Recording using SM57 from guitar amp to PC

[func]

Hey guys, Rather new to recording stuff on the PC, have some questions I hope you guys can help with

Well, before I go out and get a Shure SM57 to record, I'd like to find out if I can connect it to a cable that is XLR to 1/4? And if thats possible, where can I buy a decent quality cable of that connection?


I intend to mic my guitar amp through the SM57 then connect it straight to my sound card which has ports for 1/4 mic-in and a Hi-Z port. (its a soundblaster X-Fi card with a console for ports) Lastly, the clips would be edited through Cubase.

Would this setup be viable for recording songs and simple clips?

Thanks for your time, hope to hear some input from you guys!

 

[livideye]

If you really need to, you could just buy the converter from XLR to 1/4 inch. It's actually cheaper at Sim Lim Tower (at least 2 times cheaper) but if you're desperate and need one urgently, you could get them at most places. Saw the cables you were talking abt at city music yesterday though
Most typical audio shop in the heartlands carries it. Even the old run downed Boon Lay Shopping Centre at my place has it to.

 

[Ichiro]

if i didn't remember wrongly... the sm57 require phantom power (48v), as it is a condenser mic.... so if u wana use the sm57... u need a interface that can giv u phantom power....

however.. there are alternatives.... u can buy a dynamic mic instead... go to shure website to check it out.....

 

[func]

Thanks for the inputs so far guys, actually what I really want to know is if my above mentioned setup will work by connecting it up from mic to xlr-1/4" cable to my sound card console to my PC.


livideye: You saw XLR to 1/4" cables at city music? Do you remember what brand/ price they were?



Ichiro: I'm quite sure the SM57 is NOT a condenser considering its price... should be a dynamic mic if I'm not wrong..

 

[Indigo_blues]

sm57 is NOT a condenser... its a normal dynamic mic.

Think your setup should be ok but remember to plug your 1/4 inch jack into your soundcard's mic-in and not the line-in jack. You won't get fantastic results but it should be good enough.

I saw some planet waves converters at Ranking sports at bras basah couple of days ago. looks very solid.

 

[Ichiro]

opps yaya... i think it's a dynamic my mistake... haha

 

[livideye]

the prices are from 30 and below. If you already have the XLR cable, just get the connector, don't need to get untill planet waves.

All the same man, it's just connectivity. But if you're really hardcore enough, go and make your own cables, i

t's fast and at least you could always repatch it when it get's shorted somewhere. For the price of some cables that the shops are selling, i think making your own is much more affordable/save costs and it takes less than an hour to actually make a dozen or more cables.

actually i think it's better if you invest some moeny and get a decent audio recording soundcard. the presonus firebox is a good deal. I'm not promoting presonus but it's really good. I'm using an EMU 1212M though and it's good enough for my desktop usage. For live purposes, i'm torn in between a RME and a Motu

 

[shawn040]

My suggestion for your case is to get a interface to record instead of a mic. I maybe for into pc reocrding...i am using lexicon omega as an interface using usb to connect to pc. Then i plug guitar into the interface and that it. No noise...very clear. If use mic, your surrounding area must be noiseless(clean accoustic) so that u can have a good recording. Your sound card shld be minjack type not 1/4 trs..pls take note unless your sound card is provided!

 

[parablue74]

I second Shawn on this!!!
XLR to 1/4" is going to give you a lot of noise that is disturbing. You really have to get an interface that has XLR inputs. The other way is to get a preamp, like Art Tubeamp, these will give you the extra punch as well as act as a DI for you to transfer via 1/4" into the PC.

 

[parablue74]

Oops!!! Didn't know what Shawn was talking about, sorry man, i disagree with Shawn. Plugging your guitar straight into the interface is even worse than getting an XLR to 1/4" cable. It totally degrades your sound quality. You need to pick up from your amp for that warm full sound. Going direct in sounds really bad.....