Hello Melodie,
> On Monday, July 13, 2009 3:04 PM, Melodie Frances wrote:
>
> We are doing some current taping using a microphone connected
> to a pc. I am using a jack connection (as pcs obviously don't
> take xlr connections) and I have to use a jack to allow the large
> microphone connector to connect to the small pc connection - BUT
> when I use the jack I get a bunch of extra noise and static (the
> microphones are fine elsewhere) - I've tried a mono and a stereo
> jack and both have the static.
>
> Does anyone know if I need to use a special jack for this kind of
> connection and / or if there is a specific type of microphone
> that works best for recording into a pc?
In your email, you don't describe your application.
If you are playing historic media on a player with a speaker, and
then placing a microphone in front of the speaker, there are better
ways to digitize the signal. A small electrical modification by
tapping into the speaker outputs and adjusting the gain for
compatibility with your microphone input, or locating the input
signal to the amplifier and tapping that signal will give you
better results. If this is what you are trying to do, let the
ARSC list know, and we can provide you with more guidance.
If you are trying to record a live performance (oral history,
presentation, interview, music performance, etc.), have you
considered something like the Zoom H2?
http://www.zoom.co.jp/english/products/h2/
Best $200 purchase I made:
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/H2/
The audio quality is very good for such a low-cost device, it is
easy to use, completely portable, and you don't have to worry about
connecting cables, phantom power, grounding, static or computer
noise.
I've used this with great success for oral histories. It has
a pair of front and a pair of rear stereo microphones (total of
4 microphones). I can place the small unobtrusive Zoom H2 between
myself and subject(s) and record everyone clearly. There are
some subtleties about the stereo image from the front versus the
rear, but I won't burden you with those unless it is important
for your application (in essence, you can create pseudo surround
recordings with the H2).
The Zoom H2 quality is a good enough that I use this to also
record band rehearsals and warm-up sessions, and I also use it
to record our children's music performances at school - again
with great results.
When you are done recording, simply remove the SD card from the
Zoom H2 and download the WAVE recordings onto your computer where
you can review and edit with your favorite audio editing software.
You can easily spend $500 to $3000 on similar devices. I was
skeptical, but I took a chance on the under-$200 Zoom H2 after
reading positive reviews in the press and on-line. Highly
recommended if you need simplicity and/or portability.
Eric Jacobs
The Audio Archive, Inc.
tel: 408.221.2128
fax: 408.549.9867
mailto:[log in to unmask]
http://www.TheAudioArchive.com
Disc and Tape Audio Transfer Services and Preservation Consulting
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