Sennheiser MKH-416 P48 U into computer? at DVinfo.net

Tyler Wentzel · September 3rd, 2008, 07:38 AM

Hi everyone,
I was wondering how I could go about getting my MKH-416 hooked up to my computer. I was hoping I could find a "y" connector and hook it to the XLR cable I have and then plug it in somewhere in the back of my tower. I think Audacity would work to record it as far as software goes, correct? Would someone mind letting me know what else I need in order to make this possible, or if it is possible, cosidering the mic is phantom powered? Thanks so much guys,
Blessings,
Tyler.

Steve House · September 3rd, 2008, 08:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tyler Wentzel

Hi everyone,
I was wondering how I could go about getting my MKH-416 hooked up to my computer. I was hoping I could find a "y" connector and hook it to the XLR cable I have and then plug it in somewhere in the back of my tower. I think Audacity would work to record it as far as software goes, correct? Would someone mind letting me know what else I need in order to make this possible, or if it is possible, cosidering the mic is phantom powered? Thanks so much guys,
Blessings,
Tyler.

Not possible without some additional outboard gear. You need something to provide phantom power for the mic such as an external audio interface would provide. If you wanted to use the built-in soundcard and were on a budget, you could get something like a basic desktop mixer such as those by Behringer to provide phantom and give you control over levels and such. For something simple with one or two XLR mic inputs you'd be looking at aboiut $100 or so.

Mike Peter Reed · September 3rd, 2008, 10:36 AM

Micport Pro provides a single pre-amp and 24-bit/96kHz A/D on USB

CEntrance, Inc. / Products / MicPort Pro

"MicPort Pro from CEntrance is a 24-bit/96kHz broadcast quality USB mic preamp used by the BBC, CNN, NBC, CBS, ABC, and voiceover professionals. MicPort Pro is your mic-to-computer audio interface, compatible with Windows XP/Vista, Mac OS X 10.4 and above, and LINUX. MicPort Pro features 48V phantom power, a loud headphone output for zero latency monitoring, and aggregation that allows you to record in stereo with two MicPort Pro units. Even test & measurement guys love it with MicPort Pro's SMAART v.6 compatibility."

I think it costs around £100 in the UK. You might get more flexibility/value from an outboard soundcard, depends what you are looking for.

Tyler Wentzel · September 5th, 2008, 12:27 PM

Thanks for your input guys, I will look into your suggestions further.
God bless,
Tyler.

Guy Cochran · September 8th, 2008, 02:35 PM

There is also the same type of XLR to USB adapter from MXL for a little less. The model differs from the Centrance with no headphone out...but I was impressed with this little video HowAudio.com Video Tutorials - Mic Mate USB Adapter :: product SPOTLIGHT

We sell them too...you can use your DVinfo 5% discount http://www.dvcreators.net/mxl-mic-mate-xlr-to-usb/

Vegard Paulsen · September 20th, 2008, 03:24 AM

The other guys are right.
You need a Phantom powered device. I recomend buying a good external soundcard..

BUT
If you are on a cheap budget, why not just use your camcorders audio xlr inputs, and a firewire connection to your favorite editing suite and record audio and video on the run.
then just remove the video part and export the audio to your audio editor if you prefer.

September 3rd, 2008, 07:38 AM	#1
Tyler Wentzel Regular Crew Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Bemidji, MN Posts: 31	Sennheiser MKH-416 P48 U into computer? Hi everyone, I was wondering how I could go about getting my MKH-416 hooked up to my computer. I was hoping I could find a "y" connector and hook it to the XLR cable I have and then plug it in somewhere in the back of my tower. I think Audacity would work to record it as far as software goes, correct? Would someone mind letting me know what else I need in order to make this possible, or if it is possible, cosidering the mic is phantom powered? Thanks so much guys, Blessings, Tyler.

September 3rd, 2008, 10:36 AM	#3
Mike Peter Reed Regular Crew Join Date: May 2007 Location: Hants, UK Posts: 185	Micport Pro provides a single pre-amp and 24-bit/96kHz A/D on USB CEntrance, Inc. / Products / MicPort Pro "MicPort Pro from CEntrance is a 24-bit/96kHz broadcast quality USB mic preamp used by the BBC, CNN, NBC, CBS, ABC, and voiceover professionals. MicPort Pro is your mic-to-computer audio interface, compatible with Windows XP/Vista, Mac OS X 10.4 and above, and LINUX. MicPort Pro features 48V phantom power, a loud headphone output for zero latency monitoring, and aggregation that allows you to record in stereo with two MicPort Pro units. Even test & measurement guys love it with MicPort Pro's SMAART v.6 compatibility." I think it costs around £100 in the UK. You might get more flexibility/value from an outboard soundcard, depends what you are looking for. __________________ ---8<---

September 8th, 2008, 02:35 PM	#5
Guy Cochran DVCreators.Net Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 892	There is also the same type of XLR to USB adapter from MXL for a little less. The model differs from the Centrance with no headphone out...but I was impressed with this little video HowAudio.com Video Tutorials - Mic Mate USB Adapter :: product SPOTLIGHT We sell them too...you can use your DVinfo 5% discount http://www.dvcreators.net/mxl-mic-mate-xlr-to-usb/ __________________ Guy Cochran DVinfo Sponsor, Cool Gear - DVeStore!

September 5th, 2008, 12:27 PM	#4
Tyler Wentzel Regular Crew Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Bemidji, MN Posts: 31	Thanks for your input guys, I will look into your suggestions further. God bless, Tyler.

September 20th, 2008, 03:24 AM	#6
Vegard Paulsen Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Oslo, Norway Posts: 175	The other guys are right. You need a Phantom powered device. I recomend buying a good external soundcard.. BUT If you are on a cheap budget, why not just use your camcorders audio xlr inputs, and a firewire connection to your favorite editing suite and record audio and video on the run. then just remove the video part and export the audio to your audio editor if you prefer.