22/12 at 4:42pm
What do you currently use to interface your dynamic mic to your computer? If it is a USB to XLR then all you need is that phantom power supply. Unfortunately, if you are going to use a condenser microphone you are going to need a phantom power supply. I cannot use my USB to XLR cable going directly to my condenser. It cannot provide the power needed.

This is because of how a condenser microphone works:

There are two very small metal sheets that are very close to each other. A charge is put between the two and then the sound waves coming from your mouth change the distance between the two plates and this in turn changes the charge between the two plates. That creates your signal.

A dynamic microphone has a diaphragm that moves when the sound waves push on it and in turn the diaphragm pushes a magnet through a coil producing the signal. This is why you have to be very close to a dynamic microphone.
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post #8 of 12
2/23/12 at 12:19am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Fullinator View Post

What do you currently use to interface your dynamic mic to your computer? If it is a USB to XLR then all you need is that phantom power supply. Unfortunately, if you are going to use a condenser microphone you are going to need a phantom power supply. I cannot use my USB to XLR cable going directly to my condenser. It cannot provide the power needed.
This is because of how a condenser microphone works:
There are two very small metal sheets that are very close to each other. A charge is put between the two and then the sound waves coming from your mouth change the distance between the two plates and this in turn changes the charge between the two plates. That creates your signal.
A dynamic microphone has a diaphragm that moves when the sound waves push on it and in turn the diaphragm pushes a magnet through a coil producing the signal. This is why you have to be very close to a dynamic microphone.

mine plugs in directly to mic port, will these do the job is there anything else to look into when buying the phantom power,

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/3M-USB-Male-XLR-Female-Microphone-USB-MIC-Link-Cable-/250948871536?pt=AU_Pro_Audio&hash=item3a6db7e570#ht_3818wt_1344
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/NEW-48-volt-phantom-power-condenser-microphone-EF-/110562743183?pt=AU_Pro_Audio&hash=item19be0d938f#ht_1686wt_1110

thanks for your help
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post #9 of 12
2/23/12 at 1:10pm
Do you mean that the cable you have goes from XLR (the connection on the microphone itself) to 3.5 mm (the connection on your computer)? If you have a XLR to 3.5 mm cable then you don't need an xlr to USB cable.

I do believe everything you linked will work. I have not heard of those brands before though.

Other things to consider with purchasing a Phantom power supply? I've never really had good luck with them. Maybe it's just me and having to lug it around to different venues but I've gone through a few. My current one has lasted a long time. I linked it in one of my previous posts. It's currently cheaper then the one you linked to me.
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post #10 of 12
2/23/12 at 1:15pm
if you don't need top of the line professional grade stuff. you may be better off to skip the hassle of using a pre amp and converters and just get a USB condenser mic.
http://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-AT2020-USB-Condenser-Microphone/dp/B001AS6OYC

I just plugged in my windows 7 machine, and it works. no driver installs or any software required.
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