Digital Preamp?

Question

Digital Preamp?

I have an SM58 and a SM57. I have an XLR to 3.5mm cord which plugs them directly into my MacBook's audio-in. However they are too quiet. I'm aware that I need a preamplifier. However, I'd rather have a digital one, or a plug-in or something. A sound-card upgrade? I'm not sure. I am recording on the go, so the simplicity of my setup is essential. Is there any way to achieve this?

MacBook Mac OS X (10.4.8)

Posted on Jan 1, 2007 10:00 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

adamsls

Level 1

0 points

Jan 2, 2007 11:28 AM in response to Colonel Shaun

Don't bother getting an external unit just for mic preamp. Get a Lightsnake which is an XLR to USB cable. That way you can use the same mics you've been using instead of buying a usb mic. I think the cable runs around $60 or so. You can find it here: http://www.soundtech.com/lightsnake/xlr10.asp

Cheers,
Luke

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Answer 2

Schneb

Level 5

4,957 points

Jan 2, 2007 1:44 PM in response to adamsls

I would beg to differ on the Lightsnake. If he had one mic, and only used one mic, I would agree. But he has two mics, and that would be $120 and two lost USB sockets. A UA-25 on eBay can cost under $215 and takes up one slot, has dual mic input (plus others when expansion warrants).

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Answer 3

Apr 2, 2007 10:32 AM in response to Colonel Shaun

I went with a Tascam US-144. It works great. Fully USB powered, and sounds awesome.

Thanks everyone.

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Answer 4

Schneb

Level 5

4,957 points

Jan 2, 2007 10:22 AM in response to Colonel Shaun

You have a couple of great mics there. You do not want to reduce their effectiveness in recording. I would recommend an UA-25 from Edirol to compliment the SM57 and 58.

http://www.roland.com/products/en/UA-25/index.html

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Answer 5

Jan 2, 2007 6:10 PM in response to Colonel Shaun

I've used this:

http://www.samedaymusic.com/product--THKMIMAB0

Bought it for $49 at a Guitar Center sale - worked great with a Mic and my Guitar too 🙂

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Answer 6

isteveus

Level 5

4,340 points

Jan 2, 2007 5:31 PM in response to Schneb

He could get one of those Tascam 122 or Alesis io 2 interfaces for under $150us.

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Answer 7

Jan 2, 2007 1:07 AM in response to Colonel Shaun

Well, you already said that you're aware you need a pre-amp. One alternative is to use a USB mic. Advantage: only one piece of equipment to carry on the road. To match the quality of your existing mics, it should be at least a Samson USB mic for around $ 80.

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Answer 8

HangTime

Level 9

53,853 points

Apr 2, 2007 10:39 AM in response to Colonel Shaun

I think you'll find no regrets with that decision, the US-144 is a very capable interface.

Best of luck ~~HangTime [♪♫ The Bullets and Bones Band ♫♪] B-)>

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Answer 9

HangTime

Level 9

53,853 points

Jan 3, 2007 8:34 AM in response to Schneb

Since the Audio Buddy isn't an interface, just a preamp, it will work on ANY computer running ANY software (or even a Stereo System) that has Line-Level INs

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Answer 10

HangTime

Level 9

53,853 points

Jan 1, 2007 10:08 PM in response to Colonel Shaun

http://www.thehangtime.com/gb/gbfaq2.html#micline

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Answer 11

Jan 2, 2007 12:13 AM in response to HangTime

http://www.thehangtime.com/gb/gbfaq2.html#micline

So there is no solution short of additional equipment?

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Answer 12

Schneb

Level 5

4,957 points

Jan 3, 2007 8:30 AM in response to Pat-italiano-Valella

Yes, those are good choices. I would opt for something I KNOW would work natively with Intel Macs.

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Answer 13

Schneb

Level 5

4,957 points

Jan 3, 2007 8:39 AM in response to HangTime

Ahh, this is true. I did not look at the back of the unit. This indeed will work with the proper dual-mono 1/4" phone plugs to stereo 1/8" mini input cable.

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