Microphones can make a big difference to how you communicate, and they can also be useful for recording your own voice. Whether you’re a professional musician or just want to record your children’s voices, a microphone is an essential piece of equipment. Fortunately, it’s easy to connect your microphone to a computer so that you can use it to capture audio and share it with friends.
Basic Microphones
There are several different types of microphones, and deciding which one is best for you will depend on your needs. The main types are dynamic and condenser. Dynamic mics are usually the best choice for most people, as they are cheap and durable.
USB Microphones
A USB microphone is a plug-and-play option that allows you to easily connect your microphone to a computer without any special software. All you need is a microphone, and a USB port on your laptop or desktop computer.
Some USB microphones are compatible with most computers, while others will only work on certain models. The best way to ensure that your microphone is compatible with your computer is to check the manual for the device you plan to use.
XLR Microphones
If you’re using an XLR-equipped mic, you’ll need to purchase an audio interface and connect the microphone into it. The audio interface is designed to convert the analog microphone output to digital sound that your computer can accept. It’s also important to install the proper drivers and phantom power if your microphone requires it.
An audio interface will cost you a few dollars, but it’s well worth it. You can purchase a single-channel interface, or a multi-channel interface with several inputs and preamps. Basically, a microphone interface will be a small mixer that you can plug multiple mics into and adjust the levels on each individual input.
Alternatively, you can buy an all-in-one microphone interface that has multiple mic preamps and will hook up all the mics to your computer at line level. You can then select which mics to use when you’re recording a track in a digital audio workstation, or a music program.
You can also plug an XLR-equipped microphone into the audio interface directly and let the device provide the power. If you do, be sure to engage phantom power before recording.
Troubleshooting Your Mic
If you’re having trouble connecting a microphone to your computer, it’s likely that the mic is not working properly. This can happen for a variety of reasons, including that the microphone is not being recognized or isn’t being set up as the default audio input for your computer.
1. Test the Mic
To test your microphone, you’ll need to go into the microphone settings on your computer and check to see if it’s functioning correctly. To do this, click on the microphone icon in the Sounds window and click “Test” to run a quick test. Then, speak into the microphone and look for green bars moving up and down.