Amplifying the Hobbes

[mythteller]

What I need is equipment that will allow me to record storytelling shows that I'm doing. It's all spoken word, but the show may occasionally include one or two musicians.

For the microphone, the SM58 has come highly recommended by the musicians I know. What I need now is way to connect that microphone through another device to the computer. I'm guessing that I need to connect it to an amp, pre-amp, or some kind of sound board.

Any advice to offer there? What type of equipment would I need to ensure the quality of the sound output, and then be able to connect it to a laptop so that I can record the event (I already have the necessary software to do the recording).

**Edit**
Okay, I would think I could use the following equipment to do what I'm looking to do:

• Microphone
• USB recorder (I've used one these before to record in a soundproof room)
• Mixing board (too much for my needs?)

Opinions? Could I get away with just the microphone and the USB recorder, or do I need the mixing board too?

Comments

[guppiecat]

I really like mixer amps. They are overkill for basic recording, but they have the following nice advantages:

* They're portable.
* You can run sound into them and get good volume out.
* You can adjust the output tonality to the room you're in.

Thus, with the purchase of a mixer amp, you get the ability to translate mics for recording (yay), but also the ability to get high quality sound out on playback for tuning the recording without screwing with your ears (yay!) and the ability to take it with you somewhere if you decide to do a show that doesn't have amplification (yay!!).

I have this one (note that stereo output is important if you want to edit those sorts of sound files) and I also got two cheap Peavey speakers that attach to mic stands. That makes for excellent audio in my office and helps for sound editing.

[kallisti.livejournal.com]

I'll second this! If it's live, then it's a good idea for a mixer/amp. The Shure SM58 is the workhorse of the musician's trade, as it can be used to mike both instruments and voice. Be warned, you will need to get a XLR/Balanced cable for it. It uses three wires for the sound, built in a way to cancel out interference. Use these types of cables as much as possible, it will keep your sound cleaner! And don't skimp on cables!!!! The last thing you want is snap/crackle/pop from the wires in the middle of the performance.

If you don't want to do live sound, just a basic mixer is a good bet. Behringer makes some good basic mixers with XLR, 1/4" and RCA stereo inputs. Go down to Steve's Music and talk to them. The people there tend to know their stuff.

ttyl

[twilightbunny.livejournal.com]

You could call my brother and ask for his advice...

Don not be alarmed!

[fearsclave.livejournal.com]

Standard friending advisory.