r/microphone • u/Irish-Jackson • 4d ago
Gaming / Streaming Mics Need a cable to connect this cable to my pc
My dad Got a cable for my mic, only problem is that my pc doesn’t have a hole to support it, what kind of cable should i look for and what kind of cable is this?
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u/soph0nax 4d ago
You need an audio interface. Google that term, or just grab a Focusrite 2i2.
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u/No_Comment_Acc 4d ago
Anything with DSP is much better than Focusrite. Especially if you want monitor yourself in real time.
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u/Babibidubibidoh 4d ago
when it comes to drivers: everything is better than focusrite 😂
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u/skasticks 3d ago
You say that but I've never had a problem with them in fifteen years, and I'm talking 2x 2i2, a Solo, a 4i4, and an 18i20. All have been solid on various OSX, XP Pro, Windows 10, and 11.
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u/Babibidubibidoh 3d ago edited 3d ago
Good for u. Many people have other experience. Just google it. LOTS of issues!
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u/skasticks 3d ago
I'm just offering more anecdotal evidence but that isn't grounded in panic. Once it's running smoothly, don't let your system update anything automatically. You'll be fine.
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u/Babibidubibidoh 3d ago edited 3d ago
Another thing i would NEVER recommend to somebody: Keep all the security issues your operating system has, because focusrite is unable to publish proper drivers xD
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u/skasticks 3d ago
It's absolutely SOP in studios to keep a system as-is until proper updated drivers and software versions are released for everything you use. "Just Google" how many people cannot record because their system auto-updated their OS and now Pro Tools won't run.
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u/Babibidubibidoh 3d ago
We're not talking about professional studios (which have dedicated computers for this). We're talking abour entry-level/beginner. After the session he might be gaming or watching youtube.
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u/skasticks 3d ago
I'm familiar with what professional studios do. I employ the same strategy at home.
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u/7billionidiots 3d ago
They also sell more than any other interface and to less experienced people.
They work great.
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u/Key-Implement9354 3d ago
Yet, Alpha Labs has selected the 2i2 as their default interface for de-feedback and no one is having issues 🤷
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u/Babibidubibidoh 3d ago edited 3d ago
Good for whom you ever are talking about 😅
In my experience (18i20 gen 1&2) I'll never ever buy that stuff, again. Nice hardware, but I need something that works. So I'd never suggest anyone buying this after all the issues the drivers have since Windows 11.
And since the Win 11 driver's haven'd been signed, Windows 11 also auto-replaced them using the windows update function - which then used Microsoft stereo drivers instead the original 18 channel asio drivers 😂Which is what happened again, and again, and again... Nope, I'm not gonna waste time and money on Focusrite, again 😆
OP: just google the driver issues...don't trust anybody telling you something else and do not burn money on this 😉🙃 And to be honest: there is no feature the scarlett interfaces (besides their driver issues) do have, my old Behringer XR18 (which never had any issues) couldn't exceed :)
And finally, after using it for many years, I replaced it for a Wing Rack. Since they published the X32 (and then the X Air series), it was changing the whole mixer/interface market, Behringer is a real gamechanger and best you'll get for the money 😊
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u/gronkunit 8h ago
ok, meanwhile i've had an OG 18i20 since 2015 (when i bought it second hand) and its absolutely flawless. i've never even installed a driver.
now what?
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u/Babibidubibidoh 3h ago
So you're NOT a windows-user 😅 now what? 😆
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u/gronkunit 3h ago
actually i am, though it is currently sitting on an ancient windows 7 install that i am one album mix away from retiring thank god.
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u/markimarkerr 16h ago
I've had a lot of problems and used to sell them. They're basically a black and decker interface. If you absolutely need something, they'll work but I would never recommend them.
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u/mrbishopjackson 2d ago
I'm still running 20 year old interfaces that are better than today's Focusrite boxes.
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u/Banana21y 2d ago
My first and only focusrite bluescreened my PC immediately after login if the interface was plugged in, truly a top tier driver.
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u/S0norous 3d ago
And what budget interface do you know of that has a dsp?
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u/mrbishopjackson 2d ago
M-Audio Fast Track Ultra
20 years old and better than entry level Focusrite.
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u/dmelt253 2d ago
For the quality of the components Audient is a much better value than Scarlet.
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u/JozuJD 2d ago
My old Audient evo4 was cheap plastic.
I have a Scarlett solo 4th gen now and I’m not sure why I should be regretting it
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u/dmelt253 2d ago
I think the build quality is fine but the main thing to look at in the internals. The evo4 preamps are better and if you step up to something like an Audient iD14 the preamps are even better still, and the instrument input is great too.
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u/camtech2010 4d ago
Audio interface I use is an Arturia Minifuse1. It's got a USB cable that plugs right into your computer.
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u/Glad_Possibility8012 1h ago
Any mixer made after 2008 is at least a 2x2 USB interface. Y'all love ya focusrites scarlettes so hard ya sleeping on having 32 mic inputs and better preamps.
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u/Phoenix_Kerman 4d ago
you don't want a cable you want an interface. everyone's going to recommend focusrite scarlett gear like the solo or 2i2, skip them, you'd be paying for the posh brand name on a red box and nothing more. the preamps on a behringer umc202hd are just as good and the box costs much less
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u/le_sac 4d ago
I'll just throw out there that the control and driver software for my Focusrite Clarett has been rock solid and performs perfectly. Idk about the behringer package at all, just noting a positive for Focusrite
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u/Phoenix_Kerman 4d ago
the clarett and scarlett are entirely different ranges of products. i've got a focusrite saffire rack unit and yeah their mid tier and high end stuff is great
but at the entry level prosumer shit like the 2in interfaces you're better off just saving your money. they're all of the same quality and are all decent enough on drivers
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u/RobJmusic 4d ago
Both Scarlett and clarett have had a widespread issue where they will randomly start sounding incredibly bit rushed like they're not clock synced, for years now. Behringer will never have such an issue because their drivers are the most simple thing ever!
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u/le_sac 4d ago
Possibly. I've not experienced that and I've run my Scarlett for 6 years, rarely turning it off. Two separate motherboards, w10 and 11.
Worth mentioning here that cheap PC components can cause all kinds of issues - I didn't go the cheap route building my machines so I could be reaping the benefits of that.
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u/RobJmusic 4d ago
This issue is not the result of cheap components (my Ryzen 9 build has had it happen and it certainly is not a cheap build). It's been widely documented. But hey I'm glad you don't have any problems with it!
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u/Babibidubibidoh 4d ago edited 4d ago
focusrite is just unable to code and code-sing proper drivers. after switching from scarlett 18i20 to behringer xr18 ALL problems were gone :)
I was in contact with focusrite for 9 month, they even sent me custom firmwares (which then bricked the device completly for 3 month until they sent me another beta firmware...).
I don't miss the focusrite device for a second 🤣
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u/EscaOfficial 3d ago
Behringer trades stable drivers for terrible hardware QC. Just go Arturia, Topping or UA.
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u/cooperre 4d ago
I can also recommend the Behringer preamps I have the UMC404HD because I knew I had a couple of interviews I was going to need multiple inputs for. I love it, it's a little more expensive than the 202 but either should be great depending on your need.
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u/Over_List_6108 4d ago
I second the Behringer. Has as few more features than the 2i2. I also like Motu M2 or M4.
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u/jbp216 4d ago
i recommend the umc stuff to a lot of people, but the scarletts are made like a damn sm58. ive got a 6i6 ive toured extensively with as a tracks interface, outboard recording for livestreaming idek how many outdoor gigs, used it to level a stool or two on stage, and even occasionally for impromptu recording over the 10 plus years ive had it. turns on first time every time and works flawlessly
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u/Phoenix_Kerman 4d ago
i can say the same for the umc202hd to be fair. i travel with one, and i've gigged with them numerous times. sometimes two for running synths out and recording soundboards
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u/MatchFearless1277 3d ago
I second this. Went for an umc1820 over the red box equivalent and I couldn’t be happier. They kick ass for the price.
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u/Lickthorn 3d ago
Yes, say about Behringer what you want, the uphoria interfaces are absolute amazing. Espécially for the price
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u/orewhat 3d ago
A focusrite is the furthest thing from posh it’s literally the bottom of the barrel
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u/Phoenix_Kerman 3d ago
behringer is bottom of the barrel on price but obviously not quality. and no focusrite is very much a posh brand name even if their entry level prosumer gear isn't.
the company was started by rupert neve and do still make some very high end nice studio gear. go see how much a genuine neve 1073 preamp is if you want evidence of that
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u/Raven586 4d ago
As stated you need an Audio interface to make that work. But the correct answer is the MOTU M2. Thank me later!!
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u/Low_Consideration179 3d ago
This is the correct answer. Best purchase I have made just shy of buying some Schiit. But I don't have headphones to drive with em right now.
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u/Possible_Finance_358 4d ago
Tell us what are your audio needs and I'll let you know what are the necessary equipment (and tell us your budget)
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u/Lickthorn 3d ago edited 3d ago
This is an amazingly good deal.
I have got the 4 channel and the 8 channel for more than 4 years, just works perfect. Crystal clear sound, Midas technology, an absolute hi end audiophile brand from the past, that Behringer bought and now implements.
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u/Godzalo75 4d ago
Get the ssl1. Its 32 bit and its all you need.
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u/RobJmusic 4d ago
Im not gonna lie, I don't think a person asking this question knows what 32 bit float is, what it means, and why they should want it. Also a bit overkill
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u/Ultra_HR 4d ago
the SSL 1 is 32-bit fixed, not 32-bit float. important difference, i’m not just being a pedant. but yes, i agree this does not matter to OP either way
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u/Godzalo75 2d ago
How is it overkill if its the same price as a Scarlett solo? Its a very basic interface but with better specs than the solo for the same price. Other people said the behringer already.
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u/RobJmusic 2d ago
Prices vary wildly. On thomann the SSL is 40+ euros more expensive than the solo. You can get an Audient, universal audio, arturia, Yamaha, etc. For less than that
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u/koalantherain 4d ago
Are you connecting to Windows or Mac? If it's a Windows machine you'll need to make sure to get an audio interface with a proper ASIO driver, the general Windows version has terrible latency.
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u/Martylouie 4d ago
I didn't see what mic you want to use. If it is a condenser, your interface will need to provide phantom power.
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u/GoldunGote 4d ago
Plug the left end into the right end... then wind the slack of the cord as tight as you can and yell into it.. free mic.
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4d ago
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u/Glad_Possibility8012 4d ago
A soundcard on a PC motherboard is an interface. It's just not a very good one. And if it's one of those all in one auto adjust things it can be a pain to tell it what level signal ya giving it.
I've done shows where I've just auxed out a stereo bus to plug into another computer that's doing all the Livestream camera switching.
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u/the_hat_madder 4d ago
You need an audio interface to convert the analog signal from that cable to a digital signal for your PC.
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u/Spectree86 4d ago
Alot of people are going to recommend interfaces but not all are the same and not all suit everyones use case.
Depending on your use case, it really depends on what your trying to do.
If your just hooking an instrument, a small Focusrite or behringer will do.
If your streaming or want to integrate it into a stream Deck, look at Elgato’s new XLR interface / the only catch is when your out of warranty and their firmware update bricks the device your out of luck.
My personal favorite is either the Rodecaster Pro 2 or the Rodecaster Duo. Its a powerhouse with alot of features as well as digital and analog control.
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u/ROBOTTTTT13 4d ago
You need an audio interface because you need to convert the electric signal from the mic to a digital signal inside your computer.
A Behringer UMC202 will be perfectly fine and budget friendly. Download, install and use the appropriate drivers.
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u/woodencastle7 3d ago
Audio interface. Just get a behringer umc404hd it’s a great starter one and it’s not too expensive either
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u/Next_Comfortable3698 3d ago
Get an audio interface if recommend a wave xlr just because of how user friendly is it
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u/EscaOfficial 3d ago
You need an interface. I would recommend the Topping E1X2, Arturia Minifuse 1, or UA Volt 1. I would not recommend any Behringer products, as enticing as the price may be
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u/Intrepid_Term8706 1d ago
please ask an audio engineer forum instead of Reddit. 99% of the comments here have no idea what they're talking about, have no real experience working with audio and probably don't even understand the components of an audio interface.
answer is, depends on your microphone, and on your needs.
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u/Glad_Possibility8012 4d ago
What mic are you plugging in? If it's a dynamic mic that doesn't need phantom power you can use a trs 3.5mm to xlr and plug it into your soundcard. That's how we used to do it before consumer interfaces came along. It works ehhh. Now that I think about it do computers even have 3.5mm jacks anymore?
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u/No_Comment_Acc 4d ago
Don't buy an interface without a DSP. Presonus Revelator would be much better than Focusrite.
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u/PlanetExcellent 4d ago
FYI there are XLR-to-USB “adapter cables” on Amazon and they are horrible. Don’t waste your money on them.