Does this call for a preamp? (cubase style)

[doublej632]

I've read many times that you simply can't record without a preamp.. but there still seems to be so many variables involved (i'm a beginer) that I'm still unsure and of course would rather not have to buy one. So My setup..

I currently am using cubase 4 and using a digital microphone plugged directly into my computer (seemed like something could be missing here). I can get my voice/guitar to ring out through the speakers but can't get cubase to recognize the mic. I've obviously missed something. Any help would be really appreciated and I'll make sure to pass on the favor to someone else. thanks, Joe

[MurdockRayne]

Hey there - is the mic a USB mic or are you plugging the output of the mic into the input on your soundcard?
If its the latter, you need to select the correct input channel on the soundcard as the source for the track.
If the former, i'd start by re-installing the driver.

[Electriclight]

It's not so much that you need a preamp, but if you are even a little bit serious about recording you will abandon your stock soundcard and get a real deal audio interface. They start at $100 and you can use the Soundcard Wizard on this site to help you select one.

[doublej632]

Originally Posted by MurdockRayne

Hey there - is the mic a USB mic or are you plugging the output of the mic into the input on your soundcard?
If its the latter, you need to select the correct input channel on the soundcard as the source for the track.
If the former, i'd start by re-installing the driver.

Well thanks, it is a USB mic but I guess my next question would be how do I get the correct input channel? A response would be much appreciated. -Joe

[Electriclight]

No actually if you read closely, for the USB mic you need to think about the drivers. Once the computer recognizes the device then you can select it in the Cubase Devices menu.

The model of mic and computer would probably be helpful.

[sparqee]

First question: are you using Cubase 4 or Cubase LE4? There's a bit of a difference. Either way take a look in the "Getting Started" pdf that came with the software and it should explain a lot of the basics of how to get Cubase set up and talking to your hardware.

[doublej632]

Originally Posted by Electriclight

No actually if you read closely, for the USB mic you need to think about the drivers. Once the computer recognizes the device then you can select it in the Cubase Devices menu.

The model of mic and computer would probably be helpful.

The mic is a Sony ECM-MS907 and I'm using a Dell 630i computer with windows vista.. The mic wasn't under my devices setup. But I'd assume the computer recognizes the device if I can use them both to amplify my voice through my speakers. right? Just a little more inforomation please- I live on a mountain and I have no one else to ask.

[Electriclight]

Well it sounds like it is using the Windows drivers so you may need to go into Windows> Control Panel > Audio> and select the microphone for recording in.

The devices that advertise "no special drivers needed" or whatever are always a pain to get up and running.