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Female Microphone Cables

December 3rd, 2010

Various Ways To Interface Your Instrument To Your Computer

If you’re like me, you are obsessed with home recording. I’ve spent a lot of time and money figuring out the best way to connect my microphones and guitars to my computer over the years. Here are the routes I chose and what worked best.

Platform

From the beginning I decided to go with the Mac platform, just because I had played with their iLife included software “GarageBand” and was somewhat satisfied with its recording capabilities. I don’t think it has everything, but I got a Powerbook G4 in 2003 and now own a MacBook Pro.

Straight Line-In w/ Radio Shack Adapter

The first thing I tried was to use the built-in line-in on my Mac, which is a 1/8 inch female stereo port. So, I got a 1/4 inch to 1/8 inch adapter from Radio Shack. This was the worst way to interface my guitar to my computer. The part from Radio Shack didn’t fit my instrument cable just right, it caused undue wear on my Mac’s port, and the sound was super tinny.

iMic

The iMic is basically the same as the Radio Shack adapter, only its got a short cable on it and it fit my instrument cable better. I still got a pretty tinny sound.

M-Audio Fastrack USB Audio Interface

I had my first fruits of success with this $99 audio interface. Essentially it takes your guitar’s or microphone’s analog signal and turns it into a digital one. It sends the digital data via USB to your recording software, and voila!

This solution was my first experience of semi-professional sounding recordings, paired with some GarageBand post-production mixing and effects. There was still a problem with buzzing and feedback, however.

I also borrowed a friend’s mixer which would allow me to do some mixing, and balancing, and pretty soon I was making stereo recordings. It sounded pretty good, but the interference increased. I had too many connections and cables and opportunities for signal loss and corruption.

Alesis 8-Channel USB Mixer

This is the solution that has worked best for me for a small home-grown budget while getting virtual recording studio quality. This mixer was around $200, but acts as both a regular analog mixer, and a USB interface (both parts of which can be used independently of the other). This mixer/USB interface removes some of the seams of the rig, allowing for purer sounding, higher quality recordings. The mixer also features 100 different pre-amp effects.

So, essentially, the signal goes from my guitar, through a cable to my USB mixer, through the USB cable straight to my computer. There are very few analog connections involved.

Behringer iAXE 393

There is one more option that has even less analog connections. The Behringer iAXE 393 has a USB port right on it, allowing you to plug it straight into your computer digitally. This is quite an incredible idea, allowing seamless digital recording. Hopefully more guitar companies will jump in and add their own USB versions of their guitars.

I tested the iAXE, and I must say that although the action was a little high, the guitar sounded great, pumping data straight into Garageband.

About the Author

Cameron Postelwait
is Content Manager for SewellDirect.com, retailers of the
Behringer iAXE 393
.

how to set up a capture card(BEST WAY)

AmazonBasics USB Cable – 2.0 A Male to Micro B (6 Feet / 1.8 Meters) $6.08

USB A to Micro B Cable…

Click here to learn more about AmazonBasics USB Cable – 2.0 A Male to Micro B (6 Feet / 1.8 Meters)

Belkin Speaker and Headphone Splitter $0.01

The Belkin Y Splitter Adapter Mini connects two stereo speakers or headphones to the mini-stereo jack on your iPod and cassette, MP3, or CD player. It’s great for iPods. The gold-plated contacts ensure accurate data transfers and crisp, clean sound. The Belkin Y Splitter is backed by a limited lifetime warranty and is six inches long….

Click here to learn more about Belkin Speaker and Headphone Splitter

Plantronics M214C Headset with Adjustable Volume $10.84

Adjustable headband provides a comfortable secure fit – convenient in-line microphone – adjust switch optimizes sound for cordless phones – one-touch in-line volume and mute controls – optimal voice clarity with noise canceling microphone – also works with mobile phones that have a 2.5mm port – - – -……

Click here to learn more about Plantronics M214C Headset with Adjustable Volume

Ear Force PBT Bluetooth Communicator for PS3 $29.75

Voyetra Turtle Beach Ear Force TBS-2125-01 Earset – Mono TBS-2125-01 Headsets & Earsets…

Click here to learn more about Ear Force PBT Bluetooth Communicator for PS3

Dual USB Extension Cables for Front Use with Nintendo Wii $2.49

The Wii is very compact, but having to go behind your wii every time you want to plug something in is not fun. This pair of USB cables makes it very easy for you to plug things in without having to go behind your wii, and, it will reduce wear and tear on your Wii USB ports. Just plug them in the back, and leave them in the front where they are the most useful….

Click here to learn more about Dual USB Extension Cables for Front Use with Nintendo Wii

Hosa Standard Hi-Z Microphone Cable $16.87

Hosa Standard Hi-Z Microphone Cable

Click here to learn more about Hosa Standard Hi-Z Microphone Cable

Hot Wires Microphone Cable $5.49

Hot Wires microphone cables are professional balanced cables with nickel plated male XLR to female XLR connectors for durability. Available in various popular lengths, Hot Wires Lo-Z Microphone Cables are flexible, durable, and have a black jacket. The 10 ft. cable is also available in a Hi-Z model, with XLR-QTR connector ends. All models ship in our eye-catching 4-color packaging and with a Velcro strap!

Click here to learn more about Hot Wires Microphone Cable

Neutrik 1/4-inch Female To 1/4-inch Female Connector $3.95

This coupler connects 1/4 in. cables via its 2-conductor 1/4 in. female to female mono jacks.

Click here to learn more about Neutrik 1/4-inch Female To 1/4-inch Female Connector

CBI LowZ Microphone Cable with Neutrik Connectors $12.95

The CBI MLN Performer Series mic cables are extremely flexible and durable cables. They are constructed with Beldens 22-gauge, 2-conductor super low noise, ultra flexible audio cable, then fitted to Neutrik male and female XLR connectors.

Click here to learn more about CBI LowZ Microphone Cable with Neutrik Connectors

Nady XLR Microphone cable 25 Foot $11.98