Scottberch
Member
Any recommendations on the right mic, USB or other, to connect to a MacBook pro? I currently have the Snowball Blue USB, looking for something of higher quality that I could attach to set up like the image has below:
Connect Mic to MacBook Pro
- Thread starter Scottberch
- Start date
There are many different solutions. However, what is your primary application? Voice-over? ADR? Music recording? And what software do you use primarily?
Several manufacturers sell mics that connect by USB. These are okay, but your better option may be to get a USB-based audio interface with flexible i/o offerings. This allows you to connect a wider variety of mics, use more flexible monitoring solutions, and use higher-quality pre-amps in the future.
Several manufacturers sell mics that connect by USB. These are okay, but your better option may be to get a USB-based audio interface with flexible i/o offerings. This allows you to connect a wider variety of mics, use more flexible monitoring solutions, and use higher-quality pre-amps in the future.
John Willett
Veteran
The best low-cost way is to use the CEntrance MicPort Pro. :thumbsup:
ADC and DAC up to 24/96, with 48V phantom power, to connect any mic. with an XLR to USB and includes a decent headphone amp. for monitoring (much better than the one in the computer).
ADC and DAC up to 24/96, with 48V phantom power, to connect any mic. with an XLR to USB and includes a decent headphone amp. for monitoring (much better than the one in the computer).
simonpwood
Well-known member
The Blue Icicle has also been recommended by some ENG crews. Slightly cheaper than the above, but lacking headphones amps I believe.
http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Microphones-Icicle-Converter-Preamp/dp/B001EW5YQS
http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Microphones-Icicle-Converter-Preamp/dp/B001EW5YQS
Richard Crowley
Veteran
And MXL make the "Mic Mate Classic" which is very similar to the Blue Icicle. There may be other XLR to USB gadgets out there, as well. Of course the MicPort Pro has adjustable gain and monitor outputs, but goes for 3x the price of the other two.
I strongly suspect they all use the same analog-to-digital conversion chip in order to remain compatible with the windows and mac operating systems. So "quality" differences (if any) would be in the analog parts of the circuit (i.e. the mic preamp).
I strongly suspect they all use the same analog-to-digital conversion chip in order to remain compatible with the windows and mac operating systems. So "quality" differences (if any) would be in the analog parts of the circuit (i.e. the mic preamp).