Microphone how does it work on computer

If you want to do more then you can use a USB microphone with any recording software. You should always choose a USB microphone with headphone output if you want to overlay vocal tracks and listen to yourself at the same time. If you are on an iPad then Garageband is a great recording app, and there are plenty of others too. All will work with your USB mic once it is correctly connected. A USB microphone is a great way of getting started with recording on your computer or tablet.

It is so easy and gives such a great result for the money that most people are delighted with their USB mic. If you know right now that you want a small home studio set up and you want to record several instruments, hook up keyboards and other hardware, then you should definitely be looking at buying an audio interface instead. However for recording a solo vocalist, or for all the other uses listed then a USB mic will almost certainly suit your needs.

Most importantly you will not be overwhelmed, as it is so simple, that you will actually achieve a great recording result within minutes. And even if you choose in the future to upgrade, the portable USB microphone will always be a useful bit of kit to have available.

Skip to main content Skip to header right navigation Skip to site footer. November 16, What is a USB Mic? What is the alternative to a USB Microphone? How does a USB Microphone work? What recording software do You need? Will a USB microphone be good enough for your recording needs? Please contact us. We just sent you an email to confirm your email address.

Once you confirm your address, you will begin to receive the newsletter. Definitions by TechTerms. Tech Factor? First Name:. Connecting a microphone to a computer requires an audio interface. Audio interfaces physically connect mics to computers and convert analog audio signals into digital info.

USB mics contain simple but limited interfaces, whereas standalone interfaces can connect entire studios to a single computer. This conversion takes place within an audio interface. What is an audio interface? An audio interface is a device that allows communication between computers and mics, instruments, loudspeakers and monitors.

Audio interfaces may contain analog-digital and digital-analog converters; mic, line, instrument inputs; USB, thunderbolt, line and other outputs, and supply phantom power.

Audio interfaces essentially act as improved external sound cards for your computer. When dealing with microphones and computers, audio interfaces will take in the mic signal analog ; convert that signal to digital audio, and feed that digital signal into the computer.

For a more detailed read on microphone signal flow and computers, check out my article Are Microphones Input Or Output Devices? When it comes to connecting microphones to computers, there are basically 3 types of audio interfaces:. Note that these audio interfaces are defined by their location in the signal chain rather than their function. They all act to convert the analog signal from the microphone into a digital signal that can be used within the computer.

The microphone capsule takes in sound and creates an audio signal, just like any analog microphone. This digital audio is then outputted through the USB output of the microphone. The downside of most USB microphones is that the interface only makes a connection between a single microphone and a single computer.

Standalone audio interfaces are put in-line between analog microphones and digital computers. They come in two primary styles. I like to call them:. The downside, again, is the interface only makes a connection between one microphone and one computer. Simply connect the XLR of the interface cable to the microphone output.

Then connect the USB of the interface cable to the computer. Connect the microphone to the input of the interface via a balanced XLR cable. Then connect the interface to the computer via a USB cable. Hub-style audio interfaces allow for multiple microphones to be connected to a single computer. These types of audio interfaces are common in both project and professional studios. We can also connect instruments and other audio signals to the computer.

One or two headphone outs. When you record overdubs, i. Monitor outs for your speakers and a volume knob on the front panel. Studio monitors including inexpensive ones for home studio use are powered speakers, i. However, they usually come without a volume control. You can only control the loudness by attenuating the incoming signal.

If your audio interface comes without monitor outputs and a volume knob, you have to get an external monitor controller at additional cost. Make sure your audio interface comes with a digital port such as USB that is compatible with your computer.

Also check the system requirements. Most audio interfaces require a dedicated driver to be installed on your system. A professional audio interface with Thunderbolt for a more elaborate setup. FireWire is outdated and not recommended for new purchases. More Know-How. TLM A true Neumann at an affordable price.