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Forums :: Ask Harp Mic Expert Greg Heumann

SM58

4 replies [Last post]
Fri, 01/06/2023 - 06:28
Graham Dent
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Hi, 

 

For general recording I use an XLR to USB cable into my laptop for the above mic. My problem is impedence so, the volume is very low. The question is, is there a cheap way of converting this to increase the volume, like a cheap preamp?

 

For reference I do also have a Moukey mic with USB but the sound from that is nowhere near as good as the SM58.

 

Thanks, 

 

Graham 

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Fri, 01/06/2023 - 09:56
#1
Greg Heumann
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Joined: 04/29/2010
Hi, GrahamI had no idea there

Hi, Graham

I had no idea there even was such a thing as an XLR to USB cable until I looked just now! You need an "audio interface" box, like the highly regarded FocusRite Scarlett: 

https://www.sweetwater.com/c695--Interface_USB

…or this cheap copy which probably works fine and is only $39:

https://www.amazon.com/USB-Audio-Interface-XLR-TRS/dp/B09C5Y7SKS/ref=asc_df_B09C5Y7SKS/

If you need compact, Shure makes an in-line device (i.e, can connect directly to the mic) that will do the trick, not unresonable at $79https://www.amazon.com/Shure-Integrated-Zero-Latency-Monitoring-Micropho...?

I’m guessing one of those will solve your problem.

/Greg

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Fri, 01/06/2023 - 21:19
#2
UkuleleRob65
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Joined: 06/06/2014
Another alternative

Graham: As Greg points out, to run a regular mic like the SM58 into a computer, you need an interface. And the Focusrite Scarlet 2i2 is an excellent one (and the one I use). Also, it's two channels, you can run a vocal mic and a harp mic at the sem time. But if you want to go simple, simple, simple, an alternative is the Shure MV5 USB mic (https://www.amazon.com/Shure-MV5-Condenser-Microphone-Lightning/dp/B010W...). That's what I first bought some years ago before I was ready to invest in vocal and instrument mics, just to record directly into my iPhone, and it's simple to use, and has good sound. (Tho the price has gone up a bit since I bought mine.) I still use the MV5 through my iPad when I'm traveling and have to check in to Zoom calls.

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Fri, 01/06/2023 - 23:34
#3
mmarquez
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Joined: 08/07/2019
Another (portable) option which does USB interfacing and more.

If you are going to dump $180 on the Scarlett, for $135 I'd consider this used zoom H4N (listed in Reverb 3 days ago). The H4N is no longer made by Zoom (the newer H4N Pro version is, currently sold at $250) but it is a great portable 4 track recorder which can act as a USB input sound device.

I don't know how that compares to the Scarlett (I don't have a Scarlett), but the H4n is very portable (2 AA batteries or the included power adapter), has 2 XLR/Jack inputs, a line in inputs and a byult-in stero mic. It can act as a USB device (and get USB power in that case) and much, much more (examples: it has quite decent amplifiers and effects emulation built into it, can do multi-track recording and mixing on the device, has a monitoring jack, 4 recording modes..., you can read a review here). I got the same model a long time ago for video recording and I think it was an excellent investment. A lot of people use the H4N for podcast production and live recording, the thing really is a little beast.

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Sat, 01/07/2023 - 15:58
#4
UkuleleRob65
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Joined: 06/06/2014
Zoom recorder

mmarquez: As I record to GarageBand, I've never really considered one of these types of recorders, but this (and the updated H4N) look really interesting. Thanks for the perspective!

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