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Thread: What Is an XLR input

  1. #1

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    Default What Is an XLR input

    Ive been reading lately about what I need
    to setup a little home recording "studio".
    One of the things I would need is a mixer.
    Does it matter if the mixer has XLR input or not?

    Side question, do I need an interface, and what does it do?

  2. #2

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    Default Re: What Is an XLR input

    XLR is the type of connector found on microphones, typically low impedance. You will need a mixer with XLR I/P if you want to connect mics directly. It would be useful for them to have the possibility of passing 48 v (phantom power...) for condenser mics.
    Hope this helps...
    Have a nice day.
    Dad3353 (Douglas...)

  3. #3

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    Default Re: What Is an XLR input


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  4. #4
    wellmixed Guest

    Default Re: What Is an XLR input

    Quote Originally Posted by ty7177 View Post
    .
    Does it matter if the mixer has XLR input or not?

    Side question, do I need an interface, and what does it do?

    Yes, you should get one with XLR inputs.

    Yes, you need an interface.

    An interface transforms the electricity from the cable into 0's and 1's for the computer.

  5. #5

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    Default Re: What Is an XLR input

    XLR is the type of cable that a mic uses, as everyone else said. You will need a mixer with XLR. Guitars use 1/4" cable and Mics use XLR.

    An interface is a converter. It turns sound into digital information.
    -Steven

  6. #6

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    Default Re: What Is an XLR input

    you certainly dont need a mixer

    im recording 16 tracks with no mixer

    priority one interface and mics

    by all means get a mixer if you think you need one ...
    Last edited by itchie; 09-19-2011 at 05:26 AM.

  7. #7

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    Default Re: What Is an XLR input

    An interface typically also has microphone preamps - the preamp is the the component behind the XLR connector that allows you to set gain levels and interprets the signal coming from the mic - it sort of boosts the signal into something usable. Also, some mics known as condenser mics, require what's known as phantom power. The difference between a condenser and and a dynamic mic, at least from my understanding is this:

    A dynamic mic capsule produces a mic signal by interpreting vibrations which are then converted into a very low electrical signal - that's why you need the preamp.

    A condenser mic has two electrical contacts on a diaphragm and that electrically charged diaphragm then picks up and converts sound waves hitting it. Condenser mics, due to the fact that they are pre-powered, are typically a lot more sensitive and don't need nearly as much gain from the preamp.

    That's probably a really bad explanation, but it's my low-level understanding of it.

    There are also ribbon mics, but that's probably not something you'll get into any time soon.
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  8. #8

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    Default Re: What Is an XLR input

    I miss read the first question. Yes for recording purposes a "mixer" is not needed immediately. You will want to get an "interface" which is a device that converts the sounds you are recording into digital information.

    USB and Firewire are the main options of interfaces.
    -Steven

  9. #9

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    Default Re: What Is an XLR input

    thanks for all of the input guys, but I just decided to go with
    a Blue "Snowball" microphone...

  10. #10

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    Default Re: What Is an XLR input

    I tried to use a Blue Snowball once and it didn't work very well. I tried to record trumpet and it just couldn't handle the high SPLs.

    Good luck with it and keep us posted on how it works out for you.
    Your = possessive - your stuff, your dog, your car, etc
    You're = you are - a contraction.

    Learn it. Love it.

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